Showing posts with label UMJC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UMJC. Show all posts

Are We Kosher?

Jan 11, 2011 at 1:04 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


My friend and colleague, Rabbi Dr. Michael Schiffman, has raised an important discussion on his blog concerning the use of the title "rabbi" within the Messianic Jewish Movement, and whether or not those who use the title are 'kosher.'

This is important because far too many people within the broader Messianic movement use the title "rabbi" without any formal education, rabbinical studies, or recognition. When this is done it is an embarrassment to our movement, weakens our credibility, and makes the job of my colleagues and I that much harder. After all, it is actually fraud if someone claims to be a lawyer when they are not. Or claims to be a doctor, when they did not complete the requisite study.

When someone assumes a title they did not earn (or can back-up) they weaken the meaning of the title. For centuries a rabbi has been defined as a scholar of Jewish law and practice. Historically, rabbis were consulted as experts on matters of halachah and its application. It is only in the last two hundred years or so that rabbis have been expected to take on more of a pastoral role, and assume a position of being the "professional Jew." However, as the roles of rabbis have evolved over the last two hundred years, what has not changed is the expectation of the rabbi as a scholar.

The issue is not whether someone can be an effective leader without being an ordained rabbi. The issue has to do with the use of the title rabbi which has a clear and specific meaning. If one does not agree with the meaning, they do not have to use (nor should they) the title.

One becomes a rabbi by receiving s'micha from another rabbi or group of rabbis after the completion of a formal level of study. Furthermore, conferment of s'micha MUST be passed down from those who already possess s'micha from a recognized body or individual (and cannot be self-administered). Today, most rabbis are graduates of a rabbinical seminary; which is often a 5 year graduate level education. Within the Orthodox and Jewish Renewal communities, s'micha from an individual rabbi is still widely practiced after completing a particular level of study.

I am proud to be a part of a small group of Messianic rabbis who are rabbis in every sense of the word - and have worked very hard to get to this point. We officiate at life cycle events, decide on halachic matters, study and teach Jewish history and texts - yet remain rooted in Mashiach. My colleagues and I have had to immerse ourselves in Jewish life. We have had to complete graduate level educations in Jewish Studies, have a thorough understanding of Jewish history, Hebrew, prayer, Jewish texts, and halachah; and have studied in yeshivot and other Jewish institutions. Many of us even hold credentials within the wider Jewish community.

The s'micha administered today by the UMJC (for example) meets these criteria in both academic requirements AND in the chain of succession of conferment. Because we readily recognize the need of learned and well-prepared leaders, we are also always working hard on regularly increasing requirements and expectations of what it means to be a Messianic Rabbi.

In fact (stay tuned) as the MJRC is currently working on, and will soon be releasing, a formal document clearly defining the term "Messianic Rabbi" from our perspective.


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Is Messianic Judaism in Crisis?

Sep 29, 2010 at 11:35 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

Today is Hoshana Rabbah - the culmination of Sukkot and preparation for the final days of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. However, I find myself troubled a bit, as my joy is not quite complete. I have been deeply troubled lately about the future of our movement, and the dire situation we currently find ourselves in.

Let me explain ...

Messianic Judsaism Today

Over the last 40 or 50 years since the birth of the modern Messianic Jewish movement, we have witnessed multiplication and growth in various ways. Messianic Jewish congregations have sprung-up around the world, we attend great conferences, listen to Messianic Jewish music, support our fellow Messianic Jews in Israel, and read various Messianic Jewish publications. But will all of this be around in 50 years?

Of course aspects of it will. But how much?

Much of the energy which has propelled our Movement forward is based on events in the past out of which the modern Messianic Jewish phenomenon was birthed. Although lip service has been given toward the future, until very recently, very little has actually been done to practically prepare for the future and set a vision for what will happen after the current pioneers are gone. Add to this the huge influx of non-Jews, the higher numbers of intermarriage among Messianic Jews, and the very small numbers of young people currently being raised-up into leadership - the numbers can no longer keep up.

Slowly a crisis is building that remains largely unrecognized outside a few small circles.

A Wake-up Call

In April 2010, Dr. David Rudolph invited senior and associate leaders currently serving a UMJC congregation t
o participate in a demographic study. Here are some of the results of Dr. Rudolph's findings:
  • There are no UMJC congregational leaders in their 20s.
  • The youngest UMJC congregational leader is 33 years old.
  • The UMJC has five congregational leaders in their 30s and four in their 40s.
  • The oldest UMJC congregational leader is 85 years old. He co-leads with his son who is 41 years old.
  • 83% of UMJC congregational leaders are over the age of 50.
  • Two thirds of all UMJC congregational leaders are between the age of 55 and 70.
  • Ten years from now, 38% of all UMJC congregational leaders will be over the age of 70 unless
    younger leaders are raised up.
Although this study was specifically of UMJC leaders, the results ring true across the movement. The MJAA, for example, has even fewer leaders under the age of 40.

Let me explain why this is so dire. Based on the above statistics, in the next 10 to 15 years almost every congregation will need a new leader. There are estimates that there are around 250-300 or so Messianic Jewish congregations in America today.
Of course with G-d all things are possible, but there is just absolutely no way we will have that many young leaders raised-up within the next 10 years! That is the reality.

We currently only have a handful of young leaders currently being raised-up to meet this need. Truly, the "harvest is ripe, but the workers are few."

The age of the pioneers is over. Most of the current leadership had little if any previous experience in congregational leadership, or theological preparation, before planting their congregations. They simply found themselves responding to a need.

But times have changed. Now we have many strong and stable congregations. When the current leadership retires, you can no longer just stick someone in who is not ready. New leadership MUST be prepared. The bar has been raised. Let me give you an example:

There is a particular congregation in America currently looking for new leader. It is over 300 people, they have a beautiful historic building, with multiple staff members, and can afford to pay a great salary and benefits. But they are having trouble finding someone. You cannot just stick someone without experience and preparation into such a large and healthy congregation.

We need to raise-up and equip young leaders now for the tasks ahead.

So what are we to do?

First, we need to commit to truly being a Jewish movement for Yeshua within the greater Jewish community.

Second, we need to raise-up young leaders now! We need to identify and invest in young people with a calling to the Messianic Jewish rabbinate. If you have ever considered becoming a rabbi, do it. And if you would like to know exactly where to start, or what steps you can take, please let me know! I would be more than happy to help.

Third ... Some very difficult decisions will need to be made in the future. The reality is that the need is greater than our ability. As such, a sort of triage will have to determine which congregations should be given highest priority. The priority will have to be given to vibrant congregations currently existing in cities with large Jewish populations.

This is already being discussed within the UMJC's new K20 Program - which was created to meet the need of raising-up new leaders, and working with existing congregations.

Lastly, all of this requires funding. Help support the work of those that you believe have a vision for the future and are putting their money where their mouth is. Examples could include the UMJC's K20 Program, MJTI, or the MJRC.

The harvest is ripe, but the workers are indeed very few. So I ask you ... do you have a vision for the future? And if not now, when? By then, I hope it will not be too late.

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UMJC Conference Report

Aug 3, 2010 at 3:06 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


I just returned home from an exciting week at the 2010 UMJC Conference held this year in beautiful Seattle, WA.

I arrived last Monday (July 26th) for the UMJC Delegate meetings held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Some great discussions and details came out of these meetings, including delegate affirmation of my new position with the UMJC as the Young Adult Liaison - working with all programming aimed at the next generation, and recruiting young people for congregational leadership.

Since the conference was held in Seattle, there were a number of "Seattle-esque" influences on the theme and details. For example, many of the musicians featured were from the Northwest, much of the music was "un-plugged," and the level of formality was very casual, with many people showing up to the evening services in shorts.

The classes this year were also very original and creative. Many of them were panel type classes, or team taught.

The Shabbat service was led by Seattle congregation, Beit HaShofar, and was traditional - with a NW twist! The Siddurim for the service were donated by FFOZ, and contained just the Shabbat morning section of a Siddur they have been working on for some time.

On Shabbos afternoon I led a really great Torah study that was very interactive and inspiring. I love both teaching and learning, and environments like this study allow me to not only facilitate discussion of the text(s) but also hear other great insights from fellow colleagues and attendees.

My Personal Experience

For me personally, the UMJC conference was a definite success for a number of reasons:

1) Connections and Friendships

In addition to catching-up with long time friends, during this particular conference I was able to connect with some really amazing people who I either did not previously know, or who I only knew in passing. I was also able to reconnect with some friends I have not seen in several years.

2) Professionally

Two great things happened personally for me at the conference, my full s'micha - rabbinic ordination (previously I was licensed and installed as a congregational rabbi, but this was my full ordination which opens up even more doors). And as I mentioned earlier, I was also confirmed by the delegates in my new part-time position with the UMJC.

My s'micha has been a process that began in 1997, and which has been a long journey. So to receive my full s'micha was (and is) very exciting. My parents, grandmother, and a number of the people who have stood with me since the beginning of this journey were able to be there in support.

3) Kehilah 2020 Project (K20)

This year at the delegate meetings, the K20 Committee (under the new guidance of committee chair, Rabbi Tony Eaton) was unveiled and affirmed. The K20 Project is a response to the dire need to raise up new leaders.

K20 is a comprehensive ten-year plan to establish, strengthen, and multiply congregations that welcome Messiah home in the midst of the Jewish community. K20 focuses on identifying, recruiting, and helping to equip leaders, and placing them in new or renewed congregations that will serve the Messianic Jewish community of the future. I'll be working closely with this project in my position with the UMJC and am very excited about its potential.

4) Union of Messianic Believers (UMB)

During the conference, I attended a small planning meeting to reorganize and relaunch the UMB. The Union of Messianic Believers is the individual membership arm of the UMJC. Although it has existed for some time, and has done some great things, the UMB is in a re-organization stage and plans to relaunch a new strategy, website, etc. This will expand the work of the UMJC to reach not only individuals, but reach out to congregations and ministries which may not necessarily fall-into the label "Messianic Jewish," but who wish to still connect to the larger Messianic Jewish movement.

At this meeting a new executive committee was formed with the previous President (Rabbi Dr. John Fischer) and Vice-President (Dr. H. Bruce Stokes). I was named one of the new members to the Executive Committee, along with outgoing UMJC Twenties Chair, Julie D. We are excited about the exciting developments within the UMB and opportunities on the horizon. So stay tuned - I'll be giving an update soon.

Conclusion

The UMJC is an organization that is moving forward. It is harnessing its strengths to move forward, and learning from the past. I am honored to be a part of an organization that is leading the way in many respects within the Messianic Jewish Movement. For example, the UMJC is leading the way in raising up young leaders, empowering young people in leadership, and preparing for the future of our congregations.

You have definitely not heard the last from the UMJC ... See you at next year's conference!

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See you in Seattle!

Jul 5, 2010 at 11:27 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


*Online conference registration ENDS TODAY!

The 2010 UMJC International Conference is quickly approaching and I want to encourage you to attend. The conference will be held in Seattle this year, and I believe will prove to be one of the best conferences ever.

This year's theme is "Walk the Talk," based on Isaiah 52:7. The conference will feature vibrant worship, inspiring speakers, innovative music, a joyous Shabbat, and a Seattle-style educational track that will help you W-A-L-K the talk:

W - Working

Are you working ...on your character traits? Are those around you affected positively by your example of Messiah Yeshua?

A - Alive

Are you alive ... living a spiritually healthy and vibrant Messianic Jewish life? Are Scripture, tradition, and prayer through the Spirit of Messiah empowering and renewing you daily?

L - Learning

Are you learning ... committed to your personal spiritual growth as a diligent student of Scripture? Are you becoming the knowledgeable teacher Messiah Yeshua needs to help build his Messianic Community?

K - Kiruv

Are you doing kiruv ... reaching out within your Jewish community with the Good News of Messiah Yeshua? Do you both publicly and privately share about God's truth and faithfulness in Messiah?

The conference hotel this year is the Hyatt Regency Bellevue - located close to the airport and downtown Bellevue - a green picturesque Northwest city, home to outdoor adventures like hiking, boating, golfing and more. Plus guests enjoy easy access to the many unique landmarks and attractions that have made Seattle famous.

This will be a conference you will not want to miss. So register now!

See you in Seattle!


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Kabbetz Southeast

May 4, 2010 at 1:00 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

This past weekend was the UMJC Kabbetz HaEsrim Southeast conference, held in Cary, NC at host congregation Sha’arei Shalom. Nearly fifty young Messianics between the ages of 18-35 gathered to pray, worship, and build relationships with each another. Participants enjoyed worship services and numerous opportunities to strengthen relationships. The opening session was kicked off Friday night with a Kabbalat Shabbat service, Shabbat dinner, and a special message brought by Dr. Seth Klayman. Additional speakers over the weekend included Rabbi Jamie Cowen and myself.

Shaletha Riggs, one of the conference organizers, commented, “I feel like the people who came left feeling more connected to their Messianic Community and renewed by the time spent in worship and prayer. The teachings and discussions were very helpful and sparked a desire to practically look for ways to be a part of the future of Messianic Judaism. It was definitely a fulfilling experience!”

According to another participant, Jason Linas from Richmond, VA, “Kabbetz was a resounding success this weekend. It was very fruitful and a real blessing ... this weekend was an EYE OPENER for me personally."

Getting Involved

“The central aspect of all we do is community building,” says J. David, Chair of the UMJC Twenties Committee. “I’ve seen many long standing friendships established during these times together. People in their twenties and thirties in the movement are few and far between, so this is so encouraging to all of us.”

The UMJC Twenties Committee is continually working to empower and raise-up the next generation through a number of initiatives, including Kabbetz HaEsrim.

For more information about the Twenties Committee or our upcoming events visit us on Facebook or email us at umjc20s@gmail.com.


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Kabbetz Northeast

Apr 22, 2010 at 3:36 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


Last week was a busy one ... the Borough Park Symposium in NYC, and then Kabbetz Northeast in Bloomfield, CT. Although I have spent this whole week trying to catch up, it was well worth it!

Kabbetz HaEsrim (Gathering the Twenties) is the UMJC’s regional conferences geared toward young Messianics ages 18-35. This year's theme, “Yibane HaMikdash: Building our Community,” focuses on building relationships among ourselves, our congregations, and our wider communities.

Three different regional Kabbetz HaEsrim conferences were scheduled for Spring 2010 - the first was in March, in Seattle, WA, Kabbetz Northeast was this last weekend in Bloomfield, CT, and the next one is Kabbetz Southeast to be held in Cary, NC in two weeks.

All three events are in a Shabbaton format, which combines traditional Shabbat observances and services with teaching, group discussions, and lots of time for informal interaction. The smaller group attendance at Kabbetz HaEsrim, typically thirty to fifty people, allows for more intimate contact and greater opportunities to really get to know each other.

Kabbetz Northeast was held April 16-18 in Bloomfield, CT at the recently completed facility of Shuvah Yisrael/Shalom Company. With over twenty young people in attendance, Kabbetz Northeast was an inspirational and meaningful time. The music and liturgy was led by Jane Rodriguez and Benjamin Ehrenfeld, and special speakers included Rabbi Paul Saal, Rabbi Tony Eaton, Benjamin Ehrenfeld, Twenties Committee Chair, Julie David, ... and yours truly!

Kabbetz Northeast was an inspiring time to gather with old friends, make new ones, and connect to HaShem on a deeper level. If you have not been to a Kabbetz conference before I encourage you to join us in two weeks in Cary, NC ... or join us next year!

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Creating Spiritual Homes for the New American Jew

Jan 19, 2010 at 10:24 AM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua

Continuing the conversation we started at the UMJC Mid-Year leadership retreat in December, Monique and I recently led a UMJC webinar which is now posted on the UMJC website. (You may need to log-in/create a profile to view the webinar).

The interactive discussion focused on the make-up of the American Jewish Community today, identifying the spiritual needs of three primary generations - Baby Boomers, Gen X'ers, and Millennials - and what these generations are looking for in a spiritual home.

Drawing upon the conviction that Messianic communities should be vibrant spiritual homes for Jewish believers and seekers, we delved into the practicalities of creating welcoming Jewish spiritual environments. We discussed current communal models and methods, explored alternative and emergent models, and presented simple "how-to's" for transforming your congregation into a sacred community for the New American Jew.

The webinar is divided into two parts, separated (and ended) by an interactive panel discussion where attendees could either call or email in their questions. The panelists for the interactive discussion were Nathan Joiner (a rabbinic intern at Ruach Israel in Boston) and Britta Phillips (a Hazan at Beth Emunah in Los Angeles).

Whether you are a leader or a lay-leader within your congregation, we encourage you to watch this webinar for many practical suggestions for how you can transform your congregation into a spiritual and meaningful community.


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Reflecting on Albuquerque

Dec 15, 2009 at 1:20 PM | Posted by Rabbi Joshua


Last week, Monique and I joined a number of other colleagues in Albuquerque, NM for the UMJC's mid-year leadership retreat.

This year's retreat was extremely significant. The UMJC focused on discussing the future of Messianic Judaism, and all the invited presenters were young leaders. You can read Rabbi Russ Resnik's reflections of the retreat on the UMJC website.

One of the aspects of the UMJC I appreciate the most is their focus on the future. Providing more than mere lip service, the UMJC has put their money where their mouth is. For example, they have provided tremendous resources to young leaders through internship and scholarship programs, young leaders retreats, and inviting younger leaders to be main speakers at conferences. The UMJC has been front and center in raising up a new generation into leadership.

Monique and I were two of the main presenters. In our first session, titled "The New American Jew," we led participants in an interactive look at the make-up of the American Jewish Community today, helping to identify the spiritual needs of three primary generations – Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, and Millenials - and what these generations are all looking for in a spiritual home.

Our second session, titled "Building Spiritual Homes for the New American Jew," we drew upon the previous session, and upon our conviction that Messianic communities should be vibrant spiritual homes for Jewish believers, seekers, and intermarrieds. As such, we delved into the practicalities of creating welcoming Jewish spiritual environments. We also discussed current communal models and methods, explored alternative and emergent models, and presented simple “how-to’s” for transforming congregations into sacred communities for the New American Jew.

The other presenters, our friends Nathan Joiner and Britta Phillips, also did an excellent job, and provided additional interactive opportunities. The entire retreat went very well, and the feedback has been tremendous.

Following the retreat, we enjoyed a day in beautiful Santa Fe with other rabbis and spouses, and stayed through the weekend enjoying the first couple days of Hanukkah with some family and friends. Overall, our trip to New Mexico was exciting, beneficial, and even relaxing.

If you are a leader or lay-leader of a UMJC affiliated congregation, Monique and I will also be doing a UMJC sponsored webinar January 5th on the topics we raised at the retreat. So if you missed the retreat, or want to continue the exciting dialogue begun in Albuquerque, join us for the webinar! For more information or to register for the webinar, go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/348332371.


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