2008

Messianic Prophecy:
Are we using it for all it’s worth? by Aaron Abramson

"That’s Jesus,” he admitted, flashing me a ‘you-got-me-there’ kind of grin. I had been studying Isaiah 53 with Uri, an Israeli now living in Manhattan’s trendy Upper West Side. He had just uttered the very words I had hoped to hear! Carefully, he reread the passage in Hebrew and confirmed, “There cannot be any doubt—Isaiah is writing about Jesus.” I knew what would come next. We would talk a little more and Uri would accept Y’shua. But suddenly my bubble burst. “It’s interesting,” he shrugged, “but I’m Jewish. And besides, look how…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/havurah/11_02/01 - 2008/05/15

Isaiah, Pepper and the Beatles:
Jhan Moskowitz on messianic prophecy by Jhan Moskowitz

IMAGINE that I own a book publishing company, Pepper Publications. I contract with a cookbook author and tell her that she can include any recipes she wants. The only requirement is that she needs to include pepper in every recipe. There is a filter that requires pepper to be one of the ingredients throughout the book. I believe the Holy Spirit superintended the canon—meaning the completed Bible as we have it—to be similar. By the time the canon was closed, there was a messianic filter. The entire canon of Scripture is messianic. Whoever closed the canon…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/havurah/11_02/02 - 2008/05/15

Four Questions for Dr. Michael Brown

Dr. Michael Brown is a Jewish believer in Jesus and a well-known apologist and author. For more, visit his web sites at www.icnministries.org and www.ilifetv.com/thinkitthru. We interviewed him to draw on his expertise in the area of messianic prophecy. Havurah: In light of how the New Testament writers used messianic prophecy, how do you think we should be using it today? MB: We should be following the lead of the New Testament writers. But we…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/havurah/11_02/03 - 2008/02/28

2006

Is there any place in the Old Testament that clearly teaches that the Messiah is God incarnate?

Yes! There are many places in Tenach (the Hebrew Scriptures) that establish the fact that the Messiah must be no one less than God Himself who has come to us in the flesh. As the Son of Man, He is humankind's representative before a holy and righteous God. As the Son of God, He's God's representative to a fallen human race. Only as a sinless man can the Messiah offer Himself as our perfect sacrifice. Only as Incarnate God can He forgive our sins and grant us eternal life. Perhaps one of the clearest places in the Hebrew Scriptures that teaches both the humanity…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/2006_12/06 - 2006/12/01

A look at one of the predictions of the Messiah's coming in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Where the Messiah would be born. But as for you Bethlehem, Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from You one will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from everlasting. (Micah 5:1 in the Hebrew Scriptures; in most English translations it is Micah 5:2) This passage, written around 700 B.C., has been recognized by traditional Jewish sources to indicate that the Messiah would be from Bethlehem. See the references below: Targum Jonathan, probably put into writing after 70 A.D. paraphrases Micah's prophecy,…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/16_09/predictions - 2006/11/15

Jews for Christmas : Paradox, Propaganda or Perhaps a Legitimate Choice? by Moishe Rosen

It was September of 2006. Jews for Jesus had just finished their largest-ever effort to proclaim to the people of New York that Jesus is the Messiah. They'd written many new pamphlets to draw attention to their message, using various icons from popular culture as the theme. They distributed the pamphlets in public venues throughout July, and were surprised to find a lawsuit filed against them in September from, of all people, Jackie Mason, the subject of one the pamphlets. To so many he was like their own Zeyde with such a superb and canny ability to see what is so funny in what is so ordinary.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/16_09/christmas - 2006/11/15

"When Worlds Collide!"1: Jews, Comics, and Alternate Universes by Rich Robinson

What is the link between the Jewish people, superheroes, and the world as we know it?…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/16_05/comics - 2006/01/30

2005

My Spiritual Journey by Joel C. Rosenberg

Until three years ago, I had never in my life been on national television. Nor had I been on radio but for a few small shows. But when my first political thriller, The Last Jihad, was published in November of 2002, suddenly I found myself interviewed on more than 160 radio and TV programs. Sean Hannity. Rush Limbaugh. Michael Reagan. Fox News. MSNBC. Almost overnight I had the opportunity to talk to more than 20 million people in less than 60 days. The media was intrigued. How could anyone have written a novel that opened with a plane hijacked by radical Islamic…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/16_04/journey - 2005/12/06

What proof do you have that Jesus was the Messiah?

It is important to begin by saying that for one who has already made up his or her mind that Jesus is not the Messiah, no amount of evidence will be convincing. But for those who are honest in asking, the evidence speaks for itself. When sincerely asked, this question is a good one. After all, there have been false Messiahs in Jewish history. Among the most prominent were Bar Kochba and Shabbetai Zevi. Bar Kochba led a revolt against Rome in the years 132-135 C.E. During this revolt, one of the most famous figures in Jewish history, Rabbi Akiva, proclaimed him…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/jesus/proofessay - 2005/01/01

Jewish Messianic Interpretations of Isaiah 53

It's commonly maintained that Isaiah 53 was never considered messianic by rabbis and Jewish sages. Sometimes the statement is phrased as, "Judaism teaches" that Isaiah 53 refers to the nation of Israel. The fact is that Isaiah 53 (more precisely, 52:13 to 53:12) has been interpreted in messianic terms by a wide variety of Jewish commentators over a long period of time. Other interpretations have certainly been offered, including the view first popularized by Rashi in medieval times that the prophet speaks of the nation of Israel. Neverthless the messianic…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/prophecy/isaiah53chart - 2005/01/01

Statement of Faith

We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are divinely inspired, verbally and completely inerrant in the original writings and of supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and life. We recognize the value of traditional Jewish literature, but only where it is supported by or conformable to the Word of God. We regard it as in no way binding upon life or faith. We believe in one sovereign God, existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, unbounded in power and measureless in love; that God…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/about/statementoffaith - 2005/01/01

Hebrew Tenses

Sometimes it is claimed that the messianic prophecies cited by Christians are in the past tense. Therefore, it is said, they cannot refer to a future, coming Messiah. This is an invalid argument. There is no such thing as "tense" in biblical Hebrew. (Modern Hebrew, on the other hand, does have tenses.) Biblical Hebrew is not a "tense" language. Modern grammarians recognize that it is an "aspectual" language. This means that the same form of a verb can be translated as either past, present, or future depending on the context and various grammatical cues. The most well…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/prophecy/tenses - 2005/01/01

Is Psalm 2 considered messianic by the rabbis and Jewish sages?

Though some say that Psalm 2 is not considered messianic by the rabbis or Jewish sages, the Jewish messianic understanding of Psalm 2 has a long history. Some of the rabbinic sources which take a messianic interpretation of Psalm 2 are as follows: Babylonian Talmud, Sukkah 52a Our Rabbis taught, The Holy One, blessed be He, will say to the Messiah, the son of David (May he reveal himself speedily in our days!), 'Ask of me anything, and I will give it to thee', as it is said, I will tell of the decree etc. this day have I begotten thee, ask of me and I will give the…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/prophecy/psalm2 - 2005/01/01

Jewish Messianic Interpretations of Zechariah 12:10

Some say that Zechariah 12:10 refers to the Gentile nations who mourn because of the Jewish martyrs (or a particular unknown martyr) they have killed. Yet that is not the universal Jewish understanding. According to the views of some rabbis, two Messiahs would make their appearance: Messiah ben Joseph who would be slain in battle, followed by Messiah ben David who reigns as the victorious king. Any number of Jewish sources therefore refer this verse to the slaying of the Messiah ben Joseph. At least one commentator believes that the Messiah ben Joseph dies as an…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/prophecy/zechariah12 - 2005/01/01

In Psalm 2:12, is Kiss the Son a mistranslation by the Christians?

Some claim that translating the word "bar" (in Psalm 2:12) as "son" rather than as "purity" is a distortion of the Hebrew text in order to make the verse apply to Jesus. It is also claimed that this is not a Jewish interpretation of the verse. And finally, it is said that the word "bar" means "son" only in Aramaic, whereas this psalm is in Hebrew. Yet some important Jewish sources translate "bar" as "son." The translation can be supported by linguistic arguments. Therefore there is no basis for claiming that this rendering is a "Christian mistranslation." Some of these…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/prophecy/psalm2b - 2005/01/01

In Psalm 22:16 is they pierced a Christian mistranslation?

Psalm 22:16 is one verse where the standard Jewish translations differ from the translations most Christians use. Here's why. In Hebrew, the phrase "they have pierced" is kaaru while "like a lion" is kaari. The words are identical except that "pierced" ends with the Hebrew letter vav and "lion" with yod. Vav and yod are similar in form, and a scribe might easily have changed the text by inscribing a yod and failing to attach a vertical descending line so that it would become a vav. The evidence suggests that this may be what happened, since the Greek version of the…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/prophecy/pierced - 2005/01/01

The Problem of the Curse on Jeconiah in Relation to the Genealogy of Jesus

The problem can be laid out in this way: According to the genealogy in Matthew 1:12, Jesus is a descendant of Jeconiah. But Jeconiah was cursed in Jeremiah 22:24 and 22:30: "As surely as I live," declares the LORD, "even if you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on my right hand, I would still pull you off. This is what the LORD says: "Record this man as if childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime, for none of his offspring will prosper, none will sit on the throne of David or rule any more in…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/prophecy/jeconiah - 2005/01/01

2004

The Returning King: The "Two Messiahs" in Zechariah by Garrett Smith

How can we reconcile the two very ways in which the Jewish scriptures portray the messiah?…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/15_5/returningking - 2004/05/01

Two Pictures of Messiah

The book of Zechariah contains many messianic prophecies that, when viewed alongside New Testament passages, seem to point to Jesus. You decide. PROPHECY IN THE TANAKH WHAT THE NEW TESTAMENT SAYS The Messiah would be seen as King ZECHARIAH 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. MATTHEW 21:6-9 The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/15_5/twopictures - 2004/05/01

Behold Your King

Behold Your King: Prophetic Proofs that Jesus is the Messiah. By WIlliam Webster. 421 pages. "Prophecy and its literal historical fulfillment distinguishes the Bible from all other religious writings and sets Jesus apart as the most unique man who has ever lived," says William Webster in his introduction to Behold Your King. What distinguishes his body of work from others on messianic prophecy is his interaction not only with Scripture, but also with ancient rabbinic sources. Webster begins with a systematic discussion of how Jesus fulfilled certain messianic…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/15_5/beholdyourking - 2004/05/01

A Further Question

Modern Judaism eschews the idea that a man can be God, and this is often cited as an objection to the messiahship of Jesus. But Zechariah forces us to consider the validity of this objection, as the prophet repeatedly refers to the Messiah-king figure as "Lord." Zechariah 14:9: "The Lord will be king over the whole earth." Zechariah 14:16: "Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty." Paradoxically, the king as we understand it from Zechariah 9 seems to…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/15_5/afurtherquestion - 2004/05/01

2003

My Father's Secret, My Story by Leah Weinstein

A Jewish woman stumbles across a biblical discovery her father made before he passed on.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/14_10/secret - 2003/07/01

A Crime of Passion: Why Does the Death of Y'shua Matter? by Joseph Steinberg

What makes the crucifixion one of the most prominent events in history?…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/14_8/crime - 2003/03/01

2002

Who is the Messenger? by Tom Brewer

How do we find personal hope in God?…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/14_6/messenger - 2002/11/01

Dare We Hope?

How do we find personal hope in God?…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/14_5/darewehope - 2002/09/01

A Minyan of Messianic Prophecies

In his article, Bruce Nahin mentions that it wasn't one specific argument or prophecy that convinced him that Jesus is the Messiah. But when all of the evidence is considered, it is hard to dismiss. Following are some of the prophecies that have persuaded Bruce Nahin and thousands of others that Jesus is who he claimed to be. Subject Prophecy Fulfillment The Messiah would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Luke 1:34-35 Mary said…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/14_4/minyan - 2002/07/01

2001

Who's the Subject of Isaiah 53? You Decide! by Efraim Goldstein

Explores the passage of Jewish scripture the rabbis deemed too dangerous to keep in the regular synagogue calendar readings.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/13_6/isaiah53 - 2001/03/01

2000

Four Startling Facts About the Identity of the Messiah by Susan Perlman

The Jewish prophets gave some very specific information about the Messiah not often discussed in synagogue.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/13_2/fourfacts - 2000/07/01

1999

Jesus as Messiah in the Gospels by David Brickner

An answer to the allegation that Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/12_6/jesusasmessiah - 1999/07/01

1997

Did He Or Didn't He?
Jewish Views of the Resurrection of Jesus by David Mishkin

A look at Jewish thought on resurrection from the dead in general and Jesus in particular and how the two correspond with the evidence.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/11_6/didhe - 1997/11/01

A Prophet Like Unto Moses by Moishe Rosen

Biblical similarities between Moses and the Jewish Messiah.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/11_4/prophet - 1997/07/01

Why I, a Gentile, Love the Jewish People by Catherine Damato

A kosher-hearted Christian shares her love for the Jews.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/11_1/whyilovethejews - 1997/01/01

1993

Almah: Virgin or Young Maiden? by Zhava Glaser

The identity of the mother of Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14 has been a subject of debate over the centuries: Was the prophet Isaiah speaking of a virgin conceiving or not? The Gospel of Matthew quotes Isaiah 7:14, linking Jesus' conception to the sign the prophet Isaiah had given centuries earlier. Those who believe the gospel account regard Isaiah 7:14 as a messianic passage fulfilled by Jesus. Others disagree. Did the prophet intend that word to mean "virgin" or merely "young maiden"? Are Christian interpreters reading too much into this verse? Zhava Glaser presents the…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/9_1/almah - 1993/09/01

The Promised Child by Efraim Goldstein

A look at Isaiah’s prophecy regarding God himself dwelling among people.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/9_1/promisedchild - 1993/09/01

1991

What the Prophet Said, What the Rabbis Said

What the Prophet Said 8th Century B.C.E. Who would have believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he shot up right forth as a sapling, and as a root out of a dry ground; he had no form nor comeliness, that we should look upon him, nor beauty that we should delight in him. He was despised, and forsaken of men, a man of pains, and acquainted with disease, and as one from whom men hide their face: he was despised, and we…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/7_9/prophetsandrabbis - 1991/09/01

The Day the Rabbi Was Wrong by David Mishkin

Actually, it was not just one day in time that the rabbi was wrong, and it was not just one rabbi. Most rabbis have taken a wrong turn while on their way to serve God. Yet, the influence of the sages and rabbis of old is so great that many Jewish people—whether secular (and unfamiliar with the Hebrew Scriptures) or Orthodox (and Torah observant—are quick to accept the views of "the rabbis" as though they are a unanimous and authoritative tradition, binding on any point of religion. That was the case with my friend Mark. Mark grew up in an Orthodox Jewish…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/7_9/wrongrabbi - 1991/09/01

1990

Y'shua and Israel by Efraim Goldstein

The Jewish religion is not static, fixed in ancient times. New rulings of rabbinical interpretation of the law meet the modern milieu and even a new Jewish holiday can find its way onto the calendar. The fifth day of the month of Iyyar marks the anniversary of the day in 5708 when the modern state of Israel was established. Yom ha-Azma'ut, Israel Independence Day, is observed by Jews throughout the world as a time to celebrate survival as a people and as a nation. This modern celebration has taken on a religious focus as well. The Israel Chief Rabbinate…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/6_10/yshuaisrael - 1990/03/01

1988

We're Glad You Asked…

QUESTION: I have a question about the Jewish Messiah. I understand that the Old Testament made numerous prophecies regarding the Messiah—such as the fact that he would be a great prophet like Moses; wonderful counselor, sacrificial lamb, etc., etc. However, nowhere have I observed in the O.T. that the Messiah would be God. It is a quantum leap to jump from all that to say that Jesus is God, and possibly a blasphemous jump at that, if it is not so. Does the Messiah have to be divine? ANSWER: You say that it is a quantum leap from the Old Testament prophecies you…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/1988_06/glad - 1988/06/01

Two Pictures of Messiah

  Suffering Messiah Victorious Messiah Bethlehem Heaven Origin But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah 5:2) In…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/5_8/twopictures - 1988/03/01

First Things First by Larry Brandt

"If Jesus is the Messiah, didn't he accomplish his mission the first time around? Our prophets didn't say anything about a second coming!" We Jewish believers in Jesus (Y'shua), are often confronted with that "question." The concept of two messianic "comings" gets such responses from both the scholarly and the sophomoric. Some are sincere, others are sarcastic; but whether inquirers are cynical, slightly interested or soul-searching in their approach, the subject is worthy of exploration. Before asking whether it makes sense for the Messiah to come twice, it is…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/5_8/firstthings - 1988/03/01

New Beginnings by Douglas Nelson

A message given by Dr. Douglas Nelson during the High Holidays at the Reform Jewish Congregation, Temple Beth Shalom in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 13, 1985. I was so very pleased to receive your cordial invitation to speak this evening. It is an honor to address you on this joyful occasion. I appreciate your willingness to invite me when there are, no doubt, many places where this type of interchange cannot yet freely take place. This evening reminds me of the accounts I've read about the early days of Christiaanity. In those days, Christians were regularly…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/5_7/newbeginnings - 1988/01/01

1987

The Messianic Time Table According to Daniel the Prophet by Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum

More than any other book of the Hebrew Scriptures, the writings of the prophet Daniel confront us with evidence of the time of Messiah's coming—evidence that many people would rather not see. But it is there and cannot be ignored. That Daniel was indeed a prophet is well substantiated. He accurately prophesied the rise of the Medo-Persian, Greek and Roman empires even at a time when the Babylonian Empire, which preceded them all, was at its height. He accurately predicted the fortunes, conflicts, wars and conspiracies of the two kingdoms of Syria and Egypt…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/5_1/timetable - 1987/01/01

1986

Seven Circles of Certainty (If Y'shua Isn't the Messiah, Who Is?) by Stuart Dauermann

In presenting Old Testament information about the Messiah to unbelievers, it is helpful to structure the material in as uncomplicated a manner as possible. Use Scripture passages that go from the general to the specific. That is, present the evidence to demonstrate that as the biblical data becomes more detailed, the number of qualified "candidates" for the "office of Messiah" narrows remarkably. The following diagram is most useful in teaching this kind of lesson. Construct it circle by circle, from the outside in. Take time as you lay down each circle to explain…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/1986_02/08Circles - 1986/02/01

1985

Y'shua …Why That Name? by Stuart Dauermann

Recently, the subject of names became very important to me, as my wife and I anticipated the birth of our first child. Being from an Ashkenazic background, our choices of names were narrowed—and aided—somewhat by the tradition of naming one's children after deceased relatives. But even then we discovered, as multitudes of other Jewish parents had before us, that we faced a dilemma. How could we name the child after relative "A" without offending "B's" side of the family' Oh yes, names are important—so important that choosing them can give you a headache!…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/3_10/whythatname - 1985/03/01

1983

The Talmud on Interpreting Dreams

"Lord of the Universe! I am Thine and my dreams are Thine; a dream have I dreamed and I know not what it is…If they be good dreams, strengthen and fortify them and may they be fulfilled like the dreams of Joseph; but if they require to be amended, heal them as the waters of Marah were healed by the hands of Moses our teacher, as Miriam was healed from her leprosy, as Hezekiah from his illness, and like the waters of Jericho sweetened by the hands of Elisha. And as Thou didst turn the curse of the wicked Balaam into a blessing, so do Thou turn all my dreams for me…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/2_9/dreams - 1983/05/01

1982

The Rabbis' Dilemma: A Look at Isaiah 53 by Rachmiel Frydland

The subject was never discussed in my pre-war-Poland Hebrew school. In the rabbinical training I had received, the fifty-third chapter of the book of Isaiah had been continually avoided in favor of other, "weightier" matters to be learned. Yet, when I first read this passage, my mind was filled with questions: Behold, my servant shall prosper, he shall be exalted, and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/2_5/isaiah53 - 1982/09/01

1981

The Son of God by Tuvya Zaretsky

The rabbi's voice was warm. His eyes were filled with concern as he asked, "So please explain, what is this your parents are telling me? You believe in Jesus? Is this true?" He listened quietly as I, one of his own bar mitzvah boys, the son of family friends, told the story of how I came to believe in Jesus. "But explain to me," he pressed, "how is what you believe now any different from what we taught you here? What do you mean when you say Jesus is the Son of God? In Judaism we believe we are all sons of God." His questions were difficult for me to answer. Frankly, it…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/1_9/son - 1981/09/01

1980

When the Messiah Comes… by Barry Rubin

Oftentimes, Jews who come to believe in Jesus are told by their unbelieving families, "If you'd only known more about Judaism, if you'd only studied your own religion, you never would have come to believe this way." My parents never said that to me because, before I accepted Christ, I went to see an Orthodox rabbi on my own initiative. You see, I had met some Jews for Jesus who had given me some very convincing arguments from the Scriptures apparently pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. However, I was afraid to just "jump in." "How can I be sure?" I thought. My…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/1_3/messiahcomes - 1980/09/01

The Jewishness of The New Testament by Avi Brickner

Why a rabbi who considered the New Testament to be anti-Semitic changed his mind.…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/1_2/newtestament - 1980/07/01

Almah by Rachmiel Frydland

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." We who believe that Jesus is truly the Messiah, the sinless virgin-born Son of God, treasure Isaiah 7:14 as a proof text for our faith. But mention this text to an unbeliever and he will probably inform you that the word almah in the original language means "young woman," not virgin. Contention over the translation of Isaiah 7:14 began in the early days of the church. In A.D. 150, Aqilah the Proselyte rendered the word almah into…[ Full Article ]

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/1980_01/almah - 1980/01/01