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Judaism is not Jewish:A friendly critique of the Messianic MovementMessianic Jews?JUDAISM IS NOT JEWISH: Although this book is aimed at Messianic Jews, and those tempted in that direction, it will have a wider appeal and usefulness. The author, a Jewish Christian pastor who lives in Israel, is concerned about those Jews who, professing faith in Jesus as Messiah, still cling to Judaistic religious language and practices. What is of even greater concern in some ways is the fact that many well-meaning Gentiles are moving in that direction, for a variety of motives. Baruch Maoz is wholeheartedly and proudly Jewish, but rejects the Rabbinic teaching which, he believes, threatens the purity of the gospel, much as it did in the apostle Paul's day. He believes it is right for Jewish Christians to remain Jews and sees no problem in them observing Jewish national festivals and practices, but warns against those Jewish religious activities which compromise the gospel. After a Preface, two Forewords, and a chapter entitled 'Foundations', the book is divided into two sections. Section A contains a 'Theological Assessment' of the Messianic Jewish situation. This begins by seeking to answer a series of key questions, such as, 'Should we preach the Gospel to Jewish people? The Argument from Galatians: Do Jews remain Jews Once They Are Converted to Messiah? How can Jews remain Jews without Denying the Gospel?' The remainder of this section is in two parts. The first part deals with the Messianic Covenant by expounding key passages in Hebrews, Ephesians, Colossians and Acts. The second part discusses Rabbinic Customs in some detail. This section is the heart of the book. Section B is somewhat smaller and is entitled, 'A Practical Assessment'. Six Appendixes follow, and there is a useful - and necessary for Gentile readers - Glossary. A six-page Bibliography, a Scripture Index and a Subject Index complete this thorough work. The argument of the book is cogently but sympathetically presented and should do much, if its message is heeded, to ward off a possible Judaistic disaster such as the apostle Paul faced. Anyone interested in work among Jews would benefit from it, and preachers could find some of the expositions of key passages very refreshing. Stanley Jebb,
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