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New Series on CD!
"The Maturing of Moses"

Deep South Witnessing
Sharing New Covenant Faith in Old Charleston

by Miriam Nadler

Our destination was near Charleston, SC, which boasts the oldest Reform synagogue in the United States, as well as a vibrant and active Jewish community. We were scheduled on Sunday to speak on how Jesus fulfills the Fall Feasts at a church in Summerville, where Pastor Gene and his congregation have a deep love and appreciation for the Jewish people.

Our friends Art and Suzanne had arranged for us to have coffee with a couple on Saturday Evening: Grace* knew the Lord; Morris* did not, and was certain that “you cannot remain Jewish and believe in Jesus.”

During our visit, there was genuine warmth and respect as we talked about issues of Jewish life, including how the Hebrew language developed. Sam explained that the ancient texts are difficult for modern Israelis to read and that believers in Yeshua are developing translations into modern Hebrew. This gave Sam the opportunity to point out that one reason for the necessity of a modern translation is so people can understand all the Hebrew Scriptures have to say about Messiah. As the evening progressed I could see how the Lord was breaking down the barriers and giving opportunity for spiritual matters. Particularly near the end, Morris admitted to being a “wayward Jew,” having “married a Gentile.”

“You are in good company,” Sam replied. “Abraham, Joseph, and Moses all married Gentiles too! But I’ve also been accused of being a wayward Jew.” He proceeded to tell of the story of being invited to speak at a synagogue where he was declared by the Rabbi of no longer being Jewish.

“Rabbi,” I responded, “If the Bostoner Rebbe says I’m still a Jew, though a wayward Jew, and if the Encyclopedia Judaica declares I’m still a Jew, though a wayward one, then on what basis can you say I’m no longer a Jew?”

“Well,” the Rabbi said, “perhaps I’m wrong.”

“Rabbi,” I quietly responded, “maybe you’re wrong about more than just that?”

To my astonishment, the synagogue audience of over a hundred Jewish people erupted into applause. It was apparent to all who would consider the issues objectively that a Jew who believes in Yeshua is still a Jew, whether the Rabbi approves or not.

Morris sincerely invited us to come back the next time we were in the area. Grace took Sam aside and said to him, “Thank you for coming, it was a blessed evening; there were no sharp edges.”

Exceeded Expectations
We had another wonderful surprise the next day.  Our friend Art had invited a Jewish acquaintance from work to hear Sam preach. Sol* and Rose* accepted the invitation and came for both the Sunday School where Sam shared his testimony, and stayed for the service to hear Sam’s message on how Jesus fulfills the Feast of Tabernacles. For the evening service they returned to hear Sam speak about the Feast of Trumpets and the Jewish New Year! Afterwards Sol told Art that he was very moved by the message and had a lot to think about. Sol’s wife assured Art and Suzanne that they’d certainly be coming back to hear more Good News!

Our visit with Pastor Gene, Art, and Suzanne ended at a nearby restaurant, where we were rejoicing together about the ministry of the weekend. But apparently, God wasn’t finished! Our waitress, Stacy*, overheard our discussion and let us know not only that she was Jewish, but that she was open and searching for the truth. We shared briefly with her and Sam gave away a Messianic Answer Book, inviting Stacy to email her questions and comments. Delighted, she said, “my dad should also see this because he is definitely interested in knowing more.”

Thank you for praying that Morris, Sol, Stacy, and her dad would be drawn to the Messiah of Israel. Y

*Names have been changed for individual's privacy.

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