Talks by Toby Janicki
(As given at the FFOZ National Conference 2011, “Yoke of the King”, focusing on the future of Gentiles in Messianic Judaism)
- The G-d Fearers
General Description:
To clarify the role of the G-d Fearer within Judaism both “pre-Messiah” and “post-Messiah” through consideration of scripture, midrash, and both ancient and modern scholars.
Main Point:
Psalm 118 and 135 specify categories of people within Israel including those from the nations who fear G-d. Upon this basis Gentiles are brought out of confusion and into clarity regarding what the “apostles laid down” for them and what the bible presents regarding their role and responsibility.
Pertinent Quotes:
“The bare minimum for the G-d fearer [in the 1st century] were the Noahide laws [which] were a little more diverse in the first century . . . I would guess that most of them would have gone beyond this by observing kosher, Shabbat, festivals, and prayers.
“The concept of the G-d Fearer is varied . . this is going to look different for everybody . . . but we are aiming to be a part of Israel.”
“It is grievous to me to see many Jews who believe in Messiah not doing the Torah . . it strips away the reputation to who Yeshua is . . it is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to evangelism . . Yeshua seen as a rogue rabbi who pulls Jews away from Torah.”
“It’s easy for us Gentiles to point fingers [at Messianic Jews] and say “why aren’t they doing this” [being Torah observant] . . for us to arrogantly be pointing fingers at them as what they should and should not be doing is out of place . . . we need to give them grace where they are at.”
My Question:
In what way were the Noahide laws “a little more diverse” in the first century?
- Gentiles and the Sabbath
General Description:
To consider how Gentiles keep the Sabbath with proper respect for and distinction from Jewish believers.
Main Point:
Gentiles are not encouraged to take on the full 39 prohibitions of the Sabbath as Gentile halachic Sabbath observance can be deemed a threat to the relationship of Israel with G-d. Instead, Gentile believers should keep Sabbath as a day to “unplug from the world” and to rest as a means to connect with the earliest disciples.
Pertinent Quotes:
“When we are in Shabbat, we are in somebody else’s house and we need to be respectful about it . . . .[Gentiles] can get dangerously close through their Torah observance of creating a new form of anti-semitism . . . a new form of replacement theology — when we don’t respect that special relationship (between G-d and Israel) — and instead we want to be a part of that special relationship and are not happy with our own role and responsibility.”
[regarding Isaiah 56:1-3] “in second Temple Judaism ‘foreigners’ were understood as converts because they held fast the covenant . . . it’s likely that the apostles interpreted this verse the same way . . . it doesn’t matter what ‘foreigner’ meant originally [in the scripture] but what it meant [to the apostles] during that time period.”
“I don’t want to tell people what to do, [but for me] keeping [Sabbath] halachah was blurring the lines of distinction . . . personally for me as a Gentile [it was] getting a little too familiar with that house that isn’t mine.”
My Question:
Can we assume that Talmudic majority opinion, recorded 100 or more years after the apostles, was the view held by the apostlic community? From what I have read, even scholars will not go so far as to assume this.
- Gentiles and Sign Commandments
General Description:
Consideration of kosher, tzizit, and tefillin for Gentile believers.
Main Point:
Gentiles should be careful when approaching these mitzvot, we can participate but at the same time must be respectful and honoring to our Jewish brothers and sisters. In general it is suggested that Gentiles adjust their level of kashrut based on worship environment (Jewish vs. Gentile) and refrain from the mitzvot of tzizit/tallit and tefillin in public worship, although they may practice such in private for personal blessing.
Pertinent Quotes:
Regarding Kashrut;
“In Acts 15 the apostles are binding Gentiles to the specific dietary requirement of [consuming only] kosher slaughtered meat.”
“For Gentiles outside of a Jewish community it is probably best to stick to a more simple level of kashrut that would allow you to fellowship with fellow [Gentile] believers. It is probably best for Gentiles outside of a Jewish community not to keep a full kosher kitchen. A kosher kitchen in a Gentile house is really not a kosher kitchen in a technical [halachic] sense.”
“Gentiles who attend Messianic Jewish congregations, at the very minimum, should adhere to whatever standard is in that congregation . . even if [that standard] doesn’t meet the requirements of Acts 15.”
“At the very least, when we have Jewish brothers over to our house, who are at a higher level of kosher, we make space for them — don’t think it an offense if they won’t eat off of your dishes. We need to be encouraging our Jewish brothers and sisters to be keeping kosher as much as they can.”
Regarding Tzizit;
[For a Gentile believer to wear tzizit out] “is confusing at best and offensive at worst . . tzizit signify that you are shomer mitzvot . . people define you as Jewish and keeping a high level of Torah . . perception is everything.”
“When tzizit are worn on belt loops, keychains, bookmarks etc., . . .this is strange and offensive to Jewish people . . . it’s not provoking them to jealousy . . .its offensive and arrogant.”
Regarding Tefillin;
“Tefillin is literal [to the scriptures] and was practiced by the Master . . .it is a sign to remember the Exodus from Egypt [an event specific to Israel] . . . for the Gentile tefillin [should be] done in a tasteful and respectful manner . . . in private.”
My Question:
Since the four essentials of Acts 15 are understood as obligatory upon Gentiles, how can we, in good conscience, maintain a level of kashrut below this if involved in a Messianic Jewish community which does not hold to this minimum standard? Can we really be respectful of our Jewish brothers and sisters distinctions and position, and encourage them to keep as much kosher as they can, if we neglect the Acts 15 dietary standard while in fellowship with them?
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A talk given by Aaron Eby will be considered in the final part four of this series, along with a general impression and summary of the entire audio conference.
