"The name 'Hashivenu' has become emblematic in the Messianic Jewish world for the stream of Jewish Yeshua-believers who uphold Torah observance, Jewish tradition, and the importance of integration within the wider Jewish world. As such, those who identify with the name are also those exposed to the greatest temptation to deny or minimize the deity of Yeshua.

It is my hope that future generations will identify the name Hashivenu with a bilateral ecclesiology that rejects both the Christian and the Jewish negative boundaries – exalting the Torah as the covenantal constitution of the Jewish people, and the deity of Yeshua, light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of his people Israel."

-Rabbi Dr. Mark Kinzer, from a paper delivered at the 2010 Hashivenu Forum - Finding our Way Through Nicaea, p. 32.

“It is not enough for us merely to proclaim loudly our Jewishness if, like the great majority of Messianic Jews, we are Jewishly unlearned and uninvolved.”

“If we call ourselves Messianic Jews we must intend to back up our words with actions demonstrating that our Jewishness has substance.”

“Ultimately Messianic Judaism depends on Jews, because a Messianic Jew is a Jew who believes in Yeshua.”

“We may know that we have been united with the Messiah by faith, but if we fail to do what our L-rd commands and continue in our worldly ways instead of shedding them, we put G-d to public shame.”

“The Messiah did not and does not bring the Torah to an end. Rather, attention to and faith in the Messiah is the goal and purpose toward which the Torah aims.”

“Our rallying battle cry must be: Torah! Torah! Torah! – understood in the Spirit of the Messiah.”

“Only Yeshua will restore the kingdom to Israel and bring peace to the world.”

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.