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Post by garrett on Jun 29, 2016 19:23:46 GMT -8
So I've learned that there is a Messianic congregation in the greater area of my city and they are affiliated with the UMJA. Is this a good thing?...that they have the affiliation? I'm happy to learn about this as well as the possibility of a place where my wife and I can go to be around others who are similar in faith. We are also a bit gun-shy considering our last (and only) experience with a "Messianic congregation." Does anyone have any thoughts or input? Obviously only I will know if this is a nice place to be by simply visiting but I am nervous. The rabbi and his wife are Jewish, not that it is a safeguard. I think there is some level of  observance. And from what I have seen on their website, they go through each week's parsha. They might even read from a sefer (scroll), I can't remember. I think we have grown so accustomed to the isolation that the prospect of being with others is too intimidating and we're worried about really being let down. I'm open to any advice. Thank you - garrett |
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Post by alon on Jun 29, 2016 21:34:10 GMT -8
So I've learned that there is a Messianic congregation in the greater area of my city and they are affiliated with the UMJA. Is this a good thing? ... I'm happy to learn about this as well as the possibility of a place where my wife and I can go to be around others who are similar in faith. We are also a bit gun-shy considering our last (and only) experience with a "Messianic congregation." Does anyone have any thoughts or input? Obviously only I will know if this is a nice place to be by simply visiting but I am nervous. The rabbi and his wife are Jewish, not that it is a safeguard. I think there is some level of observance. And from what I have seen on their website, they go through each week's parsha. They might even read from a sefer (scroll), I can't remember. I think we have grown so accustomed to the isolation that the prospect of being with others is too intimidating and we're worried about really being let down. I'm open to any advice. Thank you - garrett I am happy to hear you might have a place to worship and learn and grow! The UMJA is a good umbrella organization. However as you say you won't know until you try them out. Every congregation has its own dynamic, and every Rabbi his own style and knowledge base. His being Jewish will have many advantages, but there are also some pitfalls; especially in a mixed congregation. One of the things Rav S says is the Jews think everything their old Rabbi told them is absolutely true, while Gentile converts tend to think nothing they are told is true. That is of course an exaggeration, but he makes a fair point. As a PK myself, I can tell you he is not to overstated in his observations on the Gentiles. However he himself will have some quirks you'll have to adjust to. Mostly we should be adjusting our thinking to be more Jewish. However my own experience is that Jews are so focused on what was done to them throughout history they absolutely cannot see the good God has done in many of these events. The Crusades are a case in point: you'll never get them to see that Christianity was responding to attacks by Islam or that they kept Islam out of Europe for over a millinea. All they see is the Crusaders killed many Jews. Don't even try to talk to them about it, as they'll circular argument you all day no matter what you say. The Crusaders killed Jews. Me, I see that as a great evil done by these men, but it is not the whole story. It is not even a blip in the larger story. But, the Crusaders killed many Jews ...
Remember too that many of the UMJA rabbis are still learning. Heck fire, the entire movement is still learning. So respect where he is and don't go in with high expectations and you should be OK. That said, anyone professing to take on the title Rabi had better know a few things more than the average congregant.
Luke 20:45-46 (ESV) And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,
I've known a (very) few who like to take that title with less than a one year self study course, who have no understanding and who crave only the acclimation of men. I've known others who did have credentials as Christian ministers, and who claimed to be Messianic, yet would not give up their Christian congregations to study to be a Rabbi. I have little regard for these. However these are noteworthy exceptions, and the UMJA leadership I've met, while not an exhaustive sample were certainly knowledgeable and learning more all the time. So I think you'll be OK there.
One thing I do know, it beats trying to do this by yourself if you don't have to. Good luck!
Dan C
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Post by garrett on Jul 1, 2016 6:35:54 GMT -8
Thanks for the input Dan. I'm hoping it will be a good thing. I don't think I'm going to visit tomorrow but very likely next Saturday. It's also good to be reminded that I should not go there with high/false expectations. At the very least I can say I tried! I'm thinking of "spying" the place out first by myself and then bringing my wife after I get a feel for the place. I guess it's my way of being protective.
We shall see.....thanks again.
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observance.
