The warmed, recycled air of the plane was like a tunnel between two tundras, Misha Kapilov* reflected as he disembarked. Gone were the sights and sounds of the life he had left behind, first in Kiev, then in Israel.
Bienvenue au Canada read the sign as the frigid air pulled him into the terminal with an urgency. Passport control. Luggage. Waiting area. And there she was: Aunt Katya. Smiling, waving vigorously, and very welcoming, she eagerly stepped forward to take her 17-year-old immigrant nephew under her wing. All Misha really knew about his father’s sister was that Aunt Katya had “converted” to Christianity, but his ambiguous understanding of religion made his aunt’s choice a complete non-issue.
As they drove down the broad highways of Toronto, Misha reveled in his newfound destination. The scenery was different here; the air rich with promise. The houses were beautiful and spacious. He had come to Canada to seek his fortune, and find it he would.
There was a large pot of soup waiting on the stove in Aunt Katya’s modest two-bedroom apartment, and a bed turned down especially for her nephew. They sat down to eat and Misha became aware of keen eyes watching him. And then, gently but bluntly, Aunt Katya lay down the house rules. One rule, actually, stunningly simple:
“If you believe in and pray to Jesus, then you are welcome in my home,” she told him.
The converse was glaringly implicit.
It wasn't the belief in Christianity that was untenable, it was the demand to believe in any God at all.
Misha Kapilov had a big problem. Up until now, religion had been a rather trivial chapter in his life. Russia certainly hadn’t offered him anything of faith, and his brief year in Israel had only served up a large helping of hypocrisy and cynical anti-religious indoctrination. If he found Aunt Katya’s terms untenable it was not because she was demanding his belief in Christianity, but because she was demanding that he believe in any God at all, a repulsive offense to Misha’s self-proclaimed atheism.
But free room and board was nothing to sneeze at for an immigrant boy fresh off the boat. So he promised he’d try and, like a good little nephew, he grudgingly accompanied Aunt Katya to… synagogue.
Well, at first glance it certainly looked like a synagogue, with a rabbi cloaked in a tallit and one of those arks that housed the Torah scrolls like he blurrily remembered seeing once as a child. There were congregants with skullcaps and prayer books, and everyone wished him “Shabbat Shalom” and stayed to shmooze afterward during kiddush. Young Misha was pleasantly surprised by the warm atmosphere and the after-services get-togethers where the friendly community made him feel welcome and invited him to come back again the next week.
Misha thought it was odd how Aunt Katya, a professed Christian, permitted herself the sacrilegious practice of praying in a synagogue. But her strange practice was soon resolved when he came to understand that “Yeshua HaMashiach,” abundantly referred to in the prayer texts and other parts of the “synagogue” service was none other than Jesus, father of Christianity. He was surprised and a bit aghast. After all, hadn’t Papa told him that Jews didn’t believe in Jesus?
It didn’t take long till dear Aunt Katya threw him out of her house forever, in disappointment over his failure to “believe.” But Misha continued to attend Sabbath services at Congregation Melech Yeshua on his own – if just for the sense of belonging. Very soon he became a valued member of the “synagogue.” It satisfied his craving for friendship and closed the hole of loneliness. With sincere and loving persistence, Misha’s fellow congregants demonstrated to him how Jews were meant to believe in Yeshua., bringing "proof" from Messianic texts. With time, the former atheist became a passionate advocate of these Jews for Jesus.
Unexpected Invitation
Parkdale was once populated by the wealthy upper-class. Today, it has the faded look of an expensive ball gown left crumpled in a garbage bin for many years, with cats and rodents nesting in its once-delicate hems. The crumbling apartment complexes tower above the dank alleyways where pursuits of a variety of illicit activities are the norm. Crime is to Parkdale as salt is to soup; a diverse landscape of immigrants, panhandlers, and a motley group of patients released from the psychiatric hospital that closed its doors a number of years ago.
Toronto’s Parkdale district was not the fortune Misha had sought. Having been exiled from Aunt Katya’s, he found himself trapped in the seedy but affordable slums. Misha wanted out, and intervention from a Power he did not yet fully comprehend obliged.
“You’re looking for an apartment?” a friend of his parents from the Old Country asked, when they bumped into each other one day. He scratched his chin. “I know someone with an apartment for rent. I’ll give you her number.” And that’s how Misha met Mr. and Mrs. Sheiner.
“You looking for an apartment?” Olga Sheiner peered at the tall, skinny boy before her with a mixture of dismay and motherly affection, her Russian-accented English thick like the fragrant smells that wafted from her kitchen on this Friday afternoon.
Misha dutifully took a tour of the basement apartment but with disappointment he realized that his ticket out of Parkdale was not located at this particular address.
“Thank you,” he told Mrs. Sheiner, “But it’s not for me…”
She nodded with disapproving approval. He was on his way out the door. They would likely never meet again. It was Friday afternoon. He was a Jewish boy, that much was apparent. Should she reach out to him? Would he spurn the offer? Would it even matter? She wiped her hands on her apron and shrugged inwardly. It was a long shot, but so was David’s when he attempted to defeat the giant Goliath.
“Y’know, it’s Friday afternoon,” Olga said. “You’re already here in my house. Why don’t you stay for Shabbos?”
A look of surprise crossed the teenager’s face. Stay for the entire Shabbos with this obviously religious couple? Rather absurd. But how could one argue with the tempting scents that emanated from the stove, and his miserable flat in Parkdale made the modest Sheiner home look like a palace. Besides, a full Shabbos together would enable him to proselytize to these noble yet uninformed Jews about the beauty and dazzling truth of ‘Yeshua.’ Misha nodded his consent.
They almost choked on their soup, but the Sheiners contained their horror.
Over golden chicken soup and crisp potato kugel, the Sheiners were treated to a fifth course – on Messianic Judaism. Earnestly, Misha explained to them how essential it was for Jews to believe in the Christian “savior” in order to be forgiven for their sins and to ensure their share in the World to Come.
They almost choked on their soup, but the Sheiners contained their horror. Calmly and patiently they explained to a surprised Misha that they were quite comfortable in their current belief system and were not interested in adding another deity to their lives. They did not berate him, engage him, or laugh at him. Misha left that Saturday night with a full stomach and an intriguing invitation to meet a friend of the Sheiners who, they said, was potentially interested in the “wares” he peddled.
The Anti-Missionary
Julius Ciss is a man you don't forget. The only thing more towering than Julius’ 6-foot-6 height is his gentle presence and affable love of all Jews. Julius founded Jews for Judaism, the anti-missionary organization in Toronto several years after he, himself, was saved from the clutches of a deep, five-year involvement with the very same Congregation Melech Yeshua that Misha attended. It was this gentle giant whom Olga Sheiner urgently contacted as soon as Misha left her house.
“You must get in touch with this boy,” she told Julius, “or he will be lost and bring others down with him.”
Julius was hesitant. In his line of work he had seen enough to know that true counter-missionary success only came from those who initiated contact on their own, expressing interest in hearing the other side of the story. By calling Misha directly he was worried that the young man would be put off and an opportunity would be squandered. But Olga persisted.
“You’ve got to call him,” she ordered. “He’ll never call you.”
So Julius called Misha.
The two spoke for many hours and the conversation was pleasant, and thought-provoking. Julius talked to Misha about his aspirations, his friends, and his experiences in Canada, and he took a genuine interest in Misha’s wellbeing. The two definitely clicked.
Eventually, the conversation drifted to Misha’s belief in Christianity. Julius’s approach was non-threatening and non-judgmental. He didn’t want to come on too strong; all he wanted was to push the door open a crack to ensure further conversations. He spoke with Misha about the importance of being intellectually honest about his decision to embrace Christianity. Julius talked about the paramount importance of making an informed decision in every area of life. “When you cross the street, you don’t just look one way; you look both ways! How much more so if you cross a spiritual street,” he said.
Jews who embrace Christianity seldom ask why Judaism rejects the claim of Jesus as the messiah.
Julius told Misha that Jews who embrace Christianity seldom ask themselves why Judaism rejects the Christian claim that Jesus is the messiah. Misha agreed that he didn’t actually know the Jewish perspective on belief in Jesus. Julius invited him meet later that week to talk about it and to learn more. Misha was intrigued with his gentle but on-target arguments, and agreed to explore the issue further.
Before he called again, Julius embarked upon a furious mission: to find Misha an apartment. He knew that finding a healthy Jewish environment where Misha would feel nurtured and supported was key in giving him the chance to leave his messianic community.
A New Home
Iris and Harold Kaufman, parents of five, are legendary in the Toronto community for their hospitality, tzedakah, and boundless kindness. Their warm, easygoing personalities – not to mention their vacant, beautiful basement apartment for rent – made them ideal candidates for taking in Misha. Even better, Harold was very active with Aish HaTorah – which meant he could introduce Misha to the vibrant Aish community in Toronto.
It was not a simple decision for the Kaufmans to take in a young, messianic teenager. Far from being a tenant, Misha would become part of the family, where the impressionable minds of the five Kaufman children, similar in age to Misha, would be subjected to his devout messianic doctrine. But after careful deliberation and consultation with their rabbi, Iris and Harold gave Julius the green light and a joyful Julius notified Misha that he’d found him the greatest apartment ever. Misha soon became a well-integrated part of the Kaufman family. Misha had finally found a true home.
What ensued was a battle for truth. Misha describes it like this: “I would tell Julius what the people at the Jews for J synagogue were teaching from their proof texts. Julius would refute it. I would go back to my people with Julius’ refutations and they would counter-refute what Julius was saying. These I would take back to Julius to see what he had to say about them. But Julius had all the answers.”
Like a buoy fighting the undertow desperately trying to touch the sky, Misha fought bravely through the doctrine he had been taught and the diametrically opposed belief system Julius offered him. And like that indomitable buoy, Misha emerged victorious.
It was difficult for his friends at Congregation Melech Yeshua to see him slip away after all the time, effort, and genuine friendship they had invested in him. Especially at the hands of one of their former members! When the messianic rabbi ran out of answers with which to refute Julius’s convincing arguments, he fixed Misha with a penetrating look and warned him, “That Julius is the devil.”
“Julius is the devil,” the messianic rabbi sneered.
This grim statement, intended to strike fear in the heart of the conflicted boy, backfired and had a rebound effect. Misha had come to know Julius very well – as a person and as a counter-missionary, and he was quite certain that the kind and loving Julius was far from the devil. He realized that the messianic rabbi had come up against a brick wall. And so had Misha who decided to begin a new chapter in his life.
Misha enrolled in CHAT, a local Jewish high school, and began learning more about his heritage. Today, 19 years later, Misha lives with his wife, Rachel and their two children, in the Toronto community where he is an active member of Aish HaTorah. He has helped Julius in his anti-missionary activities and speaks freely of the incredible Divine providence that brought him from a steep, slippery slope to the joyous pinnacle of observant Judaism.
For Misha, all it took was a hesitatingly proffered Shabbos invitation to launch a dramatic transformation in his life and future descendants. God’s mysterious ways often involve His creations – regular, ordinary, busy people who rise to the challenge and reach out to others. One act of kindness can forever alter another person’s destiny.
* All names, except Julius Ciss, have been changed. This true story occurred 19 years ago when the messianic congregation described in the article was under different leadership than it is today.
Julius Ciss is an Aish alumnus. He can be reached at Jews for Judaism julius@jewsforjudaism.ca in Toronto.
JEWS FOR JUDAISM counters the multi-million dollar efforts of Christian missionary and cult groups that target Jews for conversion, by offering free educational programs, materials and counselling services. http://www.jewsforjudaism.ca/
(40) jim, December 7, 2016 1:19 AM
met such online 10 years ago
always fishing for a convert, dead or alive!
(39) Anonymous, December 4, 2016 5:55 PM
I too came back from the Jews For Jesus Community
They were warm and welcoming and we valued the friendship and community. Growing up in an Orthodox home, the name Jesus was never mentioned. I had very little knowledge of Christianity. The recruiters from JFJ presented Jesus to me as a secret that was hidden from me that would fulfill the mission of the Jews.
He quoted the mis-translation "Kiss the son lest he be angry" as one of the proofs of Jesus. They did not push the Son of God part. Just that accepting Jesus would wash away your sins and you would be saved. My comment was" that;s it? just say "I accept Jesus" and all is forgiven and you are saved/reborn innocent and guaranteed eternal life? Yes they said. Ok then poof. I remained skeptical that this was too easy and observed people "backsliding", which is how they characterized doing bad things. But all was forgiven. One of those backsliders, I learned later had seduced my girlfriend and had an affair behind my back. Thank you Jesus.
I like the songs and the short service (no more than an hour) and the friendship.
My Mother asked Chabad to intervene and they hooked us up with a hippie Jew that I could relate to and in our discussions I began to see the illogic and inconsistencies of the JFJ line
For instance translating Bar as son. That is in aramaic. In hebrew Naskoo Bar Pen Yenaff Did not refer to kissing the son. Neshek is armor and bar in hebrew is purity. The correct translation is Gird yourself with Purity lest you be consumed. An exact refutation of the Jews for Jesus movement. lol
(38) michael swanger, November 19, 2014 7:07 PM
the Christian Bible
in their old testament does not read like the Jewish bible in many areas. They have purposely spun some verses to point to their man god called Jesus. For many years I also did not realize this. Now I can see why Jews who have little or no knowledge of Torah can get caught up in this web of deceit. I intend to publish a book on the Christian new testament and point out the flaws and outright lies. In searching for info I have bantered with 3 Christian pastors who hold Ph.d's in Religion/Theology and not a one of them will admit to any errors in their KJV bible and in fact are quite arrogant in their attitude towards me by telling me I am ignorant and hold no degrees in religion. I currently have published 2 books, my latest is : The Mirror available online. I might also add that the Jews need to recognize the subtle ways in which Christians psychologically terrorize the Jews
Mike, December 4, 2016 5:49 PM
please publish
Your book is very, very important. By all means, proceed! I would defintitely support you (e.g. on Patreon)!
(37) Shani, May 31, 2010 3:19 AM
So glad you shared this!
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I'm thankful Misha investigated his beliefs further. I'd also like to say that most Christians seem to be totally unaware of the mistranslations Paul used in his writings, besides not truly knowing what Jews do believe. Who would tell them. Even their highly educated leaders, for the most part, don't know. People in much of the world, especially American cultures, are so immersed in the Christian culture that they have difficulty finding out or understanding that some of the Christian beliefs are untrue, such as the virgin birth. Besides being a mistranslation, saying that someone was born from a virgin was a way of saying that the person was special spiritually. The idea of a virgin birth was not limited to Christianity. Also, the idea that Jews killed J.C., the Christians' "diety," doesn't ring true for several reasons. First, it was the Romans who crucified him, mainly because they were worried about him leading a Jewish uprising. Second, as a "diety" and "the son" of a god, surely J.C. or his heavenly father could have stopped his death if they'd wanted to. Third, if he hadn't died somehow, some way, how could Christians claim that his dying was a plan by their god to save all humankind? My research tells me that J.C. was not the Jewish messiah because he did not meet the Jewish criteria for Moshiach. He apparently never claimed to be anyone other than a teacher, a Hebrew rabbi. It was Paul who presented him as the holy messiah and when he took his idea to the local Jews, they rejected it. So Paul targeted his claim to gentiles, playing on their guilt from pagan sins and their desire to be "chosen" instead of the Jews. Nobody today needs to wonder why the Jews rejected Jesus as the Moshiach. There is plenty of information for those who will look for it rather than just wonder.
Ann, March 11, 2012 1:09 PM
The Trouble With Rome
Shani, thank you for raising the issue of Paul. I have long contended that it was Paul who started "the church," not Jesus, and Paul who packaged Jesus as a deity to market him to the Greeks and please the Romans. Jesus was a Jew and for that he deserves our respect. If he could see what happened after his Roman assassination, I think he would weep. All in his name? Hardly.
(36) Chaim, May 23, 2010 7:12 AM
So What?!
What do we care who is running the messianic congregation?! They are still jews for j?!
(35) s, May 21, 2010 7:22 PM
Ben, there is a religious Jewish group on some campuse called JLIC Jewish learning inniatiative on Campus :)
Anonymous, December 4, 2016 5:32 PM
JLI - Rohr institute is legitimate
They offer classes conducted by a rebbe that use Jewish teachings to explore modern concepts, dilemmas and challenges.
(34) Ben, February 18, 2010 7:00 PM
Nice story but I think the already religious community is forgotton...
I live in a religious neighborhood and go to a college with hundreds of religious Jewish students. I know how it sounds but I feel like the religious are completely forgotten. There are not many Rabbis around unless you are without a kipa, eating non-kosher, and not affiliating with religion. There are Yeshivot but it is like a business or class: you learn and leave. People don't care and you can go weeks without a Rabbi caring how you are. It is truly sad. I don't know how to combat it but many people that used to be religious no longer affiliate with the religious because they feel like it is a cold and isolated sect. I am FFB but feel like there isn't much left to be interested in. Logically and Spiritually it may make sense but the people sure are nothing special...
Anonymous, June 25, 2013 7:01 PM
I'm sorry that is happening to you -
check out Chabad. They are special and so are you - and all Jews.
Miriam, December 5, 2016 5:39 PM
You know how when you go on Aish a Rabbi comes on who wants to chat?
Why not answer him back and tell him you'd like to connect with a Rabbi? Maybe he can set you up with someone who can teach you and invite you for Shabbos. Best of luck.
(33) Anonymous, February 7, 2010 5:42 PM
JESUS, NOT THE JEWISH MESSIAH
ANONYMOUS #23, YONASON HAD SUCH A GREAT RESPONSE. ONE VERY SIMPLE ANSWER TO THAT JESUS IS NOT THE JEWISH MESSIAH IS THAT THE JEWS DID NOT VERIFY THAT HE WAS THE JEWISH MESSIAH. A JEWISH MESSIAH IS A MESSIAH FOR THE JEWS. THE GENTILES PICKED JESUS TO BE THEIR MESSIAH, JESUS WOULD BE CALLED THE GENTILE MESSIAH, NOT THE JEWISH MESSIAH. THE JEWISH OFFICIALS NEVER CANONIZED JESUS AS BEING THE JEWISH MESSIAH, SO HE IS NOT THE JEWISH MESSIAH. THE SCRIPTURES THAT J FOR J QUOTE IS A MESSIAH FOR THE JEWISH PEOPLE, A DELIVERER FOR THE JEWISH PEOPLE. SINCE THE CHURCH HAS MADE JESUS THEIR MESSIAH, JESUS IS NOT THE JEWISH MESSIAH. AND FOR 2000 YEARS THAT IS THE PROOF. THAT WOULD BE LIKE SAYING MUHAMMAD IS THE CHRISTIAN'S MESSIAH, EVEN THOUGH THE OFFICIALS (VATICAN) DIDN'T CANONIZE HIM, BUT A GROUP OF PEOPLE STARTS SAYING HE IS, DOESN'T MAKE MUHAMMAD THE CHRISTIAN'S MESSIAH. THE SAME IS TRUE WITH THE GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT SAYS JESUS IS THE JEWISH MESSIAH, DOESN'T MAKE HIM SO, JUST BECAUSE THEY SAY HE IS. ALSO THE TANAKH WAS WRITTEN BY HEBREW PEOPLE FOR THE HEBREW PEOPLE AND WAS WRITTEN IN HEBREW. THE PROPHETS WOULDN'T OF BEEN PROPHESYING ABOUT A GENTILE MESSIAH, FOR THE GENTILE PEOPLE. MESSIANIC JUDAISM, IS A PROTESTANT DENOMINATION. IT IS ONLY COMMON SENSE THAT JESUS IS NOT THE JEWISH MESSIAH, THE JEWISH PEOPLE NEVER MADE HIM TO BE THAT OFFICIALLY. WHY? BECAUSE HE WASN'T!
(32) Patrick Labbe, February 7, 2010 1:28 PM
Very inspirational
As a person who was not raised in a Jewish home, at 50 years old I went through a formal conversation. I was seperated from Jewish parents at birth and adopted and raised Roman Catholic. I have returned home to my people. Christianity offers blatant false hope for the Jew. There is scant little evidence that Jesus even existed. No contemporary mentions of Jesus have been found, I am just glad to be home.,
(31) TPerel, February 5, 2010 12:53 PM
Amaaaaazing!
Thank you for the inspiring story! Misha went through hard times, but HaShem's hashgacha was there all the way, may it continue to be so!
(30) Misha*, February 5, 2010 3:34 AM
Answers to comments (part 2)
To "Where is the meat". Thank you for your comments. First of all the story is true. And if you would like, I can connect with you live (you can contact me via Julius's email posted at the end of the story) Second, in terms of arguments presented, I agree with other comments that there is a lot of literature on this subject posted on the Jewsforjudaism.org website or other sites and books mentioned in the comments. However, in general terms, for me, it started with the belief in G-d, not unlike your belief. But if there is, as you clailm, a good and evil in the world and it is our free will to choose between them, how can we do so without knowing what is Good and what is Evil? Both, Hitler and Sadam Hussein deeply believed in G-d and believed what their were doing was Good. And, if there is no universal set of morality by which our actions are judged, who is to they were wrong? So I came to the conclusion that the Creator had to have this "universal morality", this yardstick by which you can distinguish between Good and Evil, an instruction manual if you will (after all if a toaster oven comes with instructions, how can the greatest creation of the world, the world itself, made by the greatest creator of the world, come without them?!) . Once I came to this realization, I had to search out for myself (which I invlite you to do as well) what is the true "world use instructions" which G-d had given to human kind? Part of this search is described above. The conclusion I came to, after everything I learned, and having been honest with myself, is that the Torah is that Instruction Manual. But everyone must find the answer for himself.
(29) Misha*, February 5, 2010 2:52 AM
Response to some of the comments
I am the Misha* from the story . I would like to respond to some of the questions here. First to (2)Rachel about Israeli Orthodox community (and thank you for your kind words). I could not relate to the Orthodox community in Israel, at least the community I was exposed to at the time. Also, it was a different stage in my life, the time when I was a carefree teenager, not necessaraily looking to find the meaning of life. Canada was an entirely different picture. Due to my life circumstances I had to grow up really quickly. With maturity came the search for truth, the search for meaning. Hence, the above story. The orthodox community I was exposed to here was entirely different from my Israeli experience. I found the people I met to be real and dow to earth, who were participating in the world at large. I was able to find common ground and relate to them. Now about Christianity in general (to Margaret (16) and Anonomous (6) ). I feel no resentment or anger towards Christianity or inidvidual Christians. Most Christians I meet today do not attempt to convert me or anyone else. In fact, my personal belief is that Christianity and Islam are both part of G-d's plan to bring the whole world to the belief in one G-d in prepartion of coming of the Messiah, and the plan is working (for the most part). However, there is a large group which is very openly proseletyzing Jews using the deceptive tactics of appearing authentically Jewish. For a Jew there can be no other way but to remain true to his/her Judaism - the Bible commands us so (read more about it at jewsforjudiasm.org). These people are the ones that the rest of the organized Christianity should exclude from their midst if Jews and Christians ever to have a constructive dialogue. In my next post I'll answer to "where is the meat"
(28) Rochelle, February 4, 2010 11:07 AM
Wonderful piece and beautifully written.
Thank you.
(27) Dale, February 4, 2010 12:52 AM
been there done that
Been there, done that. I am jewish by birth and was raised in a church , 12 years ago my family rediscovered our faith and found one of those chuches in jewish clothing, we were there for about 3 years and were told that if we wanted to get deeper into Torah it was a waste of time. we did not need ot know more because they had all the answers. I can sum my understanding of most churchs as follows "say the magic words and you will live forever no matter what you do now or how you live" I could not subcribe to a faith based on saying magic words, when the words change from between denominations. My entire family went through mikva and we now live as Torah observant Jews. My brothers do not speak to me about religion and my mother still sends our daughter in Jerusalem tracts from her church. but we know we have come back to our true home. We need to teach our young people what it means to be jewish so they will know the truth when asked to say the magic words.
(26) Julius Ciss, Jews for Judaism, February 3, 2010 6:07 PM
FREE books on the Jewish Response to Missionaries.
On Feb 3/10, Anonymous wrote “Why do Jews believe that Jesus is NOT the Jewish Messiah?” The ongoing dialogue that I had with Misha, in the story above, took dozens of hours over many weeks and encompassed a multitude of traditional Jewish arguments against the claims of Christianity. It would be impossible to delineate this in a simple paragraph. But Aish did offer Anonymous an ‘Editor’s Note” on Why Jews don't believe in Jesus at: http://www.aish.com/jw/s/48892792.html. I highly recommend it for a good, consice overview. Sometimes, all the arguments in the world cannot compete against the incredible ‘love-bombing’ that one may experience when missionaries are determined to win you over. And that ‘love-bombing’ can be very genuine and refreshing to a lonely Jewish person, like Misha, who may have no connection with Judaism. When depressed, one might easily respond to anyone who shows unconditional love... be it a Missionary, Cult or New Age recruiters. And it happens all the time. We have to exceed in showing love to our fellow Jews, as Olga did, so that missionaries and cults don’t get to them before we do. If anyone wants more information on “Why do Jews believe that Jesus is NOT the Jewish Messiah?” I am happy to send a variety of FREE books and pamphlets, via email including Choose Life, by Rick Halpern, The Jewish Response to Missionaries, by Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz, Missionary Impossible, by Rabbi Michael Skobac, Jews and Jewish Christianity, by David Berger and Michael Whschogrod, The DaVinci Code: A Jewish Perspective, by Rabbi Michael Skobac, The Real Messiah, by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan and You Are My Witnesses, by Rabbi Yisroel C. Blumenthal. julius@jewsforjudaism.org
(25) Mark G., February 3, 2010 5:09 PM
Good book on this topic
A good book length discussion of this is 'Why the Jews Rejected Jesus'. It came out several years ago and is out now as an affordable paperback. It is written for a general audience and has a considerable amount of very objective history.
(24) Yonason, February 3, 2010 3:08 PM
Where's the meat?
Anonymous, The Torah has your answer. As a former Christain and now Orthodox Jew, I did not know the Torah. Only when I thought about the Sacrafice of Jesus which is critical to Christian theology did it hit me. Man is not a Kosher sacrifice because he has neither a split hoof nor chews the cud. All sacrifices can also be eaten. That disqualifies Jesus as a Kosher sacrifice. It would even disqualify HaShem as a sacrifice. Nothing about the crufix of Jesus has anything to do with what the Torah says is Kosher for sacrifice. I will not worship a non Kosher sacrifice. I am grateful to Torah for laying out the qualifications for the Pesach sacrifice so you can guard against the false image given by Christians.
(23) Anonymous, February 3, 2010 5:57 AM
I agree that the meat is missing!
Herbert Lazarus articulated my thought exactly when he asked what were the specific arguments presented by each side in their efforts to convince Misha? What was the brick wall that so stymied the Messianic Rabbi? I wonder if aish.com and/or Julius Ciss will ever actually answer the questions that Mr. Lazarus and I (and surely many others are so curiousl;y craving the answers to.I am a devout Jew through and through, and I've been to both Jews for Jesus' website and Jews for Judaism's website and I myself remain confused as to how to answer the following question....Why do Jews believe that Jesus is NOT the Jewish Messiah? Please, somebody, take the time to give me a few short answers to this question so that I can be ready for the Messianic Jews and Christians when they inevitably approach and target me for assimilation. Please, someone send me some info here before I loose my mind trying to debate the issues that I'm not really sure are even reality or historically based. Oy Vey! Instead of sending me proof that Jesus is the Messiah, what I am asking for is proof that Jesus is NOT the Moshiach. Can you dig it? Shalom!:) EDITOR'S NOTE: For one detailed explanation why Jews don't believe in Jesus, visit this aish.com article: http://www.aish.com/jw/s/48892792.html
(22) Dena, February 2, 2010 8:53 PM
"True Christians" always claim all others are not Christians...
In response to the nice woman who mentioned that today's "True" Christians do not hold the aniti-Jewish or Israel views she is concerned Jews may think Christian do - I must suggest that historically each generation of Christians has drawn lines between those who believed like them (the "True" faithful) and those who were woefully wrong or hell-bound for not believing like them. Fewer than 19 years before I was born, "True" Christians often saw no problem with denying equal rights to Jews in this country and denying the right to life at all in Europe. Being a child of a Jewish mother and an a Christian father, I have spent years being lectured by well-meaning "True" Christinans who have always believed we killed their god and are hell-bound if we don't accept their faith (and sometimes even if we do). The idea of supporting Jews and the State of Israel is new in the past thirty years and when the surface is scratched iit is often found to be essential to these new "True" Christians because if we Jews don't go back to Israel, their Christian messiah doesn't return and bring about Armageddon (in which usually only 144,000 Jews actually get to survive) and finally bring a new perfect Jew-free (yudenrein no matter how nicely you phrase it)world to come! I have family in both worlds, Jewish and goyisher, but never have I ever heard from a Jew that a goy needs to give up their religion in order to be "saved", and never have I heard a Jew deny that another Jew is one of us - whether we agree about keeping Torah or not. We are, whether we like it or not all responsible to each other and can't tell the world, don't blame us if our brother does something wrong, he's not a "True" Jew! That is a refraim historically that only belongs to Christians.
(21) Chana, February 2, 2010 5:26 PM
All It Takes
All it takes is a moment of our time to have a lifelong impact on our fellow Jew. Reach out with sensitivity and caring. It costs little and the benefits continue to grow for generations.
(20) Anonymous, February 2, 2010 2:03 PM
Response to lack of meat
I can assure you the story is true, since I know the people involved. I believe the point of the story is to wake up awareness, not to go through all the arguments of J for J. That's why there is contact information for Julius Ciss at the bottom. Jews for Judaism can provide you with such arguments--it is in that sort of forum where you can expect to find the discussions, not in a story that is supposed to wake up awareness.
(19) Anonymous, February 2, 2010 4:57 AM
Ciss understands human nature
An artist's eye sees the spiritual beauty as well as physical nuances. Julius is a world-class artist as well, who illustrates with a rare depth of understanding. His "Pesach table" is a classic and "Obstacle Illusions" is a"maz"ing. Kol Hakavod!
(18) Herbert Lazarus, February 1, 2010 10:40 PM
The meat is missing
This is indeed a very interesting story. I assume it is true. The most important part of the story has blithely been omitted. That is, what are the specific arguments presented by each side in their efforts to convince Misha that only their faith is the true faith. The only bit of real substance in the whole story was that the Messianc rabbi told Misha that Julius represented the devil. That indeed was a very weak argument for his cause and would likely dissuade most thinking people. Hence you appeat to have provided only the weakest part of his argument. The story says the Messianic rabbi finally hit a brick wall in attempting to counter Julius' arguments. What was the brick wall that so stymied the Messianic rabbi? What actually were the specific arguments made by each side in its effort to convince Misha? Without that the story maintains a fairytale quality. I am a Jew, but neither Messianic nor orthodox. I am not a secular Jew either, because I am a firm believer in God, but I think all human beings stem from the same Creator and that His/Her ways are beyond the ken of mankind and must remain, at least in this life, a complete mystery. I think there is good and evil in this world and that mankind has the free will to choose between them. Am I wrong? If you think so, tell me why. Better yet, be fair and present the arguments that were proffered by each side.
(17) Anonymous, February 1, 2010 9:59 PM
"Wonders" are everywhere
I simply could not bear to read this article. I will reserve that for later, as just a few hours ago, a very "earnest," seeming Indian Muslim, attempted to "convince" me about the "Truth" of Islam. Being polite, I attempted to find commonlalities in Abraham. However, I drew the line at "Israel" as I am studying and in no mood for balony.In any case, this "earnest" person quizzzed me relentless about the finer points of Torah. I explained, that I was not a scholar of torah etc. He glossed over the terrorism, the death to "Jews" everywhere, the imminent threat to Israel, and the ongoing vitriolic attack on Jews everywhere. I did not share my true opinions of his "superior truth" which is his "faith", as he said that the "truth of Islam" needed to be spread worlld-wide - it was a responsibility. The connection to "Jews for the christian G-d" is the same, it is annoying beyond belief, aggravating in an irritating, gravelling way, that nothing can erase. The sheer arrogance, stupidity, and lack of respect for other people's paths is stupendous - so is this bird-brain (I am insulting birds, sorry). Proselytizers should do like Jehovah's, hang out at the street corner, and stop harrassing, deeply bugging people. Lying, blatantly about what one is about is also not very intelligent. Yet, the "truth" of these proselytzers, very often has nothing to do with facts and reality. How anyone could fall for J for J is simply mind-boggling! If people are so desperate, make a baloney sandwhich, there are Kosher ones available.
(16) Margaret, February 1, 2010 7:36 PM
Are all Christians the same?
I have read the story with interest and a bit of sadness. I am glad for Misha who was finally able to find the community which was right for him and which was his true spiritual home. As a Christian, however ,I am a bit worried with the strong, very general statements regarding our religion(s). True Christians believe that all Jewish people are " the first chosen " of our Creator. In the same way that the Jewish people are allowing that the Almighty will accept non-Jews who are living in a righteous way. In a way, when practised in a right way, both religions have alot in common and both call for practise of "the golden rule". Please, think about it when you ponder on the terrible injustice and suffering that is going on in the world today. We need to work together and support each other to make the world a better place.
(15) , February 1, 2010 5:08 PM
A Good Explanation for Russians
One of the most frequently quoted passages the missionaries use is Isaiah 7:14. Their translation translates "almah" as virgin. The root cause of that is the Septuagint which did the same. That's because the Greek language at the time did not distinguish between virging and "young woman". Hebrew speakers know that "almah" should be translated as "young woman" as the word for "virgin" is b'tulah. The reason this is an area that should be addressed with Russian speakers is because of a similar use of language. The Russian word "dyebooshkah" means both "young woman" and "virgin". Explaining the translation problem to any Russian should be easy.
(14) Peggy J. Knox, February 1, 2010 3:58 PM
An exception
In a local Baptist church was a sign for a concert with the word Ineeded in it--free. When I sat down, I was handed a phamplet that was about converting Jews to Chrisianity. the man of the couple came up to me to say hello, and I told him he had no right to do that, that I would put nothing in the offering plate, and if he wanted me to, I would leave. He asked me if I was Jewish and I told him no. The concert was Christian music in Hebrew, and afterward, he extended an nvittion for refreshments and conversation. I knew what ws coming, but I also knew I could hold my own and even introduce an idea or two. The conversation of Q & A went on for about ten minutes, when he said, "You're a Jew. You talk like a Jew, question, like a Jew. You need to go to the synagogue. I don't care that you were raised in church. You are a Jew! On the following Friday, I went to a service at the synagogue having no idea about what the service was like. I felt like I had come home. I also knew I would be in trouble with my family, especially my father, but I could not go back to the church. It just didn't feel right. I studied for 2 and a half years before I went to the mikva, because Judaism is a different belief system than Christianity, and I had to be sure I believed what I was being taught, and I knew I would be disowned once I converted. Yhe dy I went to the mikvah was one of my happiest, and for my family, one of their saddest. I was disowned until my father ws dying. Then he sent for me, and of course I came. I wear a star of David that my father gave to me, though he could little afford it. He thought I was going through a stage--I was 40; he was 80. On his deathbed, I knew that my father had finally come to accept my decison. I am a Jew.
(13) Michael, February 1, 2010 12:59 PM
Typical Quarry
J 4 J & messy-antics typically hunt unaffiliated or secular Jews as their quarry. Jews who never connected w/ Judaism due to lack of spirituality in the shuls they grew up in. I grew up in one of those reform shuls where a "good Jew" was a rich Jew. I fell prey to messy-antics in late 1998. In 1 year, I was long gone from there & have been a Baal Teshuva. I have become orthodox & observant. I left all that messy-antic drek behind. I have to say that I owe the dirty, rotten scoundrels a debt of grattitude. I connected to Torah & HaShem. I may never have done so otherwise. I also believe they are the biggest threat to Judaism. They dupe Jews to believe Christianity is a logical follow-up to Judaism. Far from it, it's blatant idolatry.
(12) shirlee, February 1, 2010 3:33 AM
Thank God for Julius, it was great reading about this. Too, many Jews are leaving our religion and that is sad. I am glad Misha left his Aunt Katya and her church.
(11) Malkie, February 1, 2010 3:28 AM
What a story
What a beautiful story, and beautifully written!
(10) D.K. Milgrim-Heath, February 1, 2010 3:28 AM
Crossing A Spiritual Street
Crossing A Definite Spiritual Street By D.K.Milgrim-Heath Crossing a definite spiritual street- A religious exploration - is yours complete? To understand any religion do study it every day- Can usage of religious truth be seen in every way? Why do centuries of Jews think the ways they think? Have they really found the true Godly missing link? To us Torah is completely and truly a centrality- As we go through life feeling that Jewish mentality. Sure people have tried also to convert me- I stand proud so my conversion failed to be! I of Jewish heritage biblically proud and pure- Will never have any changes happen and for what for?
(9) Beverly Kurtin, February 1, 2010 3:20 AM
They're dangerous
Christians have the unmitigated gall to think that their "messiah" will not come until all Jews have converted to their religion. Furthering their gall, they believe that they are the only "true" religion and unless you believe as they do you will go to an everlasting burning hell where sinners are punished for eternity. I call Christianity a "fire escape" religion because of that. Just believe in Jesus and you will be "saved" from hell. The Jews for Judaism site, jewesforjudaism.org, had excellent counter-missionary information. Also I use the site whatjewsbelieve.org which has a listing of What Jews Believe. The best and ONLY counter to missionaries is EDUCATION of Jews young and old else we'll disappear.
(8) Yechielshlipshon, February 1, 2010 1:53 AM
WE have no reason to fear the J for J messionaries
I engage them on line, and challenge their view, as to the need for a Jew to change gods. I emphasize that it is more to His sliking for us to respect each other, and to work together, not to distort a Jew's belief, as this shall impair both, the impairer and the impaired's soul with HaShem. I have made a dent, but we need to do what we can to keep Jews in Israel from falling for their prapaganda. Jews for Judaism(HaShem), keep up thegood work, and if you can, I shall like advise as to best deal with this project. Todah
(7) Howard Goodman, January 31, 2010 11:20 PM
Great article!
I purchased a book, "26 Reasons Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus" through a magazine I subscribe to: "Moment." Plus Aish.com recently had a condensed version of the same book in an article it posted.
(6) Anonymous, January 31, 2010 10:43 PM
When I read this I felt it was more an individual issue. What sort of an Aunt would do that to her nephew - whether Buddhist, Moslem etc? I would like to be more balanced because I know lots of people who believe in Jesus and would not do the above. Although Canada is secular now wasn't it founded by Christians? It's no surprise he was exposed. Perhaps the answer is in preparing youth for the American experience a bit better. But for the Aunt there is no excuse. "Believe what I believe or else!" How many dictators have gone down that path!
(5) Michal, January 31, 2010 7:58 PM
Hashem looked after him
It is very difficult, to stand against a friendly group like that boy met. Because they know to fight, they are trained in it.First they are very friendly, later come with their proofs, the "scriptures" and their citations, which of course all "proof" that they are right, although they aren't - and in the end they frighten their victim with the devil. Baruch Hashem, his Jewish friend did not only know, what was the truth, but he was very kind and a real friend. An outsider can not imagine how important that is. -
(4) Anonymous, January 31, 2010 7:41 PM
I learned something
Thank you for this story. It reminds me of the brain washing cults that we hear about. But, what I really wanted to point out is what I learned. I had taken it for granted that Christians believed in the same G-d that we do. I was not aware that was not the case. We have had false messiahs and some of our people believe that there have been true messiahs in the last 100 years (S). So, I always figured that Christians were like us in that sense. So, you are saying that their deity is not Hashem? Thank you for that information.
(3) Betti Miner, January 31, 2010 5:27 PM
Jews for Judaism
Good for Misha to listen to Julius with his gentle teaching about why we don't believe Jesus is the messiah because he never claimed to be the messiah as an observant Jew. I see these "Jews for Jesus" people in SAn Francisco and scared one woman speechless when I told her that I actually knew the name of Jesus' biological father. She couldn't wait to get as far away from me as she could. I gently told her this with a genuine big smile. If I see any of them, I walk quickly past them so they don't try to engage me in conversation. I haven't seen them in quite a while as there is a huge congregation of them in San Francisco. Thank you for letting me tell my story.
(2) Rachel, January 31, 2010 5:24 PM
What happened to Misha in Israel?
How sad that Misha was not reached by the beauty and truth of Torah while in Israel! Where was the Israeli Orthodox community when this lost young man who knew only that he was a Jew (with no real understanding of Judaism) arrived in our homeland?
Anonymous, December 4, 2016 11:51 PM
True unfortunately
Unfortunately that is the very true reality. MANY people come to Israel longing to find meaning and searching for truth, but sadly the Orthodox community is not a friendly or inviting crowd and people leave with a hole in their hearts. OR they get invited by friendly seculars who also have a skewed view of Hashem and who are too glad to share their skew (and often rather atheistic view) with their guests. And unfortunately that is how the xtians catch people, since they are genuinely friendly and caring and that pulls people like a magnet.
(1) Debra Alvo, January 31, 2010 4:01 PM
Thank you for your bravery in pursuit of truth
Just amazing...tear jerking, riviting, moving, deeply emotional, exposing, bare naked truth. Thank you for sharing another modern day mircale.