Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 1/26/2006

Question
Hello Rabbi, I feel priveleged to communicate  so easily with you today. I am female,58 yrs of age and was raised in a Roman Catholic Family. I attended parochial schools and received all the necessary church sacraments.Until a few yrs ago I was still refering to myself as RC but due to a long nagging feeling of discontent and finally  my own coming out of denial about our religious leaders who were  duping us with their sanctimonious garbage  while they were often  living & enjoying the unforgiveavle lives of pedophiles -it finally made me wash my hands of the Catholic church . I feel good about that. But Im left without a religion now. The many protestant christian religions leave me scratching my head with their claims of each being the one true religion. Wow thats scarry since I was told  since birth that was what the catholic church was reknowned for. LOL. Anyway for abouty a yr or more I find myself leaning toward the Messianic s. I relate to their teachings -going back to 1st century teachings  and learning the ways & customs  of that period. The 'REAL" early churchI guess you'd call it before the catholic hierarchy of the day manufactured the "WORD" and the" one true religion " Befoe the protestants broke off into a zillion "true" religions. I cant find the literature I need to study exactly what being messianic is & believe me its calling to me relentlessly.I live outside of Scranton, Pa which is 2.7 hours away from Philadelphia where there is supposedly a wonderful Messianic congregation every week. Can you tell me how suitable this could be for me?. How I go about studying. ?Etc Etc. I am quite a spiritual person, who loves  Jesus and customs, culture,traditions. Would you say I am on the right track? I need religion of some meaningful, believable type in my life . I just cant settle for anything less this time. Thank you Rabbi for answering this as best you can for me.And thank you for so kindly sharing your wisdom with me. I have 5 children(2 grown daughters & 3 sons middle school ages) who are counting on me too to find my way here. Sincerly, Christine

Answer
Dear Christine,

Thank for writing so candidly about your religious searching.

Yes, if you still believe that Jesus is the Messiah, then you may find your fulfillment in the Messianics.

However, please understand that no matter how many Jewish symbols they adopt, no matter how much Jewish music and culture they practice, no matter how much Hebrew they quote - they are not Jews for Jesus, they are not Messianic Jews.

They are competely and entirely Christians whose beliefs are intended to be offered to Jews in a deceptive fashion. It is for many a clear missionary approach, such as the Jews for Jesus."

Others are Jews who have been deluded and confused with their own poor Jewish education and identity have joined the Messianic "Temples" believing that they were practicing a "new" or an "ancient" form of Judaism. It is neither; it is Christianity.

However, for you it may be perfect as a believing Christian.

I would only ask you to be thoughtful and not mislead Jews into believing that your religious pattern, beliefs and practices are authentic Judaism. Let them know you are a believing Christian, and be happy in your newfound faith.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov