A Jew and a Gentile Discuss

In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk openly about the sometimes messy and perhaps confusing realm of Messianic Judaism. What is it? Who’s part of it? And why should Gentile Christians care about it? Ezra asks Carly, a Gentile Believer, what Messianic Judaism is. From there, the conversation delves into: If “Messianic Jew” is a term believing Jews use to describe themselves Whether Messianic Judaism is a denomination If Messianic Judaism came out of the Jesus Movement Who the first Messianic Jew was The context in which faith in Jesus spread in the first century Why there seems to be so much variance in Messianic Jewish practice Along the Way Along the way, they discuss these key matters and more: Differentiating the term Messianic Jewish from its essence The vital component of Messianic Judaism that sees Jewish people embracing their Jewish identity and believing Jesus is the Messiah and that these two things are not in conflict with one another What Jewish sources say about Messianic Judaism A challenge to Jewish listeners to consider how believing in fulfilled Messianic prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures wouldn’t mean converting to another religion What unites us should be stronger than what differences we have Something first-century Jewish Believers in Jesus did not say What Jewish/Gentile scenario has been kind of flipped on its head The most important question a Jewish person will ever answer in their life, and how no one can answer it for them Words You Might Learn in This Episode Ecclesia, Mashiach, diaspora, kippah, Shabbat Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Romans 10:13, Joel 2:32, John 3:16, Deuteronomy 18:15, Psalm 16:8–11, Acts 2:22–36, John 14:3, Isaiah 7:14, Jeremiah 31:15, Jeremiah 31:31, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 11:12–13, Zechariah 12:10, Daniel 7:13–14, Daniel 9:24–27, Galatians 3:28, Romans 3:21–23, Matthew 16:13–17, 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, Romans 11:11–26, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Revelation 21:9 Previous Episodes Mentioned S1 E3 – Difference Between Messianic Judaism and Christianity S1 E15 – Israel: Promised Land and Political State And with that, Season Two comes to a close. Be sure and watch for updates on Season Three, coming this Fall! And, you can always relisten to any conversation on our website A Jew and A Gentile Discuss or wherever you listen to podcasts. Other Important Stuff May 2-8 is the 2022 Bless Israel 5K. Walk or run “with us” to show your support for Israel and the Jewish people in the 2nd annual Bless Israel Virtual 5K. Learn more on our website and register today! Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount &ndash

Jewish weddings include some really interesting traditions. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk about their meanings, similarities and differences from what most of our audience may be familiar with. Among the things they discuss are: Wedding attire, including why most grooms wear kippahs Fasting before getting married The Jewish tradition of bedeken, the veiling of the bride by her groom The significance of the The part in the ceremony when the bride circles the groom several times and what that means The special marriage contract of a Jewish wedding The concluding tradition of Jewish weddings, resulting in the shout of “Mazel Tov!” Gifts in increments of $18? What’s that all about? So, this is all cool, but how does it apply to Christian listeners? Along the Way As they talk about the fascinating meanings of Jewish wedding traditions, they bring out some other intriguing things, like: The Owen Wilson image Ezra can’t get out of his mind when he thinks of Jewish weddings Why a Jewish groom meets the bride halfway down the aisle What Jericho has to do with Jewish weddings The funny thing Ezra’s Israeli wife put in their Hebrew-written marriage contract The difference between the Jewish marriage covenant and typical wedding vows What some Jewish grooms forget in the wedding ceremony that leaves brides saying, “Um, hello?” How Jewish letters and words have numeric values associated with them A great reminder about one of the primary purposes of this podcast, for both Jewish and Christian listeners How Jewish wedding traditions are so filled with meaning that Christians can relate to What the traditional stomping of the glass by the groom has to do with the Temple A false choice many people think they have to make – if they’re Jewish, from a Jewish background or are in a mixed relationship A challenge to dig into the Scriptures and see if Jesus could be the unifying factor you never realized Words You Might Learn in This Episode Ashkenazi Jewish, kippah, yarmulke, chuppah, bedeken, tallit, Ani ledodi vedodi li, ketubah, mazel tov, chai, lechaim Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Matthew 19:5, Song of Solomon 2:16, Luke 22:20, Ezekiel 40–43, Revelation 11:1–2 and 9, Matthew 15:24, Isaiah 53:5–12, Psalm 16:10, John 4:42, 1 John 4:14, Ephesians 2:14 Previous Episodes Mentioned S2 E1 – Jewish in America: What the Pew Survey Missed S1 E40 – Staying Jewish: Love and Marriage A1 E49 – Mixed Marriages: Love and Marriage Other Important Stuff May 2-8 is the 2022 Bless Israel 5K. Walk or run “with us” to show your support for Israel and the Jewish people in the 2nd annual Bless Israel Virtual 5K. Learn more on our website and register today! Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you

Are you thinking what we think you might be thinking? Hm. Zion. I know that word – it’s in the Bible. Isn’t it a mountain? No wait, is it a city? Or is it the Temple? I’m confused. How can I know what Christian Zionism is when I’m not even sure what Zion means? Never fear; in this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Ezra and Carly clear that up at the beginning with a really cool analogy. Then, they discuss a common definition of Christian Zionism, analyzing it bit by bit to root out the Good, the Bad and where it can get downright Ugly. Along the Way As they explore various aspects of Christian Zionism, their conversation takes them to: What Scripture means when it says God stretches out His arm Before there was Christian Zionism, there was Jewish Zionism One of the main verses Christian Zionism springs from – and it’s part of “the Good” A “Messianic declaration” necessary for Jesus’ return How Israel’s regathering needs to also lead to Israel’s redemption Putting the shoe on the other foot – What if this attitude about Jewish people was the attitude toward your family? It’s part of “the Bad” that’s possible with Christian Zionism, and it can alienate us from each other Whichever way you look at this particular understanding of Christian Zionism – either from a Jewish perspective or Christian – it really belongs in “the Ugly” category A phrase that has become a trigger to Carly now A poorly-worded part of a Christian Zionism definition that, if carried out to its subtle conclusion, essentially aims to make Jewish people cease to exist in their own faith. Now that’s Bad! And Ugly! A “Really Ugly” thing that emerges out of a fear of the hot-button issue of the Gospel Words You Might Learn in This Episode Zion, Christian Zionism, Am Israel, Eretz Israel, Baruch haba bashem Adonai, aliyah Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Psalm 76:1–2, Psalm 87:2, Psalm 135:21, Psalm 51:18, Genesis 13:14–17, Deuteronomy 12:4–5, Ezra 6:12, Zechariah 14:8–9, Ezekiel 36:24, 2 Samuel 22:50–51, Ezra 3:11, Isaiah 54:10, Ezekiel 20:34, Ezekiel 11:16–17, Ezekiel 36:25, Matthew 23:37–39, Romans 11:25–27, Romans 3:25, John 1:29, John 14:6, Zechariah 14:2, Matthew 15:24, Galatians 3:28, Romans 3:23, Acts 4:12, Romans 11:17–24 Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 15 – Israel: Promised Land and Political State Other Important Stuff May 2-8 is the 2022 Bless Israel 5K. Walk or run “with us” to show your support for Israel and the Jewish people in the 2nd annual Bless Israel Virtual 5K. Learn more on our website and register today! Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks

An Urgent Message about UkraineWhat’s happening in Ukraine right now is terrible. Jewish Voice is partnering with trusted ministries right in Ukraine – and also Moldova, Romania, and Poland – to provide shelter and relief in Jesus’ name to the escalating number of Ukrainians fleeing for safety. Jewish Voice plans to provide as much comfort and aid as the Lord enables us to do. Please keep praying for Ukraine, and give as the Lord enables you to help during these difficult times. Global pandemic. Supply chain shortages. Energy crisis. And now Russia has invaded Ukraine. Hard times and heartbreak confront us all around. And it’s making some people wonder how close we’re advancing toward the End Times. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk about this Bible topic that some may prefer to avoid. (It’s not exactly what most people read about for a morning devotional, right?) But, they come at it from a different angle than the typical debates about pre-this or post-that. Their conversation reveals a lot about the Jewish perspective of “the world to come,” and they share some Hebrew words that carry some hefty meaning related to the Last Days. They also mention a ton of Scriptures revealing that this whole idea of “the End Times” is not a New Testament, Christian thing. It's an Old Testament, Jewish thing. They discuss The End Times as an Old Testament thing, not just a Christian thing How a Jewish person would define how the world ends Waiting for Messiah to come – either for the first time or again The Jewish perspective on the Book of Life and what happens “in the end” to someone who’s not Jewish For Believers, how understanding Jewish End-Time thought may help them when talking to Jewish friends Along the Way Along the way, they get into some really interesting things like: How the Hebrew definition of a single word in Jeremiah 29:11 changes so much. Like, whoa! What the book of Daniel says about Jewish people in the End Times Something for Christians to think about as they eagerly await the return of Jesus A cool word-study challenge Encouragement to not neglect, brush over or take as symbolic an important factor of End Times events And hey, don’t shy away from this stuff because it’s too complex, OK? This is important stuff worth looking at (It’s in the Bible after all, right?) Words You Might Learn in This Episode Eschatology, Olam Haba, Baurch haba, Yakov/Jacob, Israel, aharit hayamim, sof, Am Yisrael, Messiah, Maschiach Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Ezekiel 38, Revelation 20:7–10, Psalm 89:14, Matthew 24:1–32, Matthew 25:31-33, Genesis 49, Jeremiah 29:11, Revelation 7–14, Daniel 10:14, Isaiah 39:5–7, Jeremiah 25:12–14, Revelation 3:1–10, 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10, Daniel 10–12, Genesis 3:15, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 9:6–7, Isiah 59:20, Isaiah 53, Genesis 37–41, Zechariah 9 and 14, John 1:29, Isaiah 53:6, Zechariah 14:8–9, Acts 1:6, Luke 24:50–51, Zechariah 8:22, Zechariah 14:16, Isaiah 45:21, Matthew 15:24, Romans 10:13, John 3:16, Matthew 25, Revelation 6, 8–10, 16, Ephesians 4:30, Revelation 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, Revelation 5:10, Jeremiah 30:7, Matthew 23:39 Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 5: Die Another Day – Yom Kippur Episode 34: What Happens When You Die? ◦◦◦ Other Important Stuff May 2-8 is the 2022 Bless Israel 5K. Walk or run “with us” to show

“I’ll take Purim for 800, Alex.” There’s meaning to every holiday, but sometimes it gets lost behind its symbols and traditions. Listen to this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, and you might even ace a Purim category on Jeopardy. From ooos and boos, noisemakers and baked goods, to the threat of destruction and profound deliverance, Purim has it all. Join Carly and Ezra as they discuss the story, meaning and traditions of Purim – one of the most festive Jewish holidays on the calendar. You’ll hear: The Purim story, its main characters and the meaning beyond the partying What graggers are and their part in Purim celebrations What the Purim plays are all about How young the brave and noble Queen Esther may have been Why Purim is both fasting and feasting All about hamantaschen Along the Way The conversation leads to all kinds of fun facts and meaningful insights, including: • How rabbinical tradition gauges “celebrating well” • The most common Purim tradition • The saying that evolved into “the whole enchilada” • Why retelling stories is a part of so many Jewish holidays • A traditional, ancient Jewish curse (not that we endorse it) and what it has to do with Purim celebrations • The historical pattern of “intended annihilation” followed by great deliverance of the Jewish people • What “ears” have to do with Purim’s most famous baked treat • The super-surprising number of times God is mentioned in the book of Esther • God’s miraculous fingerprints all over the Purim story Words You Might Learn in This Episode Gragger, Megillah, Megillat Esther, pur, Purim, Hadassah, chag, Chag Purim, tsum, Tsum Esther, hamantaschen, oznei Haman, mohntaschen Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Esther 3:7, Esther 7:1–6, Esther 4:14, Esther 4:15–16, Jeremiah 25:11–12, Daniel 12:11, Luke 22:49–51 Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 26 – Why Purim is Such a Party Watch the Hamantaschen Taste Test Video on YouTube Ezra and Carly will be trying a popular Purim dessert blindfolded and on video so you can get their great reactions! Let’s see who can guess the flavor of the treats. Carly’s 0 for 2 in their holiday food taste tests. Can she beat Ezra this time? ◦◦◦ Other Important Stuff May 2-8 is the 2022 Bless Israel 5K. Walk or run “with us” to show your support for Israel and the Jewish people in the 2nd annual Bless Israel Virtual 5K. Learn more on our website and register today! Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Subscribe. You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Watch us on YouTube and subscribe there to help grow the channel. Share. Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Leaving a review will also help spread the word about the podcast. Follow and Engage. Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Ask and Comment. We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us feedback or send in your questions for us to

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on a second. You’re saying that communion – as in the Christian remembrance of Jesus’ death for us – is Jewish? WHAT? Some things seem distinctly Christian. And communion is one of them, right? It’s just so New Testament that how could it not be? But what if everything about the New Testament practice of communion originated from an ancient Jewish custom commanded by God? Well, that would almost be like God had some intentional plan to connect the two. Ahh, now you’re tracking! In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Ezra and Carly engage in an eye-opening conversation that you’re definitely going to want to hear. First, they share their personal stories of understanding communion from their different backgrounds. Then, they dig into: The incredible Jewish context of communion How Messianic Jews observe communion and how often How Jewish observance of Passover relates to the Christian communion Application for Christians today Along the Way You’ll learn a ton of fascinating stuff during their conversation, including: Carly’s, “Do not make a face” experience The connection between Jewish matzah and Jesus’ death A key motivation for this podcast Night, supper, bread, wine and cups – slowing down through this Scripture passage to ask “wait a minute” questions about each phrase – and the fascinating answers to them How the Jewish context provides amazing insight into the words “before” and “after” of the Last Supper account Communion is a commandment to Believers Do Coke and Doritos count? How every year, the worldwide Jewish community goes through communion without even knowing it Encouragement to Christians: Do this! (You’ll be glad you did) How we’re living in an unfinished Passover Seder Words You Might Learn in This Episode Communion, Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, yizkor, Yeshua, Seder, matzah, Cup of Redemption, ekklesia, Hallel, Cup of Hallel Scriptures Referenced in This Episode 1 Corinthians 23:23–28, Romans 1:16, Matthew 15:24, Romans 10:9 and 13, John 19:31, Luke 22:19, Matthew 16:21, John 3:14, John 12:32, Ezekiel 18:20, Jeremiah 31:31–33, Exodus 12:24–27, 2 Corinthians 3:14–16, Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:1–30, John 13:1–30, Revelation 19:16, Matthew 26:29, Matthew 6:9–10, Leviticus 16:7–10, Genesis 2:17, Deuteronomy 30:15:20, Ezekiel 18:20, Hebrews 10:8–10, Romans 10:13 Previous Episodes Mentioned Season 1, Episode 41 – Top 5 Jewish Objections to Jesus Season 1, Episode 30 – The Difference between Passover and Easter Season 1, Episode 32 – Holy Week from a Jewish Perspective ◦◦◦ Other Important Stuff Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amoun

“But wait, there’s more!” That could have been a good title for this podcast conversation. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Ezra and Carly dive into the reason why Jesus seemingly dawdled in going to His friend Lazarus after hearing he was dying. Mary and Martha had sent urgent word to Jesus to come and heal their brother, but Jesus didn’t even leave where He was for a few days. Why? He showed up “late,” and Lazarus was long dead. You may be familiar with the story and know that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. It’s a dramatic account and a pretty substantial reason for His initial delay, right? But wait, there’s more! More than you know. Carly and Ezra discuss: Was Jesus “late”? Why the fourth day of the story is so important to the Jewish audience and why it should be important for Christians too The Christian mindset and common takeaway from Lazarus’ resurrection How the four-day understanding relates to Jesus’ resurrection We can do the math, and Friday to Sunday doesn’t equal three days and three nights. What gives? An encouraging application for your everyday faith-life, gleaned from the Lazarus story Along the Way As they discuss, some pretty great insights emerge: Application vs. Interpretation How the meaning of the Lazarus story radically changes when you know the Jewish context – as Ezra would say, “Insert mind-blown emoticon here.” (It was a huge takeaway for Carly.) Don’t pass up these four words the apostle Paul used – they mean a ton! What the Day of Preparation is Ezra’s theory about Good Friday Watching out for Christianese and glossing over what the Bible actually says An appeal to our Jewish audience: If you’re going to do “this,” make sure it’s from a place of “that” Jesus is in the business of confirming to us that He is everything He says He is – even through our unbelief and doubts Words You Might Learn in This Episode Yohanon, Yohanon the Immerser, Yeshua, Moshiach/Messiah, Day of Preparation, Pesach Scriptures Referenced in This Episode John 11: 1–45, John 13:23, John 8:58, John 11:17, Hebrews 6:1–2, Matthew 12:40, Mark 9:31, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, Acts 2:21, Matthew 18:21, Matthew 16:14–16, John 10:17–18, Matthew 26:17, Mark 15:42, Exodus 12, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Matthew 28:6 Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 34 – What Happens When You Die? Episode 56 – Communion: Borrowed from the Jews (release date: March 1, 2022) ◦◦◦ Other Important Stuff Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Subscribe. You can subscribe to the A Jew and A Gentile Discuss podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

The world includes a lot of cultures, right? But when you think about it, it also has a ton of sub-cultures, and each one has its own nuances, understandings and interpretations. What’s said in one micro-culture – even within the same country, state or region – might mean something completely different to another. How on earth are we supposed to get along and be on the same page together? When it comes to all things Jewish and Christian, that’s what this podcast is here for. (Ezra and Carly to the rescue!) In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly asks Ezra to talk about three things he believes the Jewish community would like Christians to understand about them. As a bonus, she asks what the Messianic Jewish community wishes the Church grasped about Jewish Believers. Along the Way Along the way, they bring out some great things to help bridge the gap. Things like: A great metaphor Ezra heard, describing Jews and Gentiles, the Bible and a Broadway show How, just because Christians can look backward with a clear vision, doesn’t mean Jewish people can look forward with the same clarity An expression of Judaism that Jews don’t recognize Discussing the Jewish roots of New Testament faith doesn’t always open the door to understanding Advice for Christians regarding sharing their faith with Jewish people An appeal to Jewish people to consider Christian history from a different angle Why some copies of the Scriptures in synagogues go straight from Isaiah 52 to Isaiah 54 Why you can’t “convince someone to faith” The dangerous miscommunication that happens when Christians use the word “convert” with Jewish people The cultural mountain that hinders Jewish people from seeing Jesus in Isaiah 53 What the Jews’ “irrevocable calling” means to Messianic Believers Words You Might Learn in This Episode root/fatness of the olive tree, Yeshua, wild branches, Messianic Jew Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Romans 11:13–21, Isaiah 11:12, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 53:1, 5, 7, Matthew 16:16, 1 Corinthians 5:7, 2 Corinthians 3:14–15, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:13, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 8:15, Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 11:29, Romans 11:15, Genesis 12:3, Isaiah 4:10, Romans 11:1–2, 2 Timothy 2:13 Previous Episodes Mentioned S1 E25 – Let’s Call It, Ezra’s Story S1 E42 – Top 5 Jewish Objections to Jesus S1 E53 – Jewish in America: What the Pew Survey Missed S1 E48 – Who’s More Important, Jews or Gentiles? ◦◦◦ Other Important Stuff Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Subscribe. You can subscribe to the A Jew and A Gentile Discuss podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Watch

So, you run across a person you know is Gentile but who wears a Star of David, a prayer shawl and says and does Jewish things. And you just don’t get it. Wait, what? Why…? Huh? Or maybe you’re one of those people; you’re Gentile, and you love Israel and the Jewish people just like the Bible says you should. So, what’s the problem, right? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra dig into the subject of “Jewish affinity” to sort out the questions and mysteries surrounding it. They challenge both sides with pointed questions and insights. Join them as they discuss: What “Jewish affinity” is and where it sometimes comes from Biblical examples of Jesus being Jewish Where the words Jew and Jewish come from Invitation vs. obligation regarding Jewish observance The line where Jewish things could become not so good for Gentiles Along the Way As always, as the conversation progresses, some great insights emerge, like: Flipping the script on perceived weirdness of a Jewish affinity due to mixed marriage Jesus not only “was” Jewish, Jesus “is” Jewish Interesting tidbit about how the “Lost Tribes of Israel” identify themselves Three questions Ezra answers with: “I absolutely do,” “No, I don’t,” and “Sure, I do” The two types of “Why” questions Gentiles should ask themselves about participating in Jewish things Do Christians earn anything in God’s eyes by doing Jewish things? Reasons why Messianic Judaism may have gotten a bad rap among the Christian community Caution about fair-weather alignment with the Jewish people Loving Jewish things but not Jewish people – Ouch! – Good point of self-examination Words You Might Learn in This Episode Rabbi, rabboni, Yehuda, Ani Yehuda, Bnei Menashe, Cohen/Kohanim, Lost Tribes, “scattered Jewish communities,” WWJD, Shabbat, tallit, mezuzah, shin, Hashem Scriptures Referenced in this Episode Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:3, Hebrews 1:3, 0:12, 12:2, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 19:11–16, Haggai 2:7, Deuteronomy 7:7, 9:5–6, Isaiah 49:6, Romans 11:13–21, Romans 7:12–13, Galatians 3:24, Romans 3:20, Colossians 1:15 Previous Episodes Mentioned S2 E1 | Jewish in America: What the Pew Survey Missed S1 E40 | Staying Jewish: Love and Marriage with Joshua and Monique Brumbach S1 E49 | Mixed Marriages: Love and Marriage with Aaron and Maria Baer ◦◦◦ Other Important Stuff Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Subscribe. You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Watch us on

Welcome back to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss! We’re excited to begin Season 2 of conversations between Ezra and Carly – a Jew and a Gentile who both believe in Jesus. And now you can also watch A Jew and A Gentile Discuss on YouTube! Season 2 begins with our co-hosts pulling out some interesting data from the recent Pew Survey about American Jews. They discover some basic statistics that bring up a lot of curious questions. Join them as they talk about: The number of Jewish people in America You’re Jewish, but what religion do you identify with? Did God give the Land of Israel to the Jewish people? Is observing the Law part of being Jewish? Can a Jew believe in Jesus? What the survey means by “Jewish background” The percentage of Jewish people in mixed marriages What “Jewish affinity” means in Pew language Along the Way You’ll also get interesting insight into things like: A survey result that surprised Carly but not Ezra 3 things about Judaism and how they affect survey stats What twice as many evangelical Christians say about Israel as compared to Jewish people A negative statistic with positive undertones (Ezra wants to dance) What Scripture says about Jewish identity that the Pew Survey doesn’t Who are the millions “not Jewish enough” to be counted What should you do as a Christian if you have friends of a Jewish background An appeal to Jewish listeners: Ponder this challenging question An appeal to Christian listeners: Consider this aspect of individuals’ unique faith stories Words You Might Learn in This Episode Rabbinic authorities, secular, Jewish background, Jewish affinity Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Romans 11:29, Deuteronomy 18:15 Previous Episodes Recommended EP025 – Let’s Call It Ezra’s Story EP022 – I’m a Christian with a Jewish Background – Now What? EP003 – The Difference Between Messianic Judaism and Christianity EP045 – Gentile Christians – Where Do They Fit in Messianic Judaism? Links to the Pew Survey Pew Research Center: www.pewforum.org Jewish Americans in 2020 The Size of the U.S. Jewish Population Jewish Americans in 2020 (PDF of the full report, all 248 pages) Other Important Stuff NEW! Watch us on YouTube! Now you can see us too. Find our YouTube channel here. Win Free Coffee. Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear (and see)? The only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Subscribe. You can subscribe to

A Jew and A Gentile Discuss Podcast Season 2 is right around the corner! Tune-in on Tuesday, February 1st for the first episode of the new season. In the meantime, Ezra and Carly share a sneak preview of what's coming up.

Can you believe it’s been a year? Well, almost. September 1 marks the 1-year birthday of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss podcast. In this episode, Carly and Ezra talk about the past year’s podcasts – which included everything from fun holiday foods to Gaza’s attack on Israel to living out your faith as a Jewish person who loves Jesus or a Gentile Christian who loves Israel and the Jewish people. Hear some of their favorite episodes, funny stories, and the things they love best about engaging with you, the listening audience, as they wrap up Season 1 with a look back at a year’s worth of discussions. ◦◦◦ Thanks for a fantastic Season 1! Stay in touch! Follow and engage with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. If you’re new here, check out past episodes at A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. We’ll be back in early 2022 with Season 2, so stay tuned. Subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts, so you don’t miss a single episode! And if you would, leave a review and share the podcast with people you know to help spread the word. Don’t forget how much we love hearing from you. We read every email, comment and review. Your questions often turn into future episodes, so ask away! Stop by our website to leave your comment or submit a question. Please consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift to keep the conversations going. And don’t forget to enter to win a free bag of Lost Tribes Coffee Co. coffee in our monthly giveaway. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

With special guests Michael and Vanessa Mistretta What’s it really like to pick up your life and move to Israel? Why would anyone do that? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk with Michael and Vanessa Mistretta about how their very different immigration stories have one thing in common: God calling them. Want a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Want more discussions more conveniently? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discussions among friends. Leaving a review about A Jew and A Gentile Discuss will also help spread the word to others about the podcast. Follow and Engage Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Do you have a comment or question? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us some feedback or send in your questions for us to consider for future episodes. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

How do a Jewish boy and a Catholic girl fall in love and get married? And once they do, then what? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk with Aaron and Maria Baer to hear the story of their mixed marriage and how they make it work. Aaron is the president of the Center for Christian Virtue based in Columbus, Ohio, and was a guest early on in J&G’s inaugural season to talk about Jewish Believers in Politics. Maria is a prolific freelance writer, stay-at-home mom and fellow podcaster. Want a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Want more discussions more conveniently? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discussions among friends. Leaving a review about A Jew and A Gentile Discuss will also help spread the word to others about the podcast. Follow and Engage Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Do you have a comment or question? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us some feedback or send in your questions for us to consider for future episodes. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

All this talk about Jewish people being “God’s Chosen People” ­– what’s up with this “chosenness” stuff? Does God love the Jewish people more than Gentiles? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly hits Ezra with questions on this very subject, asking what many Christians may be thinking but don’t want to ask outright. Want a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Want more discussions more conveniently? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discussions among friends. Leaving a review about A Jew and A Gentile Discuss will also help spread the word to others about the podcast. Follow and Engage Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Do you have a comment or question? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us some feedback or send in your questions for us to consider for future episodes. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

Worship styles – there are a ton of them out there in Christian churches alone, aren’t there? So, what about Jewish worship? What does that look like? What are the differences and similarities between Jewish and Christian worship? And what constitutes worship anyway? These are the things Ezra and Carly address in this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. They look at the origins and heart of worship and explore the Jewish and Christian perspectives of worshiping God. Want a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Want more discussions more conveniently? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discussions among friends. Leaving a review about A Jew and A Gentile Discuss will also help spread the word to others about the podcast. Follow and Engage Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Do you have a comment or question? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us some feedback or send in your questions for us to consider for future episodes. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

You’ve probably seen a bumper sticker somewhere saying, “I stand with Israel.” And maybe you’ve even heard something about “blessing” Israel. But, what on Earth do “standing” and “blessing” really mean? This is what Ezra and Carly dig into in this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. They help lift the fog around these phrases and present a biblical perspective of what it really means to “bless Israel.” Want a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. So, if you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Want more discussions more conveniently? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discussions among friends. Leaving a review about A Jew and A Gentile Discuss will also help spread the word to others about the podcast. Follow and Engage Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Do you have a comment or question? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us some feedback or send in your questions for us to consider for future episodes. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

With Special Guest, Travis Snow So, maybe you’re a Christian and thinking, “I’m not Jewish, so, what does Messianic Judaism have to do with me?” Or you might be wondering just the opposite, “Why am I so drawn to the Jewish people and understanding the Jewishness of the Bible?” Well, today’s guest knows both ends of that spectrum. Travis Snow is not your stereotypical Messianic ministry leader. For one, he’s a Gentile. And two, he’s a millennial, younger than most leaders in the field of Messianic Judaism today. Travis is the founder of Voice of Messiah Ministries, an outreach and teaching ministry to both Jew and Gentile. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk with Travis about his testimony of coming to faith in Jesus and the journey that led him into Messianic Judaism. Through the course of the conversation, you’ll see that there is a place for Gentile Christians in the Messianic Jewish movement. ◦◦◦ Do you like what you hear? Follow and engage with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review to spread the word. Share the podcast with people you know and please consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift to keep the conversations going. We’d love to hear from you. Stop by our website to leave a comment or submit a question. And don’t forget to enter to win a free bag of Lost Tribes Coffee Co. coffee in our monthly giveaway. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

You might have heard about a bunch of crazy chaos going on over in Israel last month. But maybe you don’t really know what it’s about. Well, in May of 2021, Israel and Hamas in Gaza went head to head for 11 intense days. Incessant rocket fire from Gaza and responding airstrikes from Israel exacted a heavy toll on Palestinians and Israelis. Why the sudden flare-up? What started it all? What really happened in those 11 days? What does it even mean, and why should we care? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra explore the conflict as best they can to give you clarity on matters not fully communicated in the news. Along the way, they outline the events of this recent battle between Israel and Gaza, talk about extremists and peace, and stress the emphatic need for prayer. ◦◦◦ Do you like what you hear? Follow and engage with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review to spread the word. Share the podcast with people you know and please consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift to keep the conversations going. We’d love to hear from you. Stop by our website to leave a comment or submit a question. And don’t forget to enter to win a free bag of Lost Tribes Coffee Co. coffee in our monthly giveaway. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

Get ready for an exciting, eye-opening episode! Carly and Ezra talk with Rabbi Troy Wallace, Vice President of Congregation and Leadership Development at Jewish Voice Ministries. They discuss some fascinating expressions of the Trinity found throughout the entire Bible. Troy shares loads of Scriptures, so you’ll want to be sure to look them all up to see how amazing the God of Israel is as He reveals Himself. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, the three discuss: What “the Trinity” means Why the Trinity is a fundamental problem for Jewish people How Jewish people understand the Spirit of God mentioned in the Creation story Appearances of Jesus in the Hebrew Scriptures Tips for discussing the Trinity with Jewish friends and family Along the way Additional things you’ll learn, highlights, things discussed: How the Hebrew word echad often means a “compound unity” rather than a single item That the word “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible How the problem Jewish people have with the Trinity is a by-product of the false division that arose between Judaism and Christianity early on That New Testament writers speak of each member of the Trinity while also driving home the point of one God Many examples of Israel’s forefathers experiencing God in the form of a man The fascinating account of Abraham’s visit with God The religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought they were obeying the Torah when they picked up stones against Him Encouragement to Jewish listeners to set aside one assumption and Christian listeners to set aside another. There’s a lot more going on in the Scriptures that’s there to see Words you might learn in this episode Shema Israel, echad, Malach Adonai, Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey (YHWH, or Yahweh), ruach/Ruach, devar, synoptic gospels, vay yerah Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey, adam (man) Scriptures referenced in this episode Deuteronomy 6:4, Genesis 1:2, Exodus 3:2, Genesis 18:1–33, Galatians 1:1, 2 Peter 1:17, 1 Corinthians 8:6, James 2:19, John 1:14, John 1:18, Genesis 3:8, Joshua 5:13–15, Judges 13:2–25, John 8:56–59, 1 Samuel 3, Psalm 33:4, Jeremiah 1:13, Colossians 1:15, John 17, John 19:26–27, Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, Deuteronomy 13:1–5, John 11:49–50, Revelation 13:8, 2 Timothy 3:5, Acts 26:9–18, Ephesians 4:6, Acts 2, Ezekiel 1:26–28 ◦◦◦ Want a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. If you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Want more discussions more conveniently? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discu

It’s no secret: Jewish people – most of them anyway – don’t believe Jesus is the Messiah. But what are the fundamental Jewish objections to the idea that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah promised in the Hebrew Scriptures? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra dig into the Bible to dispel misunderstandings and answer the difficulties Jewish people have with Jesus. They show you that encountering objections from your Jewish friends or family doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. This episode is loaded with Scripture to help you continue the discussion. They cover what they consider to be the Top 5 Jewish objections to Jesus: Jesus is for Gentiles, not Jews If Jesus is the Messiah, why is there no peace on Earth? Isaiah 53 is about Israel, not Jesus Jews believe in one God, but Christians believe in three God alone is our Savior, so we don’t need Jesus Along the way, you’ll learn: A crucial precursor to talking to a Jewish person about Jesus A common mistake Christians make that actually reinforces a serious Jewish misunderstanding How to engage in a vastly different conversation than most Jewish people have ever had with a Christian Two Messiahs or two manifestations? The importance of understanding the difference between Messiah ben David and Messiah ben Joseph Two kinds of peace, and the one the Messiah had to bring first Why Isaiah 53 can’t be about Israel The difference between three Gods and three expressions of Him Evidence of the Trinity in the Hebrew Scriptures Ezra urges that if you get only one thing from this episode, get this: As a Gentile, you’re not there to invite a Jewish person to convert to another religion and receive your Savior. You’re there to share how the God of Israel brought you into His family through the Messiah sent to the Jewish people first. Words you might learn Dual Covenant Theology, mitzvot, Yeshua ben David, Messiah ben David, Messiah ben Yosef, ecclesia, anti-missionary, Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad, b’yachad, Yeshua Scriptures referenced Acts 4:12, Romans 3:10, Psalm 14:1, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Ruth 1:16, Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 53, John 1:29 and 36, Romans 1:16, Matthew 15:24, Zechariah 14:8, Matthew 20:28, Isaiah 53:1–5, Matthew 22:44, Luke 11:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:8–9, Jeremiah 1:15, Psalm 48:1–2, Exodus 4:22, Isaiah 10:32, Lamentations 3:22, Ezekiel 6:8, Isaiah 53:9, Psalm 133:1, Genesis 1:2, Jeremiah 31:9, Genesis 32:22–30, John 10:11, John 10:29–31, Isaiah 9:6 Other episodes mentioned Episode 36 – Problems with the Church Replacing Israel Episode 37 – Does the Bible Say the Church is the New Israel? Episode 41 – How to Share Jesus with a Jewish Friend – Awkward but Important Episode 43 (following this episode) – Shema Israel – Jewish Problems with the Trinity ◦◦◦ Want a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. If you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the p

Yeah, it can be uncomfortable. Intimidating? Maybe. Awkward? Probably. But seriously, it’s super important. Like, eternity-important. So, Ezra and Carly are here to help you understand some things that will make talking about Jesus with a Jewish friend easier for you and more meaningful for your friend. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, they talk about: The misconception that Jews don’t need Jesus Where to start when it comes to talking with a Jewish friend about Jesus Sharing the Gospel in the context of the Jewish Bible Words that will likely be misunderstood and terminology to use to help make the connection Sharing your faith testimony – is that good, relevant or what? Praying about the person and the conversation Along the way During the conversation, they share indispensable information about: An even bigger misconception that Jews don’t need a Redeemer The Jewish mindset given there is no Temple to carry out the biblically prescribed method of atonement Encouragement to dig into the Bible and discover some of the many other Messianic prophecies What’s even more important than being sensitive to terminology A challenge Ezra gives – try it for a week and see what happens Words you might learn in this episode Ben Adam, Tanakh, Yeshua, Yeshu, mitzvah Scriptures referenced in this episode Genesis 3:15, Genesis 1–3, Romans 1:16, Deuteronomy 18:15, Acts 3:22, Isaiah chapter 53, Daniel 9:26, Revelation 12:11, Matthew 15:28, Luke 24:27, Haggai 2:7, Romans 11:25–26 ◦◦◦ You Could Win a Free Bag of Ethiopian Coffee Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. If you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Want more discussions more conveniently? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discussions among friends. Leaving a review about A Jew and A Gentile Discuss will also help spread the word to others about the podcast. Follow and Engage Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Do you have a comment or question? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave us some feedback or send in your questions for us to consider for future episodes. This podcast is a production of Jewish Voice Ministries International.

Marriage. You become one with your spouse, but you each bring your own heritage, traditions, beliefs and faith into the relationship. How do you work out the differences and choose a unified path together? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra dive into the subject of marriage with special guests Rabbi Joshua and Monique Brumbach, who are both Jewish Believers in Jesus and choosing to live a committed Jewish family life. Rabbi Joshua leads a Messianic Jewish congregation in the L.A. area, and Monique is the executive director of an international network of Messianic Jewish congregations. Together, they share about: What the idea of “from generation to generation” means to them Their understanding of the Bible’s instruction about intermarrying Complexities of intermarried couples, with one spouse Jewish and one Gentile Helpful advice to listeners in or considering a mixed marriage And on the personal side, you’ll hear a bit about their: Jewish upbringing and how they accepted Jesus as the Messiah Dating experiences and how they met, and An interesting situation involving frozen shrimp Along the way Throughout this practical and often humorous conversation, you’ll also learn about: The concept of a covenantal identity given to Jewish people God’s call for them to a “weird way of life” and its importance Pressures Jewish Believers face from both Christians and Jews around them How the perception of something Jewish to begin with (faith in Jesus) changed so dramatically The “Jesus line” Intermarrying in the Bible, and Gentile women who committed themselves to the Jewish people How differences you think don’t matter before you get married can become conflicts later How Jewishness tends to become more important as you progress through life, not less Words you might learn in this episode L’dor v’dor, haderech, mohel, kiddish, keeping kosher, chametz, Sephardic, Askenazi, shalom bayit, kibitz Scriptures referenced in this episode The books of Ezra and Nehemiah ◦◦◦ Want a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Or text JG to 474747 to be automatically entered. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. If you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Want more discussions more conveniently? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discussions among friends. Leaving a review about A Jew and A Gentile Discuss will also help spread the word to others about the podcast. Follow and Engage Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the han

Maybe you’ve heard about it, maybe not. It’s called “aliyah,” and Jewish people from all over the world are doing it. What’s up with that? Immigration is nothing new. Some people shift about the world, permanently making a new country their home. But there’s something unique about immigration to Israel. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra fill you in on the fascinating phenomenon of aliyah, Jewish immigration to Israel. They discuss: What the Hebrew word aliyah means and where the concept came from How aliyah is related to biblical references to God scattering the Jewish people Qualifications for immigration to Israel If Jewish believers in Jesus can immigrate to Israel Where Jewish people are coming from to make Israel their home If non-Jewish people who love Israel can immigrate there Why it’s important for listeners to understand and care about aliyah Along the way As they discuss, Ezra shares interesting details and sidenotes that give you a fuller understanding of all things aliyah, including: Wait, what? Israel doesn’t have a constitution? What going to the ancient Temple and reading a Torah passage in synagogue today have in common God’s faithfulness to His covenant and promises The job descriptions of the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah How a person’s Jewishness is determined for immigration to Israel Israel’s Supreme Court and their involvement in aliyah decisions A curious aspect about the Israeli definition of “missionary” Why Orthodox Jews consider Messianic Jews a threat Words you might learn in this episode Aliyah, “the Jewish State,” Zionist leaders, parashiot, parasha, “making aliyah,” diaspora, Messianic Jews, olim Scriptures referenced in this episode Genesis 17:8, Genesis 26:1–6, Genesis 28:10–15, 2 Timothy 2:13, Jeremiah 29:14 ◦◦◦ Want more discussions? You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Win a Free Bag of Amazing Coffee Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of some of the finest Ethiopian coffee in the world from Lost Tribes Coffee Co. Do you like what you hear? You know, the only way we can continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. If you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Thanks! Sharing: It’s nice Don’t keep us all to yourself! Share the podcast with people you know. Let them in on these exciting conversations, and spark some of your own discussions among friends. Leaving a review about A Jew and A Gentile Discuss will also help spread the word to others about the podcast. Follow and Engage Keep up with us by following and engaging with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Do you have a comment or question? We’d love to hear from you! Pl

Pentecost? Is that the thing in Acts chapter 2 with the rushing wind, the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues? Well, they’re not going to debate the subject of speaking in tongues, but they are revealing some pretty cool things about how the day of Pentecost – when God gave the Holy Spirit – relates to the Jewish Feast of Shavuot. Whether you’re Jewish or Gentile, there are things in today’s episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss that you probably didn’t know. They cover: What the word Pentecost means Why Pentecost is undercelebrated What Shavuot is and how it’s observed today How Pentecost and the Jewish Feast of Shavuot are related Thoughts about Christians celebrating Shavuot Along the way, you’ll learn other tidbits like: Carly’s memories of Pentecost growing up How Ezra and his wife observe Shavuot The agricultural side of Shavuot

Here we all are, just trying to love God, study the Bible and understand His Word, right? Then – bam – people come up with vastly different interpretations about what it says. Some disagreements may be over small matters. Then others, well, they can have a huge impact on our understanding of really significant things. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra take a look at three key Scriptures that are often taken out of context to support the incorrect idea of Replacement Theology: Matthew 21:43, which says that the kingdom of Heaven will be taken away from those who don’t bear fruit and given to those who do Romans 1:16, about the Gospel being “to the Jew first,” which some say reflects nothing more than Paul’s preaching schedule Luke 21:24, which speaks of Jerusalem being trampled by the Gentiles By digging into the fuller context of these verses, you’ll see why Replacement Theology is actually not biblical. Along the way Intermingled throughout the conversation, you’ll also learn: A refresher of what Replacement Theology is The different God-ordained roles of Jewish Believers and Christians

Out with the old and in with the new? Some would say so, but in this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra explain the errors and dangers in the notion that the New Testament Church somehow replaces God’s covenant with Israel. In this first of a two-part series, they address: What Replacement Theology is How to recognize it when you hear it Dangers of Replacement Theology The subtle trouble with Pope Francis’ seemingly positive statement toward the Jewish people several years ago Whether or not Christians can dismiss the Old Testament in sole favor of the New Along the way During their conversation, they also touch on such relevant sidenotes such as: How word choice matters, and the erroneous message conveyed by such wording as “convert” and “become a Christian” How the Holocaust and anti-Semitism play into

You know you have them – questions about Judaism that you don’t feel comfortable asking your Jewish friends or family. Well, never fear – in this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly goes there for you. Give a listen as she asks Ezra the personal, the awkward and the curious things you want to know about Jewish customs. Ezra and Carly will cover: The kosher diet Circumcision Jewish thoughts about tattoos The Ultra-Orthodox “look” – the beards, the hair, the tassels Along the way This is a fascinating discussion about Jewish things you may have thought seemed odd, or different. During the conversation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding about God’s laws making scientific sense His setting apart the Jewish people as His own Where the kosher tradition of never mixing dairy and meat comes from Why some Messianic Jews eat kosher while others don’t Why

It’s the question that haunts everyone – or at least it should, right? What happens when you die? Believers in Jesus have a Scripture-given confidence that their eternity is secure. But what about Jewish people? What do they believe about the afterlife? Do Jewish people believe there’s a Heaven in the same way Christians do? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk about: Jewish beliefs about the afterlife What Jewish people say to comfort those who have lost a loved one Jewish burial customs Thoughts about Gentile Believers practicing Jewish mourning rituals Encouragement to Christians about talking with Jewish people about the afterlife Along the way Through the course of the conversation, you’ll also find out some really interesting things about: Why Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel block off their streets on the Sabbath The difference one letter can make – what a Jewish person means when they call Jesus “Yeshu” rather than Yeshua The Jewish idea of “the bosom of Abraham” and being “gathered to their fathers” How belief in a resurrection was not new to the New Testament

Say what? Wait, didn’t baptism start with John the Baptist? Isn’t it a Christian thing? Hang onto your hats, folks – you’re about to discover another surprising element of Christianity that sprang from Jewish roots. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk about the Jewish practice of water immersion and how it relates to the New Testament’s concept of baptism. Carly asks Ezra questions to piece together the Old and New Covenant practices, explore what it’s like today and what it means for Messianic Jewish Believers and Christians. Some of the topics they cover include: Where the concept of water baptism or immersion started What the baptism of John was about If baptism is a sign of converting to Christianity Why Jesus got baptized The difference between the Jewish idea of immersion and Christian baptism How a Jewish person today would view Christian baptism How Jewish Believers in Jesus, or Messianic Jews, see baptism You’ll also find out if Ezra, a Jewish believer in Jesus, was baptized and some encouragement if you’ve been wondering about being baptized yourself.

It’s the most important week in Christian history. Jesus’ death and resurrection are the cornerstones of faith in Him. What are the events of Jesus’ final week on Earth, and do they line up with the Hebrew Scriptures? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, you’ll gain a better understanding of Holy Week and its ties to Old Testament Scriptures. Beginning with Jesus’ Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday and on through the Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, Carly and Ezra examine Holy Week through the Jewish context in which it all occurred. Along the way During this compelling discussion, Ezra and Carly touch on several interesting points including, How Jesus didn’t show up to invent a new religion but to fulfill foundational promises of the Hebrew Scriptures Inspiring insight into Jesus’ Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday What the “offense” or “scandal” of Jesus’ death was Ezra’s thought-provoking idea about the timeline of Holy Week’s events Does anyone really know what “Maundy” means? Carly does! The Passover Seder cup and the four promises of God it represents

Get ready for a fun and meaningful episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss because Carly and Ezra are talking about food traditions surrounding Easter and Passover. It’s Part 2 of a three-part series about the two holidays. If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet, be sure to check out “The Difference Between Passover and Easter.” In this episode, they talk main dishes, bread, desserts and, of course, the curious foods that are part of the Passover observance. The conversation centers on: Easter traditions and food memories for both Carly, a Gentile Believer, and Ezra, the son of a Jewish father and Christian mother The significance of foods for Passover and Easter The meanings of the various foods on the Passover Seder plate Where Passover ranks on the “spending-it-with-family” scale What you can do if you’re a Christian interested in the Passover Seder Along the way During their conversation, you’ll also hear about: Ezra’s favorite Easter food growing up and the strict family rule about it

Passover and Easter. They happen around the same time of year. They’re both defining holidays of their respective faiths. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra talk about celebrating the important spring holidays with their families. You’ll hear Carly’s early thoughts about Easter growing up in a Catholic home and Ezra’s memories of both Passover and Easter as a child of a “mixed marriage” having one Jewish and one Christian parent. Carly digs deeper into the Jewish holiday of Passover by asking Ezra to explain more about: What “Pesach” is vs. “Passover” What the Passover Seder is How Ezra observes Passover today and if he celebrates Easter now that he believes in Jesus How a Jewish Believer’s Passover observance is different than a non-believing Jewish person’s Can or should a Christian celebrate the Passover Seder? Along the way During the show, you’ll also hear some fascinating and relevant things about: What the Passover meal compares to on the Christian calendar

Each week, here at A Jew and a Gentile Discuss, we receive emails giving us feedback, suggesting topics and asking questions. And we love it. So, keep ‘em coming. They’ve looked through a bunch of questions and found several semi-related ones for Carly to put to Ezra to answer. Here’s what you’ve asked and what this episode answers: Are the Jewish holidays part of the Mosaic Law, and if so, is it a form of idolatry to observe them? How does a Jewish person explain away Isaiah 53? What is Ezra’s rationale for the statement, “Messianic Jews are not simply Christians”? Ezra, do you feel like you’re an exile in America? Do you believe all Jews are called to return to Jerusalem or just certain tribes? When did Jews stop sacrificing animals for forgiveness of their sins, and what do they do now? What does the phrase “one new man” mean? Along the way Along the way, Ezra touches on some helpful, clarifying bits of information, including: Identifying what “idolatry” means What it’s called when someone tells you, a Gentile Believer, that you need to keep the Mosaic Law The difference between a Jewish obligation unto obedience and an obligation unto righteousness before God A shocking bit of information about Isaiah 53 and Jewish Bibles The reason some Jewish people can read Isaiah 53 and not recognize it’s talking about Jesus What Paul means by “the fullness of the Gentiles” Biblical meaning of Paul’s teachings about there being no difference between Jew and Gentile What Jewish “chosenness” means and doesn’t mean An interesting spinoff quote based on John 3:16 Insight into the meaning of the word “exile” when it comes to Jewish people Words you might learn in this episode Torah, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Minor Feasts, olam, Mosaic Covenant, Noahic Covenant, Judaizing, Zehra, Ashkenazi, Diaspora, Eretz Israel Scriptures referenced in this episode Romans 7:1–6, Leviticus 23:41, Acts 15, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53 (whole chapter, especially 53:1, 5, 9–10), Psalm 16:10, Romans 9:10–11, Genesis 12:3, Deuteronomy 4:25, 27, Ezekiel 40–47, Revelation 11, Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Revelation 13:8, Ephesians 2:14–16, John 17, ◦◦◦ Win! Want a free bag of amazing Ethiopian coffee? Enter our monthly drawing at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org, and you could win a free bag of Lost Tribes Coffee Co. coffee. Support The only way we’re able to continue providing these engaging conversations is through listener support. If you like tuning in to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, would you consider supporting the podcast with a financial gift? Any amount – small or large – helps. Subscribe and Review You can subscribe to A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you get your podcasts. Leaving a review will help others know to tune in too. Share Share the podcast with people you know to spread the word about the podcast. Follow and Engage Follow and engage with us on social media under the handle A Jew and A Gentile Discuss. Feedback

Wait, don’t click away. We know. We know. There are a lot of important “isms” out there, and many are in the news these days. So, why should you give this particular one your attention? You might think anti-Semitism isn’t really a problem anymore, post-Holocaust, but hang on a sec. Give a listen, and find out more. You’ll probably hear things you’ve never heard before, plus some powerful insights into how good people can be swayed into unfortunate beliefs. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly asks Ezra: The definition of anti-Semitism Where anti-Semitism stems from If it still exists today What the BDS Movement against Israel is If being anti-Israel is anti-Semitic Why anti-Semitism is a serious problem Reasons why a Christian should care about anti-Semitism What we can do about it In turn, Ezra asks Carly to share what she has seen of anti-Semitism, and her answer holds a word of caution for

“Lost Tribes of Israel.” Huh? What? What do we mean by “lost”? There are Jewish people all around the world. Who’s lost? How did they get lost, and what exactly does that even mean, “lost”?

What do costume parties and Bible reading have in common? What about plays and partying? Dice and triangle-shaped cookies? Why, Purim, of course! See how this crazy combination of elements comes together in one of the most fun and happy holidays of the Jewish year.

So, you’ve been listening to him for 24 episodes – or maybe this is your first – and you’re wondering, “Who is this guy, Ezra Benjamin?”…

In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra conclude their conversation with Jonathan Bernis, President and CEO of Jewish Voice…

First, he was Jewish. Then he became a Jewish Believer in Jesus. And today, Jonathan Bernis is the President and CEO of Jewish Voice Ministries…

You’re a Christian, settled in your faith and the church you attend. But you just discovered something you never realized before – you have a Jewish background. Wait,…

He’s funny. He’s unconventional. He’s Rabbi Matt Rosenberg of “Restoration,” a Messianic fellowship in Seattle, Washington, that seeks to unite Jews and Gentiles into one worship community. …

Rabbi Seth Klayman joins Ezra and Carly as they discuss similarities and differences between a Messianic congregation and a church.

Ahh, the New Year! A fresh start. A clean slate. Leaving the old behind and stepping out into the open landscape of a new year.…

Ezra’s on top of his game with his quick wit in this holiday episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss as he interjects funny…

It’s “the most wonderful time of year,” and both Christians and Jewish people enjoy the winter holiday season. This episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss is informative, personal and oh-so relevant. And we can almost guarantee that you’ll be surprised at some of the things you’ll learn. Carly and Ezra ask each other about their holiday impressions, understandings and traditions growing up and how things changed after coming to faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Then, Carly digs deeper to understand the Jewish holiday of Chanukah and how Jewish people view Christmas, including: Jewish thought about when Jesus was born If Chanukah is in the Bible Why some Messianic Jews don’t celebrate Christmas now If Christians should celebrate Chanukah What about Christmas caroling at a Jewish person’s home? Along the Way In the course of the discussion, you’ll also hear what Chanukah is all about and how Christmas and Chanukah “have everything to do with each other.” You’ll learn some famous Christmas songs written by Jewish people. (You read that right.) Ezra reveals some perspectives, perhaps commonly but secretly held by Jewish people, about this “most wonderful time of year” and their quasi-inclusion in it. You’ll hear how, while sensitivity is essential, apologizing for sharing the Gospel with Jewish people reaffirms a critical misunderstanding among them. Ezra and Carly also cover some questions Christians might have about the season and engaging across the divide between Jewish people and Christians, including: What’s the best way to engage with my Jewish neighbor during Chanukah? Would inviting a Jewish person to a Christmas play be offensive? Do Jewish people invite non-Jews over for Chanukah celebrations? Words You Might Learn in This Episode Chanukiah, Maccabees, the town of Modiin, shlep/shlepped, latkes, Ashkenazi, Sephardic, sufganiyot, moedim/moed Scriptures Referenced in This Episode John 10:22, Genesis 12:3, Matthew 25:40

They seem like simple questions. Who is Jewish? Who is Israeli? How many Jewish people are there in the world? Pretty easy to answer, right? Welllll… As Ezra points out the old Jewish saying, “Where you have two Jewish people, you’ll have three opinions,” you see that some answers aren’t as simple as you’d expect. (And that’s what makes this podcast so awesome; we take the time to explain all that stuff in a way you can grasp it!) This episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss is the third of a three-part series unpacking the depths of meaning behind the little word “Israel.” If you haven’t listened to Parts 1 and 2, you’ll want to hear those too. Part 1 provides an excellent, introductory overview of the series, and Part 2 dives into the subjects of the Land of Israel and the State of Israel. In Part 3, along with the “not-as-simple-as-you-think questions” mentioned above, Carly challenges Ezra with additional inquiries, such as: Define some of the different subs-communities of Jewish people Is the term “Jew” offensive to Jewish people? Where are Jewish people primarily living in the world, including some places we may have never heard of? Can you become Jewish?

It’s complicated, that’s for sure. But, in Part 2 of their series on Israel – that little word loaded with meaning – Carly and Ezra simplify and make a lot of things clearer as they dive deeper into Israel as both land and state. They tackle some of the controversies, land disputes and obstacles to resolving certain conflicts with the Palestinians in the region. In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly asks Ezra to explain: The difference between the phrases “Land of Israel” and “State of Israel” What the West Bank is and the conflict over it Why there’s a wall around certain Palestinian areas of Israel The one-state and two-state solutions The meaning of the phrase “Land Promise” If the modern State of Israel is the fulfillment of Bible prophecy Israel’s form of government If any Jewish person can become a citizen of Israel Along the way, they also discuss

Hold on a minute. Isn’t Israel a country? What do you mean by “land” and “people”? In this first of a three-part series of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra discuss what the word “Israel” encompasses. Coming from their two different backgrounds, each has their own questions for the other. Ezra asks Carly to explain what “Israel” and “standing with Israel” meant to her as a Gentile Christian before working in Jewish ministry. He also asks what stood in her way of learning more about Israel and what she’s done in recent years to stay informed. Carly asks Ezra: Why should Israel be on my radar as a Christian? Is caring about Israel in the same category as caring about the other things God tells us to care about? What does it really mean to care about Israel? Who or what is Israel? What’s the difference between the land and the people? What’s the West Bank, and what’s the dispute about it? Where did the conflict in the Middle E

Wait, what? Isn’t Thanksgiving about Pilgrims and discovering America? In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra chat about Thanksgiving’s historical and national origins and bring out surprising information tying the holiday to Jewish roots. You’ll also hear each of their favorite Thanksgiving traditions and some age-old Yiddish wisdom of Ezra’s grandma. Plus, you’ll learn: Possible passengers on Christopher Columbus’ fleet of ships Pilgrim and Puritan ties to Judaism How the Feast of Sukkot parallels with Thanksgiving Why President Washington declared a national day of Thanksgiving and later, why President Lincoln reiterated it with new meaning How a funny play on words in the modern Hebrew language ties turkey to giving thanks How giving thanks is foundational in both Jewish and Christian thought An enlightening take on understanding the will of God for our lives Encouragement to return to being people of thanksgiving and fundamental reasons we have to be thankful regardless of what may be going on around us Making thanksgiving the posture of our hearts every day Words you might learn in this episode Cristobol Colon, Maimonides, Mishnah, Sukkot, chicken of India,

There’s still some dust in the air, with continued counting, lawsuits and concerns of ballot fraud, but it appears the next President of the United States will be Joe Biden. Tune in to this episode of A Jew and a Gentile Discuss to hear Carly and Ezra address: The Jewish response to a Joe Biden win Joe Biden’s immediate agenda Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s responses to outgoing President Donald Trump as well as President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris Topics related to Israel and the Jewish people to pay attention to under a new administration Overall feelings about democracy and prayer for unity For more conversations around interesting and relevant topics in our world today, check out additional episodes of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss wherever you listen to your podcasts or right here at www.ajewandagentilediscuss.org.