What is the meaning of the Way?

Within the tradition of the Way, salvation is understood to be attained solely through the acceptance of Yeshua as Saviour, rather than through adherence to the corpus of Jewish rabbinical law. Following the destruction of the Temple in AD 70, the form of Judaism that subsequently developed and has been transmitted to the present day is known as Rabbinical Judaism, represented chiefly by four major streams: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Messianic. As adherents of the Way, Messianic Jews anticipate the advent of a renewed age of peace associated with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ), grounded in the salvation he is believed to have accomplished. Messianic Judaism integrates elements of Jewish liturgical and cultural tradition with the theological framework of evangelical Protestantism.

Hebrew Catholics, who likewise affirm Yeshua as Messiah, belong to the Vicarage of St James and remain in full communion with the Roman Catholic See of Rome. The Samaritan Israelites, whose presence extends back millennia, maintain that they preserve the most ancient Hebrew tradition as descendants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Their community, numbering fewer than 800 individuals worldwide, continues to reside on Mount Gerizim, which they regard as the original site of the divine tabernacle.

The Beta Israel—also known as Ethiopian Jews—constitute a historic Jewish diaspora community that lived for centuries within the Kingdom of Aksum and later the Ethiopian Empire, and are now primarily settled in the State of Israel. The mystical dimension of Judaism is expressed through the esoteric traditions of ancient Kabbalah, many of whose themes exhibit notable affinities with Gnostic thought. Reconstructionist Judaism represents a progressive and liberal movement that conceives of Judaism as a dynamic and evolving religious civilization rather than a fixed and immutable one, and it recognizes both patrilineal and matrilineal descent.

Can a Gentile Christian become a Messianic Jew?

Yes. Conversion to the Way entails an encounter with the living God and the discovery of a transformative spiritual reality. Formation is ongoing and conducted systematically each Shabbat Erev. After a period of Torah study and communal fellowship within the synagogue, during which one is mentored by the rabbi and participates in the observance of the Leviticus 23 moadim, membership develops organically. As one deepens in relationship with Yeshua and grows in knowledge of the Torah, one may be assessed for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and/or tevilah (immersion baptism). Individuals may worship with the community as Gentile Christians each Shabbat or may choose to enter fully into Messianic Judaism if they discern such a calling. The decision rests with the individual; yet in either case, the fellowship remains united in Yeshua, the heavenly Bridegroom, who has removed the dividing wall between Israel and the nations.

What is Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Upon reaching the age of maturity, a Jew becomes accountable for their actions. Traditionally, this rite is known as Bar Mitzvah for males and Bat Mitzvah for females. Circumcision is increasingly regarded as an important aspect of full participation within the Jewish community. When an adult male who is already circumcised converts to Judaism, no further procedure is required. While circumcision of the heart is the fundamental requirement, circumcision through National Health services is encouraged.

Participation in Shabbat services and the Leviticus 23 moadim is mandatory for a minimum of one year prior to receiving Bar/Bat Mitzvah. At the conclusion of this period, Gentile Christians within the congregation who have completed the process will receive a certificate of conversion to Judaism and will be given a Hebrew name as a sign of their new membership within the Israelite family of God (it is often said that “the name chooses you”).

What is Tevilah?

Although circumcision is encouraged, tevilah is a mandatory requirement for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Both men and women must undergo immersion baptism prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah in order to be ritually purified for their entrance into the Church (understood as the Third and Final Temple) and to become fully recognized adult Messianic Jews, unless they have already undergone immersion within a Christian church at an age of personal understanding. While infant baptism is respected as part of certain Gentile Christian traditions, the community—consistent with the Tanakh and the Brit Chadashah—requires believer’s baptism.

Veganism & Kosher

Eating meat in Exodus is associated with the cravings of the nations. All throughout the Torah, we see a cleansing in dietary prescriptions regarding meat and milk consumption, as well as the injunction to abstain from blood. The mixture of milk with meat instils in it the undesirable characteristics of blood. If meat and milk together were not forbidden, then the Jews would be unknowingly transgressing the prohibition of consumption of blood and exposing themselves to the damaging effects of blood. Many Jews believe that in the Messianic Age, things will return to the way they were in the Garden of Eden. If this is true, it follows that in the Messianic Age we'll all be vegan! This view is supported by several different scholars in our Jewish tradition.  In summary, there is no contradiction between Judaism (and its dietary laws) and veganism. In fact, veganism appears to be the diet most consistent with the highest Jewish values.