Invoking Melchizedek, - or jesus - in Jerusalem?

Posted by Jewish Israel

Considering the large evangelical Christian presence at the recent CUFI Night to Honor Israel event in Jerusalem and Rabbi Riskin's background in Christian studies, it is awkward, puzzling, and potentially problematic that he chose to conjure-up the image of the biblical Melchizedek – “the King of Jerusalem" in his invocation at that event.

A Melchizedek = Jesus theological connection is widely accepted across Christian denominations and is especially popular among evangelical sectors due to the eschatological implications. Among Christians “it is largely accepted that Melchizedek was an incarnate of Jesus” who “was a superior priest, who offered a superior sacrifice, and who also enacted a superior Law.” The new testament uses the example of Melchizedek in an attempt to establish Jesus as "not only king-messiah, but as the high priest, capable of offering a sacrifice on behalf of the people."

Evangelizing entities have previously taken advantage of Rabbi Riskin’s lack of clarity and lines as he attempts to share Torah and find common theological ground with Christians (this has caused him to have to retract and clarify statements again and again).

Jewish Israel has asked former messianic missionary Penina Taylor to draw definitive lines between faiths for us on the issue of Melchizedek...more

Now for some comic relief...

Rapture-ready atheists form alliance with evangelicals:
Regardless of how good and loyal a pet has been, come Rapture time, evangelicals just can’t take Fido with them. The good news is that an enterprising retired retail executive has assembled a team of moral, humane atheists who will be on hand throughout the Bible Belt and in 22 states to come to the rescue and see those pets through tribulation. This venture is serious enough to be worthy of an article in Business Week, and these atheists are top of the line...more