JFJ Forums

This is my first post in JFJ. Since I wasn't sure under which subject to post this, I chose here.

Last summer, I "stumbled" across the JFJ office in Skokie, Illinois while going driving back to Indiana for a doctor visit. While there, I got to meet Melanie, the receptionist, and briefly talked to Jhan Moskowitz, the director.

Nothing brings me to tears more quickly than to hear the testimony of a lost sheep coming into the fold; especially when it is one of a Jewish background. Fulfilled!

There is a good chance I will be getting a job in Chicago working for a Jewish organization (through an employment agency). Naturally, I don't want to go in like a bull in a China shop. Since I, as a Gentile Believer, want to be proper, I am also most ignorant of Jewish customs; and as a Christian, want to avoid any taboos that may send a wrong signal to those with whom I would be working. Natually, I am low-key, and would not attempt to win the office to Christ the first day. I am 53 years old, a licensed Baptist preacher, have some common sense, and smarter than that, so we don't even need to go there.

I realize that there is every type flavor of Judaism, from liberal, non-practicing, to orthodox, just like any denomination.

To you who have a Jewish ancestry, please give me a "Judaism for Dummies" crash course on how to win the hearts of Jewish co-workers, what it was that won you to Christ, and what to avoid talking about. What is dear to the typical Jew?

I am only looking for sincere answers and avoid arguments.

keep it simple, just study the word of God with them, and share your thoughts on the passage. But when witnessing to a Jew, Take them through Torah. I myself am an ex-Gentile, who follows Yeshua as messiah. And am trying to learn the Word of Adonai from the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith. In a caps, I myself am a part of the Messianic Comunity. So be of good courage.

Hey bro, how can one go from being a Gentile to being a part of the Messianic Community? Thanks!

To you who have a Jewish ancestry, please give me a "Judaism for Dummies" crash course on how to win the hearts of Jewish co-workers, what it was that won you to Christ, and what to avoid talking about. What is dear to the typical Jew?

Hello,

While I do not have Jewish ancestry, I have converted to Judaism and have a number of Jewish relatives, including a husband, stepfather, steptsisters, cousins, etc. You are working on a plan to infiltrate a Jewish organization in the hopes of converting a few? I am not sure what I understoood here. My advice is just be straight forward on who you are if you are hired. If you speak about having a genuine interest with Judaism I am sure a mutual exchange in beliefs will happen.

Jews identify themselves as Jews, down to the core, even if they never step foot in a synagogue. I wouldn't be too intimidated. There is such intermarriage going on, the same Jewish person you are trying to share Jesus with, probably has already a number or relatives who are Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, etc. Over time, I think you will gain much by working there.  I would try to get to know then by attending events, religious service, etc. Even if you don't convert a few, you will gain much by knowing what makes it special to them.

JUST, don't be dropping pamplets with J4J on them at work. This could be construde as harrassment. What is dear is their identity. Just like what is dear to you is like being Irish, Catholic, etc. Same thing. I would just be open minded and not too pushy.  Trust me, you will not lose your faith by doing this.  Planting a seed and watering it is better than trying to quench a desert with a flood.

Thanks for the post, I agree with what you said.

Amein. Zeek.

JOHN, Read Romans 11 and Eph 2. It declares that one who is from the nations that has turned unto Adonai is no longer a Gentile. He is now an Israelite. How can I be considered part of the Messianic Community. Well, I guess is how you define the turm Messianic. I define it as one who believes that Yeshua is the Messiah and obeys HIS commandments. Jews and ex-gentiles. I dont call myself a Gentile. I am an ex-gentile.

Glen, your post just blew me away.  I am a gentile and also a believer in Christ.  I have no idea why you are making such a difference in working for a company owned by jews.  The only thing required of any employee is to be honest and do the work we are paid to do whether it is Christian, Jewish, Catholic or whatever.  If we live what we believe, it will not go un-noticed.  If someone asks what you believe, tell them. It is that simple. I can't believe you would worry about 'offending' someone by being a Christian.  God never once told us to learn the traditions and teachings of anyone other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you are ashamed of that, then friend I feel sorry for you. If they had a problem with your beliefs, they wouldn't have hired you. I will offer this simple bit of advice since you are in such a tither.  Don't burst through the door on your first day wearing a yamika on your head shouting Shalom!

I believe you can get a book entitled "Judaism for Dummies" by Rabbi Benjamin Blech.

Further, focus on being the very best employee that you can be, your mind on your job, and demonstrate the best of conduct.  As it says in Proverbs, if you offend, that one who is ofended can be harder to win over than a fortified city. They can also become a powerful adversary, as well.  Allow some time to pass for them to bring bits and pieces of information out of you.  If they ask right away, you may consider being polite and letting them know beforehand that your identification response might offend them, and you are concerned for their feelings; and if they ask again, then let it come as G-D leads you.  

"Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to G-D the things that are G-D."
  Render unto the employer the things that you are employed for in a righteous, hard-working, moral way, and study to be quiet (as Paul says); but if asked in the break room, the parking lot, on both your own time...then be prepared to be ready with an answer and do the L-RD's work.  
As far as I can recollect, I have only led two fellow employees to the L-RD (there may be a couple more, but I can't recollect), and stregthened perhaps dozens of  others in the last 19 years. For me, the above seems the most effective means of witnessing.  Remember, we do not all win souls single handedly...one plants, another one waters, one nurtures, and another prunes, and still another reaps the fruits.  Ask G-D for wisdom, and let Him provide the opportunity...because He can set it up to make the maximum effect.   This, however, may also allow your suffering before those watching you as well...so you'll want a supporting group of fellow believers in place with you at a local Church you will be attending.  Hope this helps.  Shalom.  

Hey, I'm a gentile believer too! (well,mostly)

Not much I can help you with, but I would suggest going to the library and getting some books out on the subject, it helped our family

God Bless

Same question I had....unless you convert to Judaism, you can't
be an "ex-gentile"....non-Jews involved in messianic
communities are still gentiles....