Training Rabbis?

What kind of preparation does it take to become a rabbi in the emerging Messianic Jewish movement? What are the realities that have changed since the beginning of the movement in the 1970’s? Why is MJTI’s work so important in this regard?

In July 2010, two classes of rabbis and rabbis-to-be will converge for summer intensive work. Donors like you who care about the future of Yeshua-faith amongst the people of Israel have provided for these students, making the summer classes possible.

There are many challenges to being and becoming a rabbi in Messianic Judaism in our current situation. One is the lack of people, leaders, and financial support. Unlike mainstream Judaism, with its well-established history of fundraising and support structures, Messianic Judaism gets few bequeathments. And unlike Christian denominations and churches, which can draw on the general population for members, Messianic Judaism is a niche, a movement whose appeal is to the very few. This reality means that most rabbis in the movement need second (and third) jobs and alternate means of support. Few have the resources for education requiring travel.

Rabbis in Messianic Judaism also face the challenge of broader educational needs than either Christian or mainstream Jewish clergy. For a Messianic Jewish rabbi, a knowledge of the history, theology, and practices of both the Jewish and Christian world is necessary. The educational horizon is very high, so that a rabbi in our movement needs work in areas such as Hebrew fluency, rabbinic texts and traditions, Jewish and church history, theology, Biblical studies, leadership, practical issues, and personal well-being issues.

As rabbis and rabbis-in-training converge this summer in Los Angeles, a little piece of the kingdom of heaven is strengthened. Summer intensives like this one are historic, a step forward in a movement a generation old looking to the future. And as Yeshua said, “Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old” (Matt 13:52).