I received the most infuriating pamphlet in the mail the other day: a glossy, expensive looking brochure entitled "J*sus for Jews" (not "Jews for J*sus"). It contained testimonials from recently converted Jews and explained why 'J*sus should be accepted as the messiah'. (I am not sure how I got on their mailing list.)

My initial reaction was one of anger, frustration and, though it pains me to admit it, hatred. I wanted nothing more than to give these tragically confused Jews a piece of my mind. I started composing a fiery invective, airing my utter frustration. But luckily, I was able to reign in my emotions. I came up with this approach instead...

In addition to providing counseling for these Jews (as they are truly unhealthy and in need of treatment), let's combat every single missionary effort (e.g., every pamphlet we receive, every billboard we read, every flyer we have handed to us in the subway) with a specific act of 'retaliatory yiddishkeit'. Don't worry, I'm not suggesting anything violent, G-d forbid...quite the opposite actually. For every attempt to convert us, we should reaffirm, in some way, another Jew's dedication to HaShem. Every specific evangelical act from a "J for J" should be met with the reaffirmation of another Jew's dedication to the one and ONLY G-D (blessed be He). In this sense, every time a "J for J" tries to recruit a new member, they will not only fail, but strike a blow to their own movement. In effect, they'd be activating a chain of Judaism-affirming 'teshuva-by-proxy' (a contradiction in terms, I know), slowly chipping away at the core of their entire organization.

An example: You receive, as I did, one the clever "J*sus for Jews" pamphlets in the mail. Instead of directly confronting their organization--an approach, to be sure, that would only strengthen their misguided resolve--avail yourself to fortify another Jew's understanding of why our people cannot worship idols, or beseech HaShem through some "divine intermediary". Work this insight into a conversation, or come up with a more creative delivery method. The idea is to use the negative energy of the "J for Js" as fuel to strengthen our Nation's love for the one and only G-d!

I am very serious about this model, and would love for it to become the theme of a website. The site could list ways to set this chain of 'retaliatory yiddishkeit' in motion. But first, I need your input: avenues of approach, implementation.

Ask yourselves: How we can we transform the negative energy of the "Jews for J*sus" into a fortifying force for the Jewish nation?

There is an organisation Jews for Judaism - http://www.jewsforjudaism.org/

Thanks, Gila. I'm actually a big fan of their website--some great information on Moshiach. Educating Jews is supremely important. It just seems that reciting arguements to "Jews for J*sus" only invites a war of doctrine. I'm trying to think of ways to actively stymie their recruiting, and simaltaneously enforce righteous Judaism.

What would happen if all Jews converted to the J for J movement? No one would know what Judaism was! And no one would ever see the people HaSh-m chose to live out His Torah! WOuld they destroy the same history they claim to respect?? Aren't we small enough in number as it is?? Torah saves. How will the world be saved if no one is left to teach it??

I do not think that will happen. Actually, I know that will not happen. HaShem will not permit it. But that does not take the responsibility out of our hands, Yocheved. My idea is to enforce true Torah values--dedication to the one and only G-d, HaShem--on other Jews, in direct response to the missionary efforts of the J for Js. Your concern just emphasizes the fact that we must be proactive, just as they are. If there is any element in our religion trying to taint Torah-emes with lies and misconceptions, we must try even harder to remind Jews to whom they should be grateful, to whom they should call "Lord"--HaShem (blessed be He), our Creator.

I understand exactly what you are saying; my questions are rhetorical.

IF these people got all they are trying to accomplish, don't they see that it would destroy all they think they stnd for?

I KNOW HaSh-m would not allow it. And neither should we.

Shalom, Yocheved,

Unfortunately, the J for Js do not think they are doing anything wrong. It's a very slippery slope, once you allow the possibility that the messiah could be someone other than the one who fulfills ALL the messianic criteria. Otherwise, a person must necessarily attribute supernatural elements to their candidate. After that, the skies the limit, and people find themselves worshipping (G-d forbid)...another person.

As a scholar, I'm sure you've read about the development of xtianity. It's interesting how just a few transgression in accepted Jewish outlook can mutate the entire religion, and it's most fundamental, sacred premises. The J for Js are no exception. Their emotional need to connect to other people, or their fixation with the image of "xtian salvation" (or whatever that nonsense is), was much stronger than their intellectual understanding of why Jews cannot accept J*sus as G-d, messiah, or anything other than a (possible) historical figure.

And this takes me back to my point about teshuva. In some ways, maybe it's our fault (as Jews) that so many otherwise devout Jews have turned to J for J. We failed them, in some way. Maybe we didn't impart to them a strong enough impression of HaShem's omnipotence, His utter pervasiveness in everything (and nothing). We need to bring HaShem back to the forefront of Jewish education.

I agree completely. I am working right now to get my girls into a scholarship so they can attend Jewish day school. It is two hours away, but maybe one of teh parents will carpool with me. It is so important.

That's so good to hear. They're very lucky.

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Originally posted by Yocheved Broscova-Guerra:
What would happen if all Jews converted to the J for J movement? No one would know what Judaism was!

How about we have an organization called "J for H" or "Jews for Hashem" or better, "Jews for the One G-d of Israel" or something along those lines.

That's a great idea! There's already Jews for Judaism; there should be Jews for HaShem.

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How about we have an organization called "J for H" or "Jews for Hashem" or better, "Jews for the One G-d of Israel" or something along those lines.

Here, here.

Even Jews for Jews would be an improvement. Jews for HaSh-m is better.

I just read in one of the Israeli newspapers that the J for Js are mounting a huge campaign to convert orthodox (and nonorthodox) Jews in the NY area, even Hasidim. This whole thing makes me so frustrated. Supposedly, the United Jewish Federation is planning to send out pamphlets tellings Jews what to look out for, and how to avoid engaging them in debates (as they are consummate debaters).

Suffice it to say, we need a much, much more proactive campaign. Chabad is wonderful. But they need to specifically address the J for J missionary issue.

I think a website called "Jews for HaShem" would be great (even though that term is really redundant...it's so sad we have to emphasize it)! www.jewsforjudaism.com is a great site too, and does a terrific job addressing the theological faults of the J for J movement. But we need a website (and movement) that clearly explains why there is no need for a J*sus, or trinity, or whatever it's called. In other words, we need to bring HaShem's love for the Jewish people to the forefront of Jewish discussion. We need to explain to those Jews susceptible to xtian missionizng--the spritually needy, let's call them--just how much HaShem loves them. There's a reason they're flocking to J for J. Somehow, they do not see G-d in Judaism (it pains me to write that). We need to make it clear to them that the G-d of their ancestors loves them, personally, on an individual basis.

I think it is a very interesting idea.

It would need to offer corresponding chessed and tzedakah to put action to the words.

I agree. I think most importantly it should express, in very clear terms, that there is divine love (HaShem's love) for every individual.

Let's face it, they're gravitating to J for J in order to fill a spiritual need that they perceive is not available in Torah Judaism. Obviously, those spiritual resources are available in Torah Judaism, but need to be brought to their attention.

I think part of the problem is the "rhetoric" of modern Judaism, which, appropriately, is highly intellectual. Now I am a firm believer that the quickest way to a Jew's soul is through his brain, but obviously, that is not the case for every Jew. The people who fall prey to the J for J movement are spiritually needy, and in many ways, very afraid.

Picture those worried neshamas, surfing the internet late at night, in search of meaning to their existence, in search of simple, clear answers to their spiritual questions, their spiritual anxieties. They're in pain; they're suffering. And like an abusive boyfriend/girlfriend who preys on the weaknesses of others, the J for J movement is waiting with open arms (and probably some very professional looking, comprehensive websites). It's a plainly predatory manuever, but a very successful one.

We need to fight fire with fire. When that worried neshama types in the words "J*sus" and "Judaism" on Google, our website, "Jews for HaShem" (or maybe, "HaShem Loves You") should pop up right along with the J for J websites. And it shouldn't make overtures to their intellectual side, or their logic (that comes later). No, it should make clear with passages from the Torah that HaShem has infinite love for them, and a plan for their lives. It should stress that by invoking an intermediary, an idol, a J*sus figure, they are not only insulting their Lord, but also filtering out that potent, potent force that is HaShem's love. It should ernergize their souls, conncet them to HaShem's will. And of course, this can only be accomplished with the help of other Jews. The site should be a conduit to the Jewish world.

We have to dig into the trenches, where our enemy (the J for J movement) lurks. It's a nasty realm, and one I usually avoid. But if it means saving fellow Jews from such mistakes, I am all for it.

If you are sincere about starting such a movement, you should probably speak to some of the Rabbis here on GY for info on their site here for links and for their "covenant eyes" program that I think is a filter. That would be helpful. And a clear and concise mission statement would need to be made (not difficult, already outlined here) and a plan of action (not so easy). Personally, I think those lost to that movement are lost for heart reasons not head ones, but I could be wrong (lack of experience).

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lost to that movement are lost for heart reasons not head ones, but I could be wrong (lack of experience).

I'm a real newbie here, and would very much appreciate your help too. I'll definitely ask the Rabbis. What is the "covenant eyes" program?

I don't think they're lost. I their energies are just being misapplied.

Anyway, and this is probably a controversial statement, I blame myself for their "defection". I think if we as conscious Jews had some hand in not imparting our love of HaShem clearly to them, then it is our responsibility to do everything to bring them back...

That is not controversial, that is fact.