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Council of Christians & Jews: Jesus made me Kosher: Messianic Judaism in Melbourne

- Posted on June 21st, 2010

Dr. Dvir Abramovich is Director of the Centre for Jewish History and Culture at the University of Melbourne & The Jan Randa Senior Lecturer in Hebrew-Jewish studies. He was President of the Australian Association of Jewish Studies from 2006-2010 and editor of the Australian Journal of Jewish Studies for eight years.  Dr. Abramovich has authored many scholarly articles and book chapters and is a regular contributor to the national media in Australia. He is co-editor of the book Testifying to the Holocaust (2008) and is completing a manuscript on Hebrew novels in the 1980’s and 1990’s and a book on the classics of Hebrew literature.

This talk will focus on the Messianic Jewish congregation Celebrate Messiah located in Melbourne’s South Caulfield, while examining the phenomenon of Messianic Jews who believe that Jesus is the son of God and the promised Jewish messiah. Confused? Well, that is no surprise since Messianic congregations include non Jews, its leaders are called pastors and rabbis and followers practice both Torah customs and New Testament beliefs. In their synagogues/churches they wear Yarmulkes and Jewish prayer shawls, observe the traditional Jewish holidays such as Passover, The Feast of Tabernacles, The Festival of Shavuot and celebrate Bar-Mitzvahs, all the while praying to Jesus and proselytizing other Jews to do the same. A passing fad? Not so quickly.  As the Jerusalem post has noted, Messianic Judaism has experienced tremendous growth in Israel, winning over native born Israelis and developing their own unique theology. So, how can one be a claim to be Christian and a Jew at the same time? The answer may not be that simple.

We cordially invite you to attend, please RSVP to the Council of Christians & Jews office. Tel: 9817 3848 or email ccjvic@bigpond.net.au  $10.00 admission.