Why be a Jew?

On October 27^th the American Jewish community suffered its worst act of anti-Semitism ever in our almost 400 years of Jewish History in North America. People gathering to worship in a synagogue were intentionally targeted and killed simply because they were Jewish. The murderer acted alone, without political, religious or group association, just hatred against Jews. Since the incident, rallies and vigils have been held, including in Skokie, allowing people the opportunity to express their sorrow and reflect on the brokenness of our nation. In the midst of this a young Jewish believer asked me the question: “Why be Jewish? Why should we remain an obvious target knowing there are significant numbers of people even within the United States who don’t like Jewish people?” The FBI reports that over half of all religiously motivated hate crimes in America target the Jewish community, yet Jews make up only about 1½% of the entire US population.

First, Paul states in Romans 11:1 “I say then, G-d has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendent of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.” Like Paul, I choose to publicly identify as a Jew and to live publicly as a member of the Jewish community because that is who G-d made me to be. In this I fulfill my unique calling as part of Israel to testify of G-d’s faithfulness to keep his promise to Abraham and, as a believer, of Yeshua’s Messiahship of Israel before both Jews and Gentiles. Second, being Jewish is both a physical identity, being a descendent of the physical people of Israel, as well as also an eschatological identity and responsibility, as part of the nation Israel, who G-d chose to be his representative Chosen People. Identifying as a Jew at times means that I must accept the discrimination that comes from those in the Jewish community who don’t like my faith in Messiah Yeshua, but it means that I accept as well the discrimination (occasional threatening phone calls, mailings and slurs) from those in general society who don’t like who I am as a Jew, including from those who profess to be Christians.

Later on in the Romans 11:11-12 he adds, “I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!” In G-d’s perfect foreknowledge, he knew that the Jewish people would not fully accept Messiah Yeshua when he came. He thus hardened Jewish hearts so that the Gospel would go out into the hearts of the nations. I believe G-d is going to bring the Jewish people back to him at the time of Messiah Yeshua’s return; back into right relationship with him in Yeshua, when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.  For now the hardness of heart toward the Gospel that my Jewish people demonstrate is G-d’s plan so that Gentiles are able to get saved! The Nations are benefiting while the Jewish people are suffering. That’s why Paul also warned the Gentile believers in Romans 11:16-22 to not boast or be arrogant, but to fear and understand.

I encourage you to fervently pray for the Jewish community in America. For G-d to protect and comfort us, but also for G-d’s Spirit to lead us to true hope in Messiah Yeshua. G-d has not rejected the Jewish people, and no follower of Messiah Yeshua should do so either!

Forward for Messiah!

Kirk Gliebe

Rabbi & Director