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Who Is A Jew? Messianic Style
by Chaia Kravitz
The debate of "who is a Jew" has been ranging among the Jewish community and its different factions, for decades. Now, this issue has found its way into Messianic circles. Here is some insight into this controversial and thought-provoking issue. Who is a Jew? The question seems almost redundant. Unfortunately, the answer isn't as simple as, "Well, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like one, it probably is a duck." Jews, unlike some of our feathered friends, don't have one particular walk, talk or . . . quack. The definition given by most mainstream Jewish organizations and denominations is that a Jew is someone who is born of a Jewish mother or who has converted to Judaism. Even this answer is not all-encompassing enough, since there are disagreements between the Orthodox and more liberal denominations as to the process of conversion. Conversions done in Reform Judaism are only recognized in Reform; Conservative conversions are recognized only in Reform and Conservative; and Orthodox conversions are the only universally-recognized conversions in Judaism. As well, even the issue of the Jewish mother has come under scrutiny -- Reform will accept a child as being Jewish if one parent is Jewish, regardless of whether it is the mother or father, as long as the child is being raised as a Jew. Of course, their definition of what "being raised as a Jew" actually means, is vague at best. So what does this all mean? Basically, that in Rabbinic Judaism, the debate over who is a Jew rages on, and the only people who are universally recognized as Jews are those with Jewish moms or who are Orthodox converts (or who's mothers are!). Even in Messianic circles, some are asking the same question: "Who is a Jew?" Of course, Rabbinic standards can still apply here -- one is indeed Jewish if their mother is, or if they converted at an earlier time prior to coming to faith in Yeshua. In some cases, Jewish rabbis and courts will overturn a conversion if the convert does an action that is seen as contrary to Judaism (such as coming to faith in Yeshua). But what about those with Jewish fathers and Gentile mothers? Or those who suspect they may have some Jewish ancestry? Where do these people fit in as part of God's Chosen People? In Messianic Judaism, children are generally regarded as being Jewish with one Jewish parent. Since we are one in Messiah, both Jew and Gentile, there is not sharp division between the two groups. Therefore, if a Gentile has a heart for Israel and God's Torah, as well as being a Believer in Yeshua, and this person marries a Jewish Believer, it is not considered an "intermarriage" in the same way Rabbinic Judaism sees it, since both partners are on the same spiritual plane. Children born from this union are part of God's Chosen, just like the Gentile parent who has been grafted in to the vine of Israel through His grace. The question gets more complicated when Believers have a distant Jewish ancestor, or who may be wondering if they have any Jewish blood at all. Some Believers search far and wide to try and dig up Jewish ancestry. "I love eating potato pancakes. Could I be Jewish?" one lady asked a friend of mine who runs a Messianic home fellowship. My answer to these "Am I Jewish?" questions is "Why does it matter?" (This is proof that I am Jewish, because I am answering a question with another question. Just kidding.). We are all one in Messiah, and one does not have to be Jewish to be part of the Body of Messiah. I realize that much of this searching is coming from two places: a desire to know one's heritage; and the need to feel part of the Jewish people because of the special bond that you feel with them because of your love for Israel, the Torah and the Jewish Messiah, Yeshua. But don't get sidetracked -- if you happen to find out that you have some Jewish blood, Hallelujah! If not, God does not love you any less. As well, there are some Messianic Gentile Believers who wonder if they should call themselves Jewish because of their adherance to the Jewish feasts, Biblical dietary laws and other aspects of Torah. I understand that these people consider themselves Jewish in their hearts, but to publically call themselves Jewish can be a stumbling block for others, especially to non-Believing Jewish people to whom they may be witnessing. Jewish people tend to find it extremely offensive for others who are not Jewish in heritage, to call themselves Jewish. They find it deceptive and ridiculous. So, if you are a Gentile with a Jewish heart, and are wondering what to call yourself, since you are Messianic and technically not Jewish, here are some suggestions: Messianic Believer;Messianic Gentile; Gentile who has been Grafted in to Israel; Gentile who Believes in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and strives to follow His Torah and Messiah Yeshua; or, my personal favorite, just simply "Believer." Who is a Jew? Really, only God knows. And that is all that matters. Copyright 2002
- Romans 1:16, NIV |