What is a Messianic Jew? A Comprehensive Guide to Messianic Judaism
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What is a Messianic Jew? A Messianic Jew is someone of Jewish heritage who believes that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah while continuing to observe Jewish traditions and maintain a Jewish identity. Messianic Judaism blends faith in Yeshua with the observance of Torah, the celebration of Jewish holidays, and the embracing of Jewish culture.
In this guide, we will explore what it means to be a Messianic Jew, looking at the beliefs, practices, and unique role of Messianic Judaism within both Jewish and Christian contexts.
What is a Messianic Jew?
Absolutely! Here’s the revised version without using the term “convert,” while maintaining the distinction:
Unlike Jewish believers in Yeshua who may practice their faith primarily within a Christian context, Messianic Jews retain their Jewish identity and continue to live out their faith within a distinctly Jewish framework.
Messianic Jews see their faith in Yeshua not as a break from Judaism, but as its fulfillment, remaining connected to both their Jewish heritage and community.
For Messianic Jews, Yeshua’s coming does not abolish the Torah (Law) but rather fulfills it. Yeshua said:
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah or the Prophets! I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”
Matthew 5:17, TLV
Messianic Jews embrace Yeshua as the fulfillment of Israel’s prophetic hopes while continuing to live as Jews, maintaining their Jewish culture and religious practices. They do not see themselves as having left Judaism but as continuing and completing it through faith in the Messiah.
Understanding Messianic Judaism
Messianic Judaism is rooted in the early Jewish followers of Yeshua, who lived in the first century CE. These early believers, known as “The Way” (HaDerekh), were Jewish men and women who accepted Yeshua as the Messiah while continuing to live observant Jewish lives.
The Book of Acts records that the apostles and other Jewish believers in Yeshua, including His family, remained deeply connected to the Torah and the Temple, participating in Jewish religious life and observing Jewish laws (Acts 21:20).
The growing distinction between what we now know as Judaism and Christianity, referred to as the “parting of the ways,” began after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and deepened in the second century, particularly after the Bar Kokhba revolt of 135 CE.
By this time, the Yeshua-following Jews and the emerging Gentile Christian movement were moving along different trajectories. As the early Christian Church grew, it became increasingly Gentile, moving away from its Jewish roots and practices, while the Jewish community distanced itself from the belief in Yeshua as Messiah.
This “parting of the ways” resulted in a clear separation between Christianity and Judaism, each developing its own identity. However, the belief that Yeshua was the Jewish Messiah never completely disappeared.
Through centuries of history, a remnant of Jewish believers in Yeshua existed. In the modern era, this belief was rekindled with the resurgence of Messianic Judaism, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries
Historical Roots of Messianic Judaism
The early Jewish followers of Yeshua were deeply connected to both their Jewish heritage and their faith in Yeshua as Messiah. However, as mentioned, after the “parting of the ways,” Jewish and Christian identities became increasingly distinct.
The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE was a pivotal event in this separation. Without the Temple, Judaism itself had to reconfigure its religious identity around Torah study and synagogue life, while the emerging Gentile Christian movement began to adopt practices that differed significantly from its Jewish foundation.
Despite this separation, the desire to maintain a Jewish identity while believing in Yeshua remained. By the 19th century, a revival of Jewish belief in Yeshua began to take shape, particularly in Europe and the United States.
The modern Messianic Jewish movement was greatly influenced by Jewish believers who sought to maintain their Jewish identity and heritage within their faith in Yeshua.
In the 1970s, Messianic Judaism gained significant momentum in the United States with the formation of Messianic congregations and organizations. The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) was founded in 1979 to provide structure and support to this growing movement.
The UMJC defines Messianic Judaism as “a movement of Jewish people who believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world, and who continue to maintain a Jewish identity and lifestyle”
David Rudolph states about the modern Messianic Jewish movement:
“In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, a large number of Jews in their twenties became believers in Yeshua and refused to assimilate into Gentile churches. They wanted to maintain their Jewish identity and live as Jews.”
David Rudolph – Introduction to Messianic Judaism p.30
Rabbi Paul Saal of Congregation Shuvah Yisrael (my own Rabbi) defines it this way:
Among Jewish people today there are various denominations or forms of Jewish faith. These include Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and others. In recent years another kind of Judaism has emerged. It is called Messianic Judaism.
Rabbi Paul Saal, Shuvah Yisrael – https://www.shuvah.org/what-is-messianic-judaism/
Like the others, it is a way of expressing love for and obedience to the God of Israel. And again, like other forms, Messianic Judaism has its own unique quality. Our very special “place in the sun” centers on our conviction that Jesus, who we call by his Hebrew name, Yeshua, is the long-awaited Messiah and King of the Jewish people.
Like all other forms of Judaism, we seek to live in ways that resonate with our Jewish past and present. But our Messiah takes center-stage as we seek to live as faithful Jews.
The centrality of Messiah Yeshua puts us in profound spiritual unity with people in another worldwide community – the Christian Church.
Though we practice our faith differently, we have deep appreciation for the Church. Our primary sense of identity lies with the Jewish people. But, we share a deep bond with all who see Jesus as the ultimate answer to the great questions of life.
Messianic Judaism is new in one sense, but very old in another. After all Yeshua was Jewish. All his earliest followers were as well. The Renewed Covenant was written entirely by Jewish people and the First Century “Jesus movement” was entirely a Jewish affair.
So, in a sense, Messianic Judaism is the re-emergence of one of the many kinds of Judaism practiced 2,000 years ago!
We invite Jewish people, those married to Jewish people and those rare individuals who, though not born Jewish, have a deep love and regard for Jewish life, to consider Messianic Judaism – a faith which “puts it all together” in profound and exciting fashion.
According to Hashivenu, in which my Rabbi, Paul Saal, was instrumental, Messianic Judaism was founded as such:
In 1997 and 1998 five Messianic Jewish leaders met in Albuquerque, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas to determine how they might best assist the Messianic Jewish movement during its next phase of development.
Hashivenu – http://hashivenu.org/history/
Rabbis Robert Chenoweth, Mark Kinzer, Paul Saal, and Michael Schiffman were assembled by founder Rabbi Stuart Dauermann, and together they articulated seven core values describing the Messianic Judaism they envisioned. Those values have guided Hashivenu in the decades since.
They defined Messianic Judaism in their core values as follows:
Messianic Judaism is a Judaism and not a cosmetically altered “Jewish style” version of what is extant in the wider Christian community.
Hashivenu – http://hashivenu.org/core-value-1/
They also state:
Hashivenu envisions mature Messianic Judaism to be an authentic expression of Jewish life that maintains substantial continuity with Jewish tradition. But this is a Judaism that is energized by faith in Yeshua of Nazareth, whom we honor as both the promised Messiah and the fullness of Torah.
Hashivenu – http://hashivenu.org/
Mature Messianic Judaism is not simply Judaism plus Yeshua, or Yeshua plus Judaism, but an integrated and seamless whole in which discipleship to Yeshua is expressed in traditional Jewish forms, and in which the contemporary practice of Judaism is renewed in Yeshua and by the power of the Spirit.
Dr. David Rudolph states in his book, Introduction to Messianic Judaism:
“Consequently today, many people use the term “Messianic Jew” to refer to any Jewish believer in Yeshua, whereas the historic term connotes a Jew who believes in Yeshua and continues to live as a Jew as a matter of covenant, calling or national duty before God.”
David Rudolph – Rudolph & Willitts Introduction to Messianic Judaism p. 33
My friend and teacher, Rav Carl Kinbar, says:
“All forms of Messianic Judaism have at least these three characteristics in common: they all embrace the unique status of the person, words and work of Yeshua the Messiah; they view the Scriptures as normative; and they observe some level of traditional Jewish practice.”
Carl Kinbar – Rudolph & Willets Introduction to Messianic Judaism p. 72
Yeshua as the Messiah in Messianic Judaism
For Messianic Jews, Yeshua is not merely a prophet or a teacher; He is the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel. Messianic Jews look to the Hebrew Scriptures, especially passages like Isaiah 53 and Daniel 7:13-14, as prophecies that point to Yeshua as the suffering servant and the reigning King. They believe that Yeshua’s life, death, and resurrection fulfill the Messianic expectations of the Torah and the Prophets.
Yeshua’s role as the Messiah includes being both the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) and the one who will return as the reigning King to establish God’s kingdom on earth. This belief is central to Messianic Judaism, setting it apart from both mainstream Judaism, which does not accept Yeshua as the Messiah, and Christianity, which often sees the Law as no longer applicable.
Messianic Jews also believe that Yeshua is the “Living Torah,” the perfect embodiment of God’s law. His teachings and actions reflect the heart of the Torah, and His sacrifice provides the ultimate atonement for sin—a concept deeply rooted in both Jewish and Christian theology.
This is in contrast to mainstream Christianity, where Yeshua is often seen as fulfilling the Law in a way that makes it obsolete. Messianic Jews, however, view Yeshua’s fulfillment of the Law as a reason to continue observing it in honor of God.
God’s Covenant with Israel and the Nations through Yeshua
Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, we see that God established a special covenant with the people of Israel, beginning with Abraham and continuing through Moses at Mount Sinai. This covenant set Israel apart as a nation chosen to serve God, with the Torah as their guide.
God declared, “I will be your God, and you will be My people” (Leviticus 26:12), giving Israel the responsibility of being a light to the nations and exemplifying what it means to live in relationship with the Creator.
Yet, woven into this covenant was the promise that all the families of the earth would be blessed through Israel (Genesis 12:3). This reflects God’s greater plan—not just for Israel, but for all nations—to bring the world into a covenant relationship with Him.
Yeshua is the fulfillment of this divine plan. Through Yeshua, God renews the covenant in a way that extends beyond Israel to include the Gentiles, without breaking His everlasting promise to Israel. As the Messiah, Yeshua is the agent of this new covenant, fulfilling the promises made to the Jewish people while also offering salvation and inclusion to the nations.
Through faith in Yeshua, Gentiles are grafted into the covenant people, as Paul explains in Romans 11:17-24, where he describes Gentile believers as wild olive branches grafted into the rich root of Israel.
Yeshua’s life, death, and resurrection not only provided atonement for sin but also opened the way for all people—Jew and Gentile alike—to enter into a covenant relationship with God. Therefore, Gentile believers are ushered into this renewed covenant through Messiah, becoming part of God’s family while the covenant with Israel remains intact.
This inclusion does not replace Israel but fulfills the promise that the nations would one day be blessed through them. God’s original covenant with Israel stands firm, with the Jewish people continuing in their role as a covenantal people, while Gentiles, through Yeshua, are now invited to share in the blessings of that covenant, united in one faith under the Messiah.
Messianic Jewish Practices
Observing the Torah
Messianic Jews follow many of the commandments in the Torah, though the extent of observance can vary among individuals and congregations. These practices include keeping kosher dietary laws, observing Shabbat (the Sabbath), wearing tzitzit (fringes), and following the biblical commandments related to festivals and holidays.
Importantly, Messianic Jews do not observe these commandments as a means of earning salvation but as a way of honoring God’s eternal covenant with Israel.
The Sabbath (Shabbat)
Shabbat is central to Messianic Jewish life, beginning at sundown on Friday and concluding at sundown on Saturday. This is in accordance with the biblical command to keep the seventh day holy (Exodus 20:8-11).
Messianic Jewish congregations often include elements of traditional Jewish worship in their Shabbat services, such as the recitation of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) and the Amidah prayers, alongside worship and teachings centered on Yeshua.
Jewish Holidays
Messianic Jews celebrate the Jewish festivals, interpreting them through the lens of Yeshua as Messiah. For example:
- Passover (Pesach) is celebrated as the commemoration of Israel’s redemption from Egypt, but it is also seen as pointing to Yeshua as the ultimate Passover Lamb whose sacrifice brings redemption from sin (1 Corinthians 5:7).
- Shavuot (Pentecost) marks the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, which Messianic Jews see as intertwined.
- Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur focus on themes of repentance, atonement, and renewal, with Yeshua being viewed as the ultimate High Priest who atones for sin.
Messianic Jews also observe other biblical festivals such as Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), often interpreting their significance in light of Yeshua’s ministry and the future Messianic kingdom.
The Role of Jewish Identity in Messianic Judaism
One of the key distinctions between Messianic Jews and Christian believers is the importance Messianic Jews place on maintaining their Jewish identity. For Messianic Jews, belief in Yeshua does not negate their connection to the Jewish people or their heritage. Rather, they see Yeshua as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and believe that their Jewish identity is part of God’s eternal covenant.
Messianic Jews vehemently reject replacement theology (supersessionism), the belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s plan. Instead, they believe that God’s covenant with Israel is everlasting and that Jewish believers in Yeshua are part of the larger Jewish community.
Differences Between Messianic Judaism and Christianity
While Messianic Jews and Christians share a belief in Yeshua, there are several significant differences:
- Jewish Identity: Messianic Jews maintain a strong sense of Jewish identity, observing Torah commandments and Jewish festivals. They believe that these practices are still relevant and meaningful.
- Torah Observance: Unlike many Christians, who believe the Law was fulfilled by Yeshua and is no longer binding, Messianic Jews continue to observe the Torah as a way of honoring God.
- Religious Practices: Messianic Jewish worship often incorporates traditional Jewish liturgy and customs, which is distinct from most Christian worship services.
Distinguishing Messianic Judaism from Hebrew Roots Movements
It is important to clarify that Messianic Judaism is distinct from movements such as Hebrew Roots or other groups that identify as “Messianic” but are primarily comprised of Gentiles. While these groups may adopt certain aspects of Jewish culture or Torah observance, they differ fundamentally from Messianic Judaism in key ways.
Messianic Judaism is rooted in the Jewish community and centers on the belief that Yeshua is the Messiah of Israel, while continuing to maintain a Jewish identity. Messianic Jews are ethnically Jewish and see their faith in Yeshua as a fulfillment of their Jewish heritage, not a rejection or replacement of it.
Our worship, customs, and Torah observance are expressions of this deep connection to our Jewish heritage and tradition.
In contrast, movements like Hebrew Roots often consist of Gentile believers who adopt Jewish practices but do not maintain an ethnic or covenantal connection to the Jewish people. While some may sincerely desire to honor the Jewishness of the Bible and Yeshua, these movements are not part of the Jewish community and are often critiqued for (sometimes unknowingly) appropriating Jewish practices without fully understanding their historical or cultural context.
As the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) affirms: “Messianic Judaism is a movement of Jewish people who believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world, and who continue to maintain a Jewish identity and lifestyle.”
Messianic Judaism is first and foremost a Judaism, whereas other groups may be more focused on returning to a “biblical” lifestyle apart from the Jewish identity, and sometimes conflating the two.
My Final Thoughts on Messianic Judaism
Messianic Judaism is a vibrant expression of faith that embraces Yeshua as the Messiah while maintaining the Jewish identity and observance of Torah. As a movement, it serves as a bridge between Judaism and Christianity, rooted in the belief that Yeshua is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
As Messianic Jews, we hold fast to our Jewish heritage, while also proclaiming Yeshua as the long-awaited Messiah who has come and will return to complete the redemption of Israel and the world.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to leave a comment below! We also invite you to join our Besorah Bible Study Facebook group, where we explore the Jewish foundations of our faith and study the Scriptures together as a community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Messianic Jews celebrate Christmas and Easter?
No, Messianic Jews typically do not celebrate Christmas or Easter, as these are not part of the biblical festivals outlined in the Torah. Instead, we celebrate Jewish holidays such as Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, understanding them in light of Yeshua’s fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
Can non-Jews be part of Messianic congregations?
Yes, many Messianic congregations welcome non-Jews who have faith in Yeshua and have a distinct calling. This statement from the UMJC might clarify:
Basic Statement:
Messianic Jewish groups may also include those from non-Jewish backgrounds who have a confirmed call to participate fully in the life and destiny of the Jewish people. We are committed to embodying this definition in our constituent congregations and in our shared institutions. UMJC – https://www.umjc.org/defining-messianic-judaism
You can visit our post on What is a Messianic Gentile to learn more!
What’s the difference between Messianic Jews and Christians?
The primary difference is that Messianic Jews maintain their Jewish identity and practices, observing Torah and the biblical festivals, while also believing in Yeshua as the Messiah. Christians, by contrast, typically do not observe Jewish law and may not emphasize the Jewish context of Yeshua’s life and ministry.
There are, in fact, Jewish Christians for lack of a better term. These are Jews who choose to follow Yeshua within a church environment. Perhaps they never knew a Jewish upbringing or their Jewish heritage and grew up within Christian churches and feel more comfortable there.
Perhaps they are married to Gentile Christians and choose to raise their children in the church rather than in the Messianic Jewish community as observant Jews. We are all part of the body of the Messiah and each person has to choose their own way of following Him.
Messianic Jews (and even many Jewish Christians) do not see belief in Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah as converting to Christianity, period.
If you want to learn more about what Messianic Judaism is and what a Messianic Jew is, this video from Two Messianic Jews will give you plenty of information!!
Rudolph, David and Joel Willitts. Introduction to Messianic Judaism – Its Ecclesial Context and Biblical Foundations. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013.
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.
About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.
Thank you so much Diane for that enlightening post on Messianic Jew /Judaism. There is real clarity on these terms now. Your efforts are appreciated 👍🙏
I am so glad you enjoyed it Saji and that it clarified the terms for you!! Thank you for your comments!