Two Messianic Jews
Two Messianic Jewish graduate students think deeply about Messianic Jewish history and theology. They engage with questions from other Jews, Hebrew Roots/One Law groups, and Christians, such as whether Jews can believe in Jesus and if Gentiles must keep kosher, Shabbat, and the feasts. They also discuss replacement theology. The podcast aims to be a thoughtful conversation partner for exploring these issues.
Episodes
Does Acts 15 Actually Support Hebrew Roots? | Wilber vs. Solberg Debate (Messianic Jewish Response)
David Wilber and R.L. Solberg recently debated whether Acts 15 requires Gentiles to be Torah observant. They both agreed that the four prohibitions come from Leviticus 17-18. In this episode, I demonstrate that Wilber's Hebrew Roots argument is weak and unfounded in Acts 15 and that they mistakenly claim that all four prohibitions are commandments taken from Leviticus 17-18. I also offer a mor
How Hebrew Roots is Hijacking Messianic Judaism
Messianic Jews and Gentiles whom God leads to support the Messianic Jewish community recognize that the Hebrew Roots movement threatens the integrity and outlook of Messianic Judaism. This podcast aims to start an open conversation about how we can solve this problem, for our sake and theirs.To donate in support of defending the Messianic Jewish community against Hebrew Roots replacement theology,
Why Does God Count Israel? (D’rash on Bamidbar)
Enjoy this short d’rash on this week’s parsha, Bamidbar (Numbers 1.1–4.20), as we explore why God counts Israel and what it reveals about how He sees His people.Shabbat shalom!To support: twomessianicjews.com/donateYou can also listen on YouTubeFollow us on Social Media: FacebookInstagram
Pastor Leaves Hebrew Roots…Here’s Why
Why would a pastor walk away from the Hebrew Roots movement? In this interview, Pastor Gabe May of Headland Methodist Church shares his personal journey, what drew him into Hebrew Roots, what caused him to question it, and what led him to leave. Along the way, we examine the key biblical arguments for Hebrew Roots and uncover the deeper spiritual roots behind the movement.To support our work in ch
Passover and the Messiah: The Meaning of the Afikomen
The afikomen is one of the most mysterious parts of Passover. Why do we break the matzah, hide the larger piece, and bring it back later? In this video we explore how Chabad Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky and Yeshua connect breaking matzah to redemption through the Messiah.To support our work in teaching the Jewishness of the New Testament, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donateChag Pesach
A Message to 'Christ is King' Christians
To those who flood comment sections with 'Christ is King' or 'Jesus is King' alongside the latest (or oldest) conspiracy theories and slanders about the Jewish people, there are a few things you should keep in mind before leaving such comments. Enjoy. Share with others.To support our work in combating antisemitism and replacement theology, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews
8 Reasons Why Gentiles Matter in God's Kingdom
We discuss the beauty and significance of Gentile identity in God's kingdom. When replacement theology and Hebrew Roots teachings are followed, we lose sight of God's design for His kingdom to be Israel and all the nations of the earth worshiping together. Check out this video to see all 8 reasons of the G.O.O.D. N.E.W.S. of Gentile identity.To support our work in combating replacement the
Why is Liturgy Important for Messianic Jews? W/ Rabbi Eric Lakatos
We have on Rabbi Eric Lakatos of Tikvat Yisrael Cleveland, Ohio to discuss his new Messianic Jewish siddur, Siddur Nishmat Kol Chai, and Messianic Jewish liturgy. We discuss why liturgy matters, the importance of Hebrew, and questions that Messianic communities face when considering liturgy in their services. Enjoy!To support our work in strengthening the faith and identity of Jewish followers of
The Amidah in the New Testament
The Amidah, the "Standing Prayer," is the central prayer during a Jewish service and is prayed three times a day by religious Jewish people. This prayer is so significant in Judaism it is simply called "The Prayer" in the Mishnah, a foundational rabbinic text from the 3rd century AD that preserves earlier traditions. In this video, I show how the central themes of the Amidah ar
Rediscovering My Gentile Roots w/ Joseph Culbertson
Joseph Culbertson is a PhD candidate in Hebrew Bible at Asbury Theological Seminary. He received his MDiv in Messianic Jewish studies from The King's University. He shares his journey from the Church to Hebrew Roots to Messianic Judaism and back to the Church. We discuss common arguments made by Hebrew Roots/One Law advocates and he explains the beauty of diversity and unity in the body of Mes
Are the Gospels Historically Reliable? | Interview w/ Michael Jones - Inspiring Philosophy
In this interview, we are joined by Michael Jones, founder of Inspiring Philosophy to respond to Rabbi Michael Skobac’s objections regarding the reliability of the Gospels.To support our work in responding to counter-missionaries, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donateWe carefully examine several of Rabbi Skobac’s key claims, including:1:15 — The Gospels are religious propaganda, no
Are Messianic Jews Jewish? | A Conversation with @hellomrsrachel on TikTok
We just participated in our first TikTok livestream with @hellomrsrachel She has us on to discuss FAQ’s for Messianic Jews after the amazing response to her video explaining that she is a Messianic Jew. That video now has over 246,000 views! Here is the recording! If you have TikTok, we encourage you to follow her channel! To support our work in strengthening the faith and identity of Jewish follo
Christians are NOT “the True Jews” | A Messianic Jewish Response to Jeff Durbin
Just weeks after October 7, 2023—the worst moment in Jewish history since the Holocaust—Pastor Jeff Durbin of Apologia Studios released a video discussing the massacre. In it, he argued that Jewish people who do not believe in Jesus are not truly Jewish and are not God’s chosen people. Instead, he claimed that Christians are the true Jews—that Christians are Israel. Through this video, Pastor Jeff
Tour of a NEW Messianic Jewish Haggadah
Link to buy the Budoff HaggadahYou can also watch on our YouTube ChannelFollow us on Social Media: FacebookInstagramTo support our work in strengthening the faith and identity of Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate
100 Year Old Vision for Messianic Judaism!
Over 100 years ago, Philip Cohen published the first issue of "The Messianic Jew: Organ of the Jewish Messianic Movement." We read the introductory article to this Messianic Jewish publication to discover the beautiful heart Cohen had for Jewish followers of Yeshua to express their Jewish identities. He casts a vision and an aim for Jewish believers that ultimately results in Jesus being
Christians Are Correcting Replacement Theology
What if I told you that many major Christian denominations have formally denounced replacement theology? What if I told you there is a brand new version of replacement theology that is taking over the internet? Find out more listening to this presentation about replacement theology and one law theology!To support our work in combating replacement theology, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjew
The Council of Nicaea was (Mostly) a Good Thing
We dispel common myths about the Council of Nicaea and express gratitude for the Church successfully defending the deity of Yeshua in the face of a very influential heretic named Arian. We also talk about the decision to disconnect Easter and Passover (which I think is okay!). To support our work in strengthening the faith and identity of Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twom
Thank You Church for Defending the Tanakh
Marcion was the "arch-heretic" who argued there is a good god and an evil god, the Tanakh (the Old Testament) is not scripture, and edited portions of the New Testament. He was the first influential heretic that the Church had to guard a biblical understand of God and the Tanakh as God's word. The Messianic Jewish community should appreciate the Church for successfully defending God
Romans Road to Messianic Judaism
We walk through Romans to see why the Messianic Jewish community has come to exist and what our purpose is as a community. We focus on texts in Romans 1, 3, 9, 11, and 15. To support our work in strengthening the faith and identity of Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donateWe have come to exist because:00:00 - Introduction00:38 - The Good News: Yeshua is
Connecting Passover, Isaiah 53, and the Gospel
Isaiah draws from the story of Passover in Isaiah 52 and 53. The New Testament portrays Jesus as our Passover Lamb and the suffering servant of Isaiah 53. Gain a deeper understanding of the gospel message as told by the Tanakh and New Testament and find out an amazing connection to the shankbone of the Passover seder and the 'arm of the Lord'!To support our work in strengthening the faith
The Shema in the New Testament
The Shema is central to the New Testament. Jesus says the Shema is the most important commandment and uses the Shema to make claims about his identity. He also wears ritual objects associated with the Shema, like tzitzit. The Shema is also central to Paul's theology about the community of Messiah and it was used in early liturgy of the Jesus-following community.To support our work in strengthe
Is the New Testament Antisemitic? (Inspiring Philosophy interview)
Michael Jones, from one of the largest Christian apologetics YouTube channels, Inspiring Philosophy, interviewed us on the topic: "Is the New Testament Antisemitic?" This message is particularly timely, given the increasing prevalence of Jew-hatred worldwide. Sadly, Christian antisemitism is also a reality, and in this interview, we address the challenging passages that antisemites cite
Was Jesus Like Jonah? A Yom Kippur D'rash
What similarities and differences can we notice when comparing the story of Jonah with Jesus calming the storm in Matthew 8? How does making this comparison show that Jesus was recognized as the Messiah? Join us for this Yom Kippur D'rash!To support our work in strengthening the faith and identity of Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donateJonah 1:1-6(
Paul's Name NEVER Changed
Have you ever heard the claim that Saul's name was changed to Paul on the road to Damascus? Do Christians tell you that this name changed symbolized not only a dramatic personal transformation but also Paul's turn away from Judaism in favor of Christianity? I read through Acts 9 and Acts 13 to show that Paul's name was never changed from Saul and give an alternative explanation for why
Jesus Did NOT Declare All Foods Clean | Messiah Conference 2023
At the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) Messiah Conference 2023, Jonathan gave a presentation addressing the standard interpretation of Mark 7.15–19. He presents three reasons why it is implausible that Jesus abrogated Israel's dietary laws and then offers a reading of the text that makes better sense of Jesus's argument in its Jewish context. To support our work in strengthenin
Reaching Our People Panel at Messianic Conference 2023
At the MJAA Messiah Conference, Erik presented on a panel entitled, "Reaching Our People" with David Brickner, Janet Forman, and Chantel Winograd. Erik shared stories of how he has shared the gospel with young people who care about truth and those who don't. He finishes his speech by sharing an important way the Messianic Jewish community can not only reach our people, but keep our p
Did Jesus Declare All Foods Clean? (Mark 7)
Did Jesus do away with the Jewish dietary laws? Many Christians point to Mark 7.15-19 to say that he did, which is understandable, considering the common translation of Mark 7.19, “Thus he [Jesus] declared all foods clean.” In this video, I present five reasons why it is implausible that Jesus eliminated the Jewish dietary laws and then offer a reading of Mark 7.15-19 that makes better sense of Je
Hebrew Roots Are WRONG About Acts 15
Are non-Jews expected to become Torah-observant? Is this what the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 teaches? Many Hebrew Roots and One Law teachers read the Jerusalem Council as a decision to give non-Jewish Jesus-followers a Torah "starter pack" and expect them to become more and more observant as they learn the Torah in the synagogue each Shabbat. Is this the best way to read Acts 15? We do
Did Jesus End God’s Covenant with Israel? | Live at MJAA Messiah Conference 2022
At the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) Messiah Conference 2022, Jonathan gave a presentation responding to arguments for replacement theology put forth in Pastor Andy Stanley’s book, Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World. To support our work in combating replacement theology, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donateQuestions this presentatio
Was Paul Torah-Observant or Spirit-Led?
This week is the Jewish holiday of Shavuot which is also known as Pentecost. In Jewish tradition, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah. In Christian traditions, Pentecost commemorates the Holy Spirit descending after Jesus ascended to heaven. In Messianic Judaism, we commemorate both! Join us in exploring how Shavuot provides an occasion to see how Paul was both Torah-observant and Spirit-
Passover and the Resurrection of Jesus: A Response to Rabbi Michael Skobac
In Deuteronomy 13, we learn that false prophets can perform miracles. From this point, counter-missionary, Rabbi Michael Skobac reasons: “miracles don’t prove anything.” If he is right, then Jesus’s resurrection does not prove he is the Messiah. But is Rabbi Skobac right? In this video, I argue that when we understand Deuteronomy 13 in light of Passover and with the help of Maimonides, we see that
What is a Messianic Jew?
What do Messianic Jews believe? How do Messianic Jews live and worship? Join us on Two Messianic Jews as we share with you the definition of a Messianic Jew, the core beliefs of the Messianic Jewish community, and the common ways Messianic Jews live and worship. In the end, I share how we view ourselves within the Jewish community and within the Body of Messiah.To support our work in strengthening
"Why Messianic Judaism Is Fake" [REACTION]
Recently, we were sent a Times of Israel blog by its author, Rabbi Joel Hoffman, entitled, "Why Messianic Judaism is Fake." We thought this was a good opportunity to try our hand at doing a live reaction as we read it for the first time! There is much more that could have been said, and much that we could have said more clearly. Hopefully, it is edifying and entertaining nonetheless!To s
Is Christmas Pagan? with InspiringPhilosophy
While Christmas is not part of the Messianic Jewish calendar we affirm the Church's celebration of this tradition as a wonderful way to celebrate the birth and incarnation of the Messiah. There are many Hebrew Roots channels that argue Christmas is steeped in paganism and that the Church should not celebrate the holiday. For this episode, we are joined by Michael Jones of Inspiring Philosophy-
What Is A Messianic Gentile?
Not many people understand or have even heard of, Messianic Gentiles. Who are they? Who are they not? In this video, I define Messianic Gentiles as are non-Jewish members of Messianic synagogues who affirm the teachings of Messianic Judaism and live according to the Jewish norms of their synagogue. I then distinguish them from many groups with which they might be easily confused, particularly Hebr
What is the Role of Torah and Spirit for Messianic Jews? Rabbi Josh Lessard and Dr. Jen Rosner
How should Messianic Jews understand the role of Torah, rabbinic tradition, and the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives and communities? There are multiple Messianic Jewish answers to this question and today we had on Messianic Jewish scholar, Dr. Jennifer Rosner and Messianic Jewish rabbi, Joshua Lessard to discuss their book "At the Foot of the Mountain: Two Views on the Torah and Spi
Should Christians Celebrate Sukkot? A Messianic Jewish Response to Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Roots and One Law teachers like Lex Meyer of Unlearn the Lies and Tim Hegg of Torah Resource frequently argue that Christians should celebrate Sukkot and all other Jewish Festivals because of the prophecy found in Zechariah 14:16-19. This is contrary to the Messianic Jewish position. I argue that Christians do not have this responsibility and appeal to Messianic Jewish leaders like Dr. Davi
Did Jesus Replace Judaism? A Response to Andy Stanley
Did Jesus oppose Judaism and come to replace it with his brand-new religion of Christianity? Was ancient Judaism a legalistic religion of works-righteousness? Did Jesus make the Law obsolete? Many people assume the answer to all these questions is yes. But is that true? In this video, we tackle these questions, building the case that the way Jesus teaches, lives, and debates situates him within Se
Did Jesus Say Anything New? With Rabbi Matt Rosenberg
Many people believe that Jesus came to replace Judaism and its Torah with something brand new. His teachings then stand in stark conflict with his Jewish contemporaries. Rabbi Matt Rosenberg essentially says, “I beg to differ” in his newly released book, Jesus Never Said Anything New. In this interview, he tackles this important subject that affects how Jews and Christians understand Jesus and liv
Why was the Temple destroyed? Should Jewish Believers follow Jewish tradition? [Subscribestar Mailbag!]
Thank you All-Stars for your support and your questions! If you want to become an All-Star and submit questions for the mailbag episodes, follow this link and subscribe at any tier for early access to content and the ability to ask questions for the mailbags! To support our work in strengthening the faith and identityof Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/do
Was Jesus a White Racist? A Messianic Jewish Response to Brandan Robertson and Miguel De La Torre
Earlier this year, Reverend Brandan Robertson came out with a Tik Tok video claiming that Jesus was a racist. In a later YouTube video with Dr. Miguel De La Torre, he elaborates that Jesus inherited his racism from his Jewish community. De La Torre makes these same claims in this video and in his sermon, “Was Jesus a Racist?” Their teaching is not just historically and exegetically wrong; it fuels
The Shema's Impact on the Gospel and Replacement Theology
For centuries, scholars have argued that Paul thought the Church replaced Israel as God's chosen people and that Jewish identity is erased upon the acceptance of Jesus's Gospel message. Here, I argue that when you carefully read Paul's use of the Shema in Romans 3.27-31 and use the Tanakh, Josephus, and later rabbinic literature to expand your interpretative imagination, you find Paul
Does a Divine Messiah Fit Within Judaism? Messianic Jewish and Traditional Jewish Scholars Discuss
Traditional Jewish scholar, Dr. Zev Garber and Messianic Jewish scholar, Dr. Mark Kinzer participate in a discussion on whether a divine Messiah fits within Judaism and how Messianic Judaism's view of Jesus's incarnation affects its relationship to the broader Jewish world. This discussion took place at the 2020 Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting to interact with the ideas prese
Did Jesus Claim To Be God? Traditional and Messianic Jewish Scholars Discuss
Traditional Jewish scholar, Dr. Kenneth Hanson and Messianic Jewish scholar, Dr. David Rudolph participate in a discussion on whether Jesus claimed to be God and the impact these readings of the New Testament have on Messianic Judaism's relationship to the broader Jewish world. This discussion took place at the 2020 Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting to interact with the ideas prese
Is Jesus a Copy of Pagan gods? The Historical Odds | Part 3
One of the primary arguments a prominent Jewish counter-missionary gave us for why we should leave Messianic Judaism is that Jesus was a copy of pagan myths and never existed as a historical figure. In this final video of the three-part series, we show why this argument is historically implausible based on what our sources tell us about first-century Jewish views of paganism and the fact that the
Is Jesus a Copy of Pagan gods? Testing the Sources | Part 2
One of the primary arguments a prominent Jewish counter-missionary gave us for why we should leave Messianic Judaism is that Jesus was a copy of pagan myths and never existed as a historical figure. In this second video of the three-part series, we go directly to the primary sources. Long story short, this counter-missionary is wrong about the parallels between Jesus and Osiris and Dionysus.To sup
Is Jesus a Copy of Pagan gods? Testing the Logic | Part 1
One of the primary arguments a prominent Jewish counter-missionary gave us for why we should leave Messianic Judaism is that Jesus was a copy of pagan myths and never existed as a historical figure. In this episode, we show why his argument suffers from a logical fallacy, and even if this argument were true and sound, it would mean that one of Judaism’s greatest heroes never existed. It’s a weak a
How Our Faith Survived College [Podcast Exclusive!]
Listen in as we share our story of how we navigated conversations with atheist professors, atheist and agnostic classmates, and Jewish counter-missionaries while in college! We hope you find encouragement, entertainment, and empowerment as we give you a sneak peek into parts of the journey that has led to us launching Two Messianic Jews! Enjoy! To support our work in responding to counter-missiona
Did Paul Teach Against Torah in Acts 21? Responding to Rabbi Michael Skobac
Does Acts 21 confirm that Paul taught against Torah-observance for Jews? According to Rabbi Michael Skobac of Jews for Judaism, Acts 21 shows Paul's "real position" was that Jews should stop obeying the Torah. I walk through the whole account of Acts 21.17-26 to demonstrate that it says the exact opposite! Acts 21 shows that Paul was a Torah-observant Jew himself and taught othe
Did Jesus Destroy the Law? Responding to Rabbi Tovia Singer
Rabbi Tovia Singer argues that in Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus claims that if one is even tempted to commit adultery, then they have already committed the sin. Jesus's point, therefore, is that the Torah is impossible to follow. In this video, we respond to this argument and show why Rabbi Singer is misunderstanding Jesus. To support our work in responding to counter-missionaries,you can visit htt
What Did Paul Say About Jesus? Responding to Rabbi Michael Skobac
Rabbi Michael Skobac claims Paul did not mention "literally anything whatsoever" about the life and teachings of Jesus. If true, this casts doubt on whether Paul knew anything about Jesus's life and teachings. For some (not Rabbi Skobac), they make this claim to support an argument that Jesus did not exist! We explore Paul's letters to show that Paul does mention Jesus's lif
200 YouTube Subscribers! Future Plans and How to Support
We are thrilled to reach 200 YouTube subscribers! Thank you to those who have subscribed! This channel started during the summer and it is amazing to see the impact that it is having. Check out the video to hear some exciting updates! To support our work in strengthening the faith and identityof Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate 0:00 – Thank you!
Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? | Rabbi Tovia Singer vs. Orthodox Jewish scholar
Did Jesus rise from the dead? Rabbi Tovia Singer says "absolutely not." He argues that there is no evidence this event took place. In this video, w ask question - how would an Orthodox Jewish scholar who affirms that Jesus rose from the dead respond to Rabbi Singer? He presents the arguments from the late Dr. Pinchas Lapide and puts them up against Rabbi Singer's! To support our work
What Do Jews Think of Messianic Jews?
Jews do not all speak with one voice on their views of Messianic Jews. Some view Messianic Jews as Christians masquerading as Jews, trying to convert Jews to Christianity. There are perceptions that are neutral, positive, and everything in between. While some view Messianic Jews as members of the Jewish community, others do not. In this video, we go over these perceptions and conclude by offering
Does the Resurrection Prove Jesus is the Messiah? A Jewish Response to a Jewish Objection
Can an Orthodox Jew believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Even if this event happened, does Deuteronomy 13 show that this would just be God testing Israel? Do miracles prove anything? These are the kinds of questions addressed in this video. We present Jewish responses to Jesus's resurrection from Orthodox rabbis, counter-missionaries, and even Ben Shapiro. We give our own Jewish response to
12 Guidelines for Tough Conversations: Abridged (Live at Congregation Sha'arei Shalom)
This is the abridged version of our 12 guidelines for tough conversations we presented live at Sha'arei Shalom on July 4, 2020. To support our work in responding to counter-missionaries,you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donateHere is the list: 1. Pursuing truth is a greater goal than merely proving your point. 2. “Assume that the person you are listening to knows something you d
Pursue Truth: A D'rash on Parsha Korach (Live at Congregation Sha'arei Shalom)
The foundational principle of our podcast is "pursuing truth is more important than merely proving your point." This is a recording of the d'rash we gave at Sha'arei Shalom on June 27, 2020. We explore how the rabbis saw this foundational Jewish principle in Parsha: Korach: "an argument for the sake of heaven" as opposed to "an argument not for the sake of heaven.&
What is Messianic Judaism? A Brief History of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America
Do you ever find it difficult to explain what Messianic Judaism is? Have you ever wondered about the history of modern Messianic Judaism? Are you frequently asked, “So aren’t you a Christian?” These are the crucial questions we discuss in this video!To support our work in strengthening the faith and identityof Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate0:00 -
Top 12 Guidelines for Tough Conversations; Motivations for the Show
The issues we tackle on this show are controversial and if there is one thing we hope to produce in ourselves and those who listen to us is the ability to have tough conversations with others. In this video, we discuss what we consider to be the top 12 guidelines for having tough conversations: To support our work in strengthening the faith and identityof Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visi
