Jewish Israel has been closely monitoring Glenn Beck's activities in Israel. We expressed our concerns and hopes by letter to both Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger and Rabbi of the Kotel Shmuel Rabinovtich. Both of these rabbinic figures plan on attending Glenn Beck's "Restoring Courage" rally on August 24. The letter, which can be read in both Hebrew and English, was also copied to a number of other rabbinic leaders prior to yesterday's Christian event in Caesarea.
We believe Jewish Israel's efforts over the years have borne fruit. The event in Caesarea was far more dignified and reserved than many of the other mega-Christian events that have been held in Israel in recent years.
It remains problematic that missionary figures like Mike Evans (of Jews for Jesus fame) was given the stage and that TBN, an overt missionary network, which actively targets Jews in Israel, was given the rights to broadcast Beck's event.
We asked a former active evangelical missionary, who has since converted to Judaism, to view yesterday's event in Caesarea with us and to give us her impressions ...more....
4 comments:
Great coverage by JI!
I agree with the comments about King of Kings. I hear term and by word association instantly think of jesus. Handel's messiah: "King of Kings and lord of lords."
I haven't come across any Jews who refer to Hashem as King of Kings.
My overall impression is that Beck et al toned their missionary language down a notch. They don't want their foot slammed in the door.
Thanks Keliata,
I think Beck realized there were problems and he is trying. Things were turned down more than a notch.
It will be interesting to see how evangelicals react to the challenge of having to refine their presentation and curb evanglizing tendencies when in Israel.
Ellen, thanks so much!!
Keli, your contributions are valued.
Hello from Indiana! I'm a Christian with only the most basic understanding of Judaism. My husband is in Isreal because of the Beck restoring courage gathering. Ive been reading blog after blog, fascinated by the (rightfully so) skeptical attitude of many Jewish people about this whole thing. You'll have to forgive my ignorance, and correct me if Im wrong, but Im getting the impression that many Jewish people believe the ulterior motive behind the evern is to convert Jews to the Christian faith. Does this happen often, or is that just the perception many people have? I have a hard time believing that, becuase I can't imagine a Jewish person wanting to be a Christian--how could they, why would they? How does a Jew change their very DNA, the fabric of their being? My husband and I were raised in different churches, but we were both brought up to believe that the Jews are God's chosen people--if you believe in the Bible, there is no question of gods intention for Isreal. So Im writing to ask and hopefully gain understanding about how Jewish people view those of us who wish to stand by Isreal and give support if it is ever needed. Maybe we are overstepping boundaries in thinking the majority of Jewish people want to know there are people who care about Gods chosen people? Maybe Jewish people think Christians only want to get close so they can convert them? I have to thank all of you for your blogs and the replies--it's fascinating to read the thoughts everyone has. My husband and I have been watching and listening to Beck for a while now and neither one of us has ever gotten the impression that he was going there to convert people--just the opposite, in fact. We both believe he was going there to show unity and support because our elected officials arent doing what we believe they should be doing. Our president is not doing the things that need to be done to send a clear message to the world that america values its relationship with Isreal because it is a mutually beneficial one--not because we feel sorry for Isreal,NO! Because we admire her spirit and integrity and strength under the most dire and trying of circumstances! America MUST stand with Isreal if there is to be any hope of freedom for the poor people of the world who are living under evil regimes of hate and oppression.
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