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MJAA Executives & The Hebrew Roots "Fringe"

Titus 2:7-8

7 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

The MJAA is considered the largest organization for the Messianic Movement. Many consider the ministry of MJAA and similar organizations to be a haven for Jewish believers that do not feel comfortable in the church. As said with all evaluations, it is not intended to invalidate fruitful work of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. However, just as in the Christian arena there are many snares and deceptions, that unless addressed, can not only hinder, but cause people to fall into error and in some cases, to the eventual rejection of Jesus Christ. 

From their MJAA/IAMCS Magazine, Spirit of Messiah, which discusses many of the problems in the Messianic movement, similar to what I've identified and Jews for Jesus has also identified them as being. IAMCS and MJAA are defined in the online magazine as the following. 

"The International Alliance of Messianic Synagogues and Congregations (IAMCS) is an organization through which Messianic Congregations and Messianic Rabbis affiliate. Led by a Steering Committee of between 8-10 Messianic Rabbis, the organization brings a relationship of unity and cooperation to Messianic Congregations and Rabbis who are scattered around the world. The IAMCS is a subsidiary of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA)." 1

We see, from that same source, that the IAMCS and MJAA executives include:

IAMCS STEERING COMMITTEE

MJAA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Rabbi Robert Cohen, Chairman Rabbi David Chernoff, Treasurer Rabbi Judah Hungerman, Corresponding Secretary Rabbi Dr. Ruth Fleischer (ex-officio Steering Committee member), Recording Secretary Rabbi Joe Finkelstein Rabbi Charles Kluge Rabbi David Levine Rabbi Robert Solomon Rabbi Michael Stepakoff, Legal Advisor YMJA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Hope Edelstein, Executive Director Kevin Solomon, President Dara Vidito, Vice President Karen Sadoff, Secretary Heather Thompson, Treasurer

Dotti Solomon, President Rabbi Jonathan Bernis, Vice President Rabbi Michael Wolf, Secretary Rabbi Joel Liberman, Treasurer Joel Chernoff, General Secretary Rabbi David Chernoff Rabbi Charles Kluge Rabbi Frank Lowinger Rabbi Jeffrey Forman Rabbi Judah Hungerman Rabbi Robert Cohen Hope Edelstein Kevin Solomon Dara Vidito Honorary Executives: Dr. Robert Winer Rabbi Dr. Ruth Fleischer Jeffrey Lowenthal, Esq.

In other words, since the MJAA is considered one of the main organizations for Messianics, we would not expect to see it or the leadership as another inroad of the so-called "fringe" into "mainstream" Messianism. Please understand, 'fringe' was determined by 'mainstream' messianics, not by this writer. From my perspective, the issue is simply about obedience to Jesus Christ and to encourage fellow believers to run the race in Biblical obedience, with the focus being the person of Jesus Christ. 

There are many Messianics whose goal has been to reach out to the Jewish people in particular, with no expectations that non-Jews needed to follow Jewish traditions. Those things were made very clear in many Scriptures. They believe Jesus Christ/Yeshua is God come in the flesh and are brothers and sisters in the Lord. But there are also those, as discussed by Jews for Jesus, whose goal is not to share the truth of Christ.  

Unfortunately, many merely are self focused on what they get out of it, no different than in Christian circles. And many, while acquiring Jewish trappings and traditions, don't understand the Jewish religion to which they are going for doctrine, rituals and traditions of men. Others really want believers to reject Christ.

In fact a look at one Jewish site, reveals the disdain for people such as Marshall Moshe Koniuchowsky, Ralph Messer and others, who, in their words, "Notice the gaudy overuse of Jewish symbols and Hebrew here." Using various photographs to make their point, they write of the Messianic "Two House" leadership:

"Inside a Messianic Church: Imitation is the Greatest Form of Flattery

The caption reads "Rabbi Ralph Messer and Rabbi Randy Dryer representing both houses light the havdalah candle of repentance".

Havdalah, meaning "distinction" is a typically home ceremony that concludes Shabbat. It marks the transition from the additional holiness of Shabbat to the regular week day.

The "Rabbi", out of touch with his own Jewish heritage, is reading in things that are not there. ... It so happens the first song "Hamavdil" on page 623 of the Artscroll Siddur is concerned with repentance and forgiveness. This secondary theme now becomes primary in Messer's plagiarised ceremony. The song is appealing to a Christian audience due to its overlap with the central themes of Christianity. This is a classic example of the phoniness of these ceremonies, and offers an insight into the processes producing them: Jewish material widely available contributes to these "innovations".

...If these activities where to stay in this Church, there is no problem. ... However, as soon as it is marketed at the Jewish community as Judaism, it becomes of concern. There is no Judaism here, this is a Christian service with the actors dressed up as Jews." 2

It is also of interest to note, that some of Ralph Messer's former followers have started a forum that discusses Mr. Messer and his ministry:

Update: Wed 1/25/2006

"Hi Vicki.

Someone at Ralph Messer's Church-a-gog has hijacked the Yahogroup created by the former members, deleted all the messages and posted pro-Ralph Messer propaganda on it.

So the link needs to be updated...

We have moved the Yahoogroup to:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Simchat_Torah

The only difference in URLs is that now there is an underscore in between Simchat and Torah.

Feel free to include the story of how they did this in order to silence opposition and censor us. I think that is illustrative of the mind control tactics used by all destructive cults.

Thanks for all your work.

On a personal note, I'm sure we disagree on a great many spiritual issues and doctrines. I do not purport to be a teacher or leader of anybody. I do believe that all people have the right to believe what they choose and follow their own path. And I love the way you do expose these people who use these deceptive con tactics, and then you present your beliefs openly for all to accept or reject at their will. "

Understand, there can be a huge difference in what is practiced in Judaism today, as compared to Old Testament Biblical Judaism, which is fulfilled in Christ. Please understand also, that no amount of ritual or emulation of traditions of men will lead a person to Jesus Christ. Paul stated, that he became as the group he was sharing Christ with, because of complete freedom in Christ:

1 Corinthians 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Further: 

Romans 10:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

The purpose of the Apostle Paul becoming "like a Jew", was to be able to eliminate the things that could be a barrier, so that the Gospel could be furthered and not hindered. The goal was to "provoke them to jealousy" so that they would desire Christ. Just as the Apostle Peter sat with the Gentiles as a Gentile, Paul also sat with Jew or Gentile, as the occasion demanded. 

That is despite what Jewish religious teachings dictated. 

Acts 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

One can't help but wonder how many actually embrace the Jewish trappings, 'to provoke them to jealousy.' Based on the view of anti-missionaries quoted above, the lack of success begins with not even knowing what the Jewish religion really teaches and what the rituals and traditions are, and which are rabbinical versus Biblically rooted. 

2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

And yet, despite those Scriptures, it is to the Law of Moses that people are turning, not understanding what Christ has done. "...or until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart..." That is not negating the truth of the Torah. It is understanding that the foundation to be built upon is Jesus Christ.

MJAA Inroads

Robert Cohen, listed as one of Kevin Geoffrey's advisors and mentors, was speaker at the MJAA's Messiah '99, sharing the platform with false prophet and false teacher Rick Joyner. Among his many unbiblical  teachings, and extra-biblical revelations, Joyner teaches Latter Rain and Manifest Sons of God theology, and claims that from among the Manifest Sons of God, "super-apostles" will be created. Those who oppose the "spiritual move of God" as envisioned by Joyner, and written about in his various books, will comprise the hordes of hell. This "move of God" he promotes is composed of those in the Toronto Blessing, Manifest Sons of God/Latter Rain and the numerous related so-called renewal and revival movements. And he, and many like him, are welcomed with open arms in the MJAA. Incidentally, Joyner has since written against the Hebrew Roots movement. 

Robert Cohen, who called Joyner a "righteous gentile," is currently on the Executive for the MJAA and also chairperson for the IAMCS Steering Committee. From his church biography we note that he had been under the Messianic Ministries of Martin and David Chernoff, and then:

"...Cohen has been a leader in the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) for the past 20 years. He is the past president of the Alliance, and is currently Chairman of the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS). He is also a member of the Jacksonville Christian Pastors and Leaders Fellowship (JCPLF).

Robert is also involved with Toward Jerusalem Council II, which seeks reconciliation in the body of Messiah between Gentile Christians and the international Messianic Jewish community. Rabbi Cohen is also a member of the Messianic Jewish Advisory Group to Promise Keepers International.

Robert Cohen has been the Messianic Jewish Rabbi of Beth Jacob Messianic Congregation in Jacksonville, Florida, since 1987...." 3

For information about Promise Keepers, See the section: http://www.seekgod.ca/topiconeworld.htm > Paths of The One World Religion > Promise Keepers

Toward Jerusalem Council II is an organization started by a Jewish Messianic by the name of Marty Waldman. The stated goal--in fact, the only real goal it has is found in their online booklet. A separate article will be written about this initiative, which involves the ecumenical movement.

"....TJCII is a single-issue initiative. It is directed toward the recognition by the Churches of the Jewish expressions of the Church, and of their proper honoring by Gentile believers. It has no other goal. ...." 4 

Joel Chernoff, on the executive of the MJAA, has a music ministry besides and we see the "mainstream" again uniting with the "fringe", this time for profit. It needs to be understood that there is nothing wrong with sharing Christ in any setting, as long as it is clear that one is not in agreement with any false teaching, false prophet, etc. in that particular setting. How else will the Gospel and sound doctrine be spread without stepping up and showing Biblical truth? Jesus sat with sinners, of which we all are one. We are not to be united with those claiming to be 'brothers' who promote false doctrine or another Gospel or another Jesus. The Apostle Paul wrote that, 

1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

The difference comes on sharing company and uniting spiritually with those who teach another Gospel, or who present another Christ or who do not teach sound doctrine. Those are the things that must be openly reproved, if one is going to be in company with that. To do otherwise would be to give the appearance of being in agreement, hence endorsement of a false Gospel, or false teachings. Remaining silent on these issues is not an option for a true servant of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ...22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

In the advertisement for the Alliance Texas 2003, October 10-19, 2003 >www.Sukkotalliance.org, we read:

"...Come join us for the first annual multi-congregational Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) held at Loyd Park, Grand Prairie, Texas. ... We will begin Friday evening with opening ceremonies of Praise and Worship, Israel banners, Davidic Dance, and flags..."

Our celebration will feature dance, drama, praise and worship and national Messianic speakers such as Neil Synder, Danyael ben Benyamin, Monte Judah, Bill Cloud, Dominic Zangala, Kay Snyder, Ralph Messer and more. A special treat will be Joel Chernoff performing the first Saturday night of the feast. 

See <http://www.sukkotalliance.org/Speakers.htm> for more details regarding speakers....

This is an eight day feast in which we are commanded to come out of our homes and dwell together in booths...

The coordinating committee is listed as Bill Jacobson, Roger Norman and Kay Snyder. Bill Jacobson  sometimes posts to James Trimm's forums. His yahoo profile is found at http://profiles.yahoo.com/wdjacobson, with his home page being > http://www.messianicsda.org.

His website purpose is "Introducing Seventh Day Adventists to the Original Hebraic Roots of Their Faith." Jacobson is a second generation Seventh Day Adventist and his wife is a third generation SDA. He believes that Messianism and YAHwism is compatible with SDA. His website is to help SDA's get back to their Hebrew Roots and also remain in the SDA faith. 5 

Roger Norman appears to deal with Real Estate Law.  Kay and Mac Snyder of Door of Hope Ministry and World of Hope Ministries, do not appear to have much information about them or what they are really about, on the internet.

In the Speakers page of bios, we note among the list that Kay Snyder views Monte Judah as the "Moses of America". Dan Juster released the statement about his meeting with Monte Judah and Eddie Chumney and the Two House movement, also referred to as the Ephraimite movement, which was mentioned previously. The MJAA's "Ephramite error" thirty-two part series was co-authored by Juster.

The Speakers bios on the Sukkot alliance included:

Neil Snyder of UVA Neil is professor of free enterprise for the University of Virginia. He holds a PhD in Strategic Management. ... He expertise extends to economic issues of Israel and the Middle East. Among his authorship is the book His Name is Yahweh.

Danyael ben Benyamin Teacher of Messianic Hebrew roots. ...

Bill Cloud of Shorashim Ministries Bill is a researcher, writer and national speaker. He has a desire to unlock the deep secrets of the Word of God and to teach them....

Kay Snyder Kay is the director of World of Hope Ministries. She will be with us throughout the week.

Monte Judah of Lion and Lamb Ministries Monte is one of America's foremost leaders in the Messianic movement. He is a national speaker, teacher and minister. Kay Snyder calls him the "Moses of America". He will be joining us Thursday night October 16th.

Dominick Zangla of Georgia Dominic is a spirit-filled born-again Messianic Believer. He is a teacher of end-time biblical truths and evangelist . He teaches on the Shofar, Tallit, the "Feasts of the Lord" and how they relate to the return of Yahshua.

Ralph Messer Ralph is President and senior Pastor of Simchat Torah Beit Midrash. He is a national speaker and travels all over the Globe teaching about Messiah.

Everett Ingram of Jordan Everett is a missionary with an extensive knowledge of Hebrew and the word. His fearless faith has brought the message of Yeshua to backwoods tribe peoples all over the world as well as to people in the United States.

Joan Haworth from Israel and Jordan Joan, an associate of Kay and Max Snyder, is well versed in astronomy. For many years she has researched the stars. She has developed and taught a seminar entitled Written in the Stars. She will conduct a workshop using some of this material.

Eddie Johnson of Florida is a man of insight speaking on the seven unknown stops of the great Exodus.

Christy Osborne Christy is a believer who will conduct a workshop concerning how women can edify and encourage men.

John Savage Of Israel Most in demand in Europe, Middle East and America in Worship music from the throne, John will be with us all throughout the week. It has been said of the Praise and Worship time “that the Spirit of God has so filled the room that one did not know whether one was in heaven or on earth!” 

Joel Chernoff of Lamb Mix in the timeless Psalms of David with the emotional resonance of Jewish-flavored melodies, then add the contemporary production strength of Dove award-winning producer Bill Cuomo, and you have a recipe for a matchless worship experience from Messianic Praise & Worship pioneer Joel Chernoff (of Lamb).

According to one of his past CD promotions, "Joel currently serves as the General Secretary of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) and the president of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance (IMJA)."

If one says they are against something or an Official statement is published such as the MJAA statement with their thirty-two part series on the Ephraimite Error/Two House, should that not be reflected in what those in leadership emulate in their individual ministries, knowing they are representing the MJAA?

A closer look at some of the speakers mentioned for the Sukkot get together is warranted. 

Bill Cloud is discussed in the Seek God article More Ecumenical Comrades.

Bill Cloud is a Gentile who studied under a rabbi and learned, through the study of Gematria, the Kabbalist interpretation of the Bible. His bio states: 

 

  "...he has spent many hours studying, not only the Hebrew text, but the Jewish roots of Christianity as well. This research has been rewarded with a keen insight into Biblical Judaism and its relationship to Christianity. Also, the Lord has given Bill the somewhat unique ability to understand the mysterious aspects of the Hebrew language such as the meaning of the letters, Gematria and the Torah Code phenomena. He first heard of Torah Codes back in 1989 and for the past several years has dedicated hundreds of hours researching this phenomena."

"This interest is tied into Bill's desire to unlock the deep secrets of the Word of God and to teach them, along with our Jewish roots, to the Church. Furthermore, this insight has allowed Bill to understand prophetic scripture...a licenced minister with the Church of God, served as the Youth Pastor in a large church in Central Florida. Since then, he has moved on to work with Perry Stone as a researcher, writer and speaker. Over the past two years, Bill has written articles for the Voice of Evangelism magazine, as well as for God's News Behind The News." http://www.prophezine.com/alliance/billcloud/

Voice of Evangelism >http://www.voe.org/home.cfm> is Perry Stone's ministry. We are reminded that Jews who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ are bound by the law. We cannot access their interpretation of the New Testament, and even the Old Testament is suspect to false interpretation by those who do not have Jesus Christ. 

 

Galatians 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

As has been proven, Gematria is a kabbalist teaching that Christians have no business dabbling in. It is the occult..."

As an aside, Bill Cloud of Shoreshim [Roots] Ministries, who was recently seen on the Christian station, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) with host and longtime associate Perry Stone of "Manna-fest". Bill Cloud is a regular speaker at both Prophecy Conferences and Hebraic Roots conferences, and was on a "Texas Tour with Brad Scott" in July 2004. Both are featured speakers at events sponsored by Monte Judah of Lion and Lamb Ministries, who also promotes and sells Brad Scott's tapes and teachings. Monte Judah has been billed at another groups gathering as the "Moses of America". Bill Cloud's teachings very much reflect Brad's Scott's and others in the push to "Hebraic Roots" or 'getting back' to "our" Jewish Roots. Please see the series about Brad Scott in the Ministries and Leaders section: Brad Scott - Part 1: Introduction & Mountain West   Mountain West Hebrew University Courses  Brad Scott - Part 2: Pure Language & Sacred Name  Brad Scott - Part 3: Gematria & the Apostle Paul  Brad Scott - Part 4 : Torah Observant Gentile & Under the Law   

It needs to be made very clear that the influx of kabbalah is not just a "Messianic" issue. The inroads into Christian forums, teachings and churches is happening daily. 'Christian' icons such as Grant Jeffrey, readily teach it in their writings, in interviews, such as his television interview with Benny Hinn, promotion of kabbalist gematria via 'Bible codes' and so on. Grant's latest promotion of the zohar found on his web site, presents the 'kabbalist trinity. 6 

Dominick Zangla posted to 'fringe' Eddie Chumney's "hebroots" forum, and including many of the Two House proponents, said this:

From:          Dominick Zangla <dominick@shofars.org>
To:              heb_roots_chr@mail.geocities.com
Subject:       Feast of Dedication

Eddie,

  Below is a message for an event God is miraculously putting together in Hardeeville, SC about 8 miles north of Savannah , GA which has the nation's oldest Jewish community.  ... Check out the details on my site under "Latest call for shofar blowers".

Thanks,  Dom

   To all those who might be interested there will a Feast of
Dedication in Hardeeville, SC December 21-24.  The event will feature many speakers including (among others) Angus & Batya Wootten and MIA affiliates Jeff Weiss and Dominick Zangla.  The event will include Native American chiefs from all over North America, 120 Drums and lots of praise and worship.  Information can be found at www.shofars.org/120/default.htm with links to more details.
--
Dominick Zangla
Prepare the Way Ministries

http://www.shofars.org/"  7

Another message followed and stated:

Shalom:

We have the tapes edited and ready from the Yeshiva
class taught by Eddie on March 4th, called THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO TORAH. 6 hours of the best of Eddie Chumney...

We will provide the tapes if ordered direct for $29.95 
a set, or, with Puget Sound Messianic Institute/Torah Study Center Yeshiva credits(2) upon completion of the test for the material, for $35.

You can order directly from PSMI at 800C Hanford Avenue,
Bremerton, Wa., 98310.

Steven A. Berkowitz
Puget Sound Messianic Institute/Torah Study Center
Bremerton, Wash." 8

Stephen Berkowitz is a supporter to James Trimm and mentioned in the article, James Trimm's Diploma Revisited. In it, the following was stated. 

"...There's talk about dealing with these various people, such as James Trimm, via a "Beit Din." That seems to be pushed forward by James Trimm's supporter Steven Berkowitz. He heads the Beit Tefillah Messianic congregation.  http://www.spokentruth.org/%7esteve/PCBeit%20Tefillah.htm

"Beit T'fillah Fellowship a Yasharim Messianic Congregation"

It might appear to be a bit of a curiosity as to why he speaks in defense of James and his friends, like Avi ben Mordechai, aka Bradley Marcus. The reason is quite simple. Mr. Berkowitz also runs a "Yeshiva." He also promotes the same people, such as Avi ben Mordechai, as speakers to his various conferences. James Trimm also posts articles to his site. And Steven Berkowitz's "Yeshiva" accepts "academic credits" from both Trimm's SANJ and David Hargis's MBI Yeshiva's.

In fact, Pacific Coast Messianic Institute, Torah Study Center, in their "About Us", states,

"Pacific Coast Messianic Institute/TSC, has branches in Portland, OR, Seattle area and Northen California."

"PCMI/TSC offers theough its courses:

ASSOCIATES IN MESSIANIC STUDIES
BACHELORS IN MESSIANIC MINISTRY
MASTERS IN MESSIANIC MINISTRY

PCMI/TSC accepts completed and credited coursework "C" and above from MBI YESHIVA, SANJ YESHIVA, UMJC YESHIVA, MJAA YESHIVA, SIMCHAT TORAH YESHIVA (COLO.) and will assess completion of certificate coursework from IMJA, IFMJ, and MIA..."

http://www.spokentruth.org/%7esteve/PChomepage.htm

http://www.spokentruth.org/~steve/PCAboutUs.htm

.....

...The Master's Degree is the second line of professional degrees, and the first scholar's degree. Our Yeshiva provides the Master's Degree graduate with upper echelon religious teaching, and scholarly credentials.

This may be useful in the position of teacher or director of a religious institute or college.

Licensed and ordained ministers may want to secure a Master's Degree to authorize their role and status as a scholar in their ministry..."

"http://www.spokentruth.org/%7esteve/PCDegrees.htm

As already stated by David Linkletter of Texas Higher Education, and basing conclusions on that and Texas State laws, it would be illegal to receive "credits" from Trimm's Yeshiva..."

It needs to be reiterated that Berkowitz's Yeshiva was not only receiving 'credits' from David Hargis's Yeshiva, James Trimm's SANJ Yeshiva, but also the MJAA Yeshiva, along with acceptance of credits from the Two House group MIA and so on....Simchat Torah is Ralph Messer's Yeshiva.

That's "Mainstream Messianism" with "fringe" Messianism. One of the many courses offered at Berkowitz's Yeshiva is, "INTRODUCTION TO KABBALAH* INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH SPIRITUALITY FOR CHRISTIANS".8b That's the occult made desirable for Christians and Messianics. 

Steven Berkowitz's, Puget Sound Messianic Institute/Torah Study Center
in Bremerton, Washington, has also held regular conferences. One such was the "YESHIVOT" with an advertisement for the  SPEAKERS FOR BALANCE OF 2002" which was posted to the Torah Feasts forum on Yahoo Groups.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TorahFeasts/message/20318?source=1.
TorahFeasts · Torah-based group for Messianics(Judah AND Israel), Christians, and Rabbinic Jews to learn from each other"

...From: "STEVEN BERKOWITZ" <SABerkowitz@h...>Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2002 16:54:03 -0700

...Here's the speakers' list for the rest of 2002 at PUGET SOUND MESSIANIC INSTITUTE, Bremerton 

... Jeremiah Ginsburg, James Austin, Pres. of North American Messianic Association (used to be part of the SBC); ... Marty Cohen, ... Eddie Chumney...Steven Collins author of THE "LOST" TEN TRIBES OF ISRAEL...FOUND!,...Bruce Booker... Avi Ben Mordechai ... Steven A. Berkowitz ...Finalizing arrangements for either Dwight Pryor or Samuele Bacchiochi or Rene Bloch...
Finalizing for Monte Judah, Marvin Wilson or Ralph Messer...

... through our website, WWW.MESSIANICINSTITUTE.ORG, ...

ARIEL BERKOWITZ [ed. First Fruits of Zion] will be returning at first available date, as will Avi Lipkin. We will be hosting David Dolan during 2003, along with David Hargis, Brad Young and others.

We find again, the names this writer was told were "fringe", and also "mainstream". However we find that many are kabbalists, or part of the Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research and so on. See: Mainstreaming the Fringe

The Hargis's are mentioned in many articles, starting with the James Trimm series, and Saint John Chrysostom Theological Seminary, found in the topichrministries.

Incidentally, while Berkowitz's Yeshiva teaches kabbalah and so on, Eddie Chumney promotes the Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research 8e, the Chabad Lubavitch 8f and their kabbalistic teachings, which was mentioned previously in connection with David Hall and Michael Rood and Moshe Koniuchowsky. Chumney also promotes the writings of Menachem Schneerson,8c Yair Davidy's Brit Am, Lost Tribes, 8d and so on. See: the Seek God articles Kabbalah Connections; Practical Kabbalah, for Chabad Lubavitch teachings, kabbalah and zohar.

What's of great interest and note, is that Steven Berkowitz is now openly viewed as a friend and sponsor to the ministry of Brian Samtur, who is part of Marshall Moshe Koniuchowsky's group, Your Arms to Israel, as well as doing the music for Michael Rood, and also works with kabbalist Avi ben Mordechai, etc. 

From: We Are Yisrael <samtur@b...>

Date: Mon Sep 8, 2003 11:29 am

Subject: GREAT PACIFIC NORTHWEST PASSAGE

"I will be travelling for praise and worship and fellowship and the Word of YHVH in the Northwest this week.

.... Yom RISHON 9/14 Afternoon Worship, Word and Picnic/Barbecue

Bremerton, Washington details TBA shortly STAY TUNED

Hosted by Steven Berkowitz

I look forward to meeting many new friends in the "Great" Pacific Northwest!

L'Heetra'ot,

Chazzan (Cantor) Chayym Baruch "Brian"

We Are Yisrael Worship

http://torahwalk.net

Looking into one Christian church, we see this advertisement, which includes Ralph Messer and frequent entertainer to MJAA and other Messianic events, Paul Wilbur. Paul Wilbur was the moderator of the meeting between Dan Juster, Monte Judah and Eddie Chumney. Ralph Messer underwent the 'conversion' with the Detwilers to become Jewish, which was mentioned in the article, Mainstreaming the Fringe.

The Days of Elijah Prophetic Conference: August 13 - 17, 2003

Theme:
Understanding the Prophetic Role of Israel and the Church in the Last Days

Date:
August 13, 2003 – August 17, 2003

Location:
New Life Christian Center
6610 Highway 90 West
San Antonio, Texas 78227
210.679.6050

Conference History:

The Days of Elijah Prophetic Conference is about Israel and the Church in the last days. This conference features keynote speakers with a prophetic understanding of Israel and the Church....

Guest Speakers:
Dr. La Salle R. Vaughn, Perry Stone, Yacov Rambsel, Rabbi Ralph Messer, Tariq Faridi

Musical Guests:
Paul Wilbur, Dorothy Bedford, Gwen Jones, Ruben Duarte, New Life Christian Center Choir" 9

Perry Stone is mentioned above in relation to Bill Cloud and also in the article More Ecumenical Comrades. One could continue to provide details that show the interconnectedness of the various groups and their theology, but it becomes more than a little repetitive. 

The point is, that because of lack of discernment, lack of focus on Jesus Christ and Biblical truth, false teachers and unsound doctrine permeates the Messianic movement, as it does in the many Christian congregations. And those in leadership either approve of it or turn a blind eye to it. Either that, or they have become so busy that they simply do not notice. Yet we know "a little leaven" ...

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

However, once warned, and information provided, the onus is upon God's people to take steps to be Biblically sound ...or not. 

Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

My Jewish and non-Jewish believer friends, as well as myself, sincerely hope that leadership, such as the MJAA, will choose to take steps to deal with these very serious issues within the Messianic community.  The Apostle Paul wrote, 

Titus 1:7 

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake...14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

Next Section: The Jewish Wedding and the Rapture : Understanding the Rapture from Jewish Wedding Traditions 

Previous Section: Mainstreaming The "Fringe"

Footnotes

1. http://www.iamcs.org/SOM.htm >has been changed to http://www.iamcs.org/SpiritOfMessiah.php > http://www.iamcs.org/SOM2.pdf  Winter 2003

2. http://foundationstone.com.au/ click on "Judaism and Jesus Don't Mix" scroll down and click on "Messianic Church"

3. http://bjmcjax.tripod.com/about/a4.htm  >website has been pulled and url changed http://www.bethjacobjax.com/aboutus.htm  >  with no apparent write up about Robert Cohen

4. http://www.tjcii.org/Booklet01.pdf

5. http://www.messianicsda.org/why_messianic_sda.htm

6. ' The Sacred Mystery of the Trinity > http://www.grantjeffrey.com/article/chphnwr.htm.

7. http://www.hebroots.org/hebrootsarchive/0012/1203/001203_d.html.

8. http://www.hebroots.org/hebrootsarchive/0105/0105c.html.

8b http://www.spokentruth.org/~steve/CourseOfferings/summer03.htm 

8c. Books by the Lubavitcher Chabad Rebbe Menachem M. Schneerson on the Messianic Redemption http://www.hebroots.com/ephraim.html.

8d. http://www.hebroots.org/hebrootsarchive/0208/0208f.html.

8e http://www.hebroots.org/ministries/jschsyn.html.

8f. http://www.hebroots.com/judaism.html.;http://www.hebroots.com/israel.html.

9. http://www.christiancenter.com/doe.html.

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