MJ Next

MJ Next

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Messianic Judaism Next, or MJ Next, is a podcast founded to ignite candid and long-overdue conversations confronting current issues within Messianic Judaism, bringing it closer to a traditional, sustainable, and grown-up religion. We take the legitimacy of Torah and Messiah as givens well past re-litigation. Instead, we call for a Messianic Jewish Revolution that starts from the template of Judaism – complete with its collective wisdom, tradition, scholarship, lifecycles, and rabbinic pedigree – accepting Yeshua as the Messiah and the legitimacy of the New Covenant writings sans the filter of Christian dogma. We will tackle wide-ranging contemporary topics through uncompromising honesty and humor, serving up a crass, unorthodox style in service of an Orthodox Messianic Judaism.You can find us at https://www.mjnext.fm.We welcome and encourage your feedback.  If you have topic suggestions, send us an email (info@mjnext.fm).

Drake Dunaway & David Cook

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    • Apr 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 2m AVG DURATION
    • 47 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from MJ Next

    Torah Chai-Lights 010 - Leviticus - A Guide for Studying the Laws of Sacrifice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 17:58


    In this introductory episode into the book of Leviticus, we discuss how one should view the laws of sacrifice.  By reframing the purpose of the third book of the Torah, we attempt to change the common misconception people have of it.  Instead of seeing it as a boring set of rules and regulations, we invite listeners to view it as an integral part of Hashem's purpose.

    Ep. 0029 - Torah Study Using Artificial Intelligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 79:31


    In this episode, we take a look at the current use of artificial intelligence as an aid to studying Torah, along with its implications for the future.  You don't want to miss this eye-opening discussion.

    Torah Chai-Lights 009 - Exodus - Relating the Biblical Feasts to American Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 20:47


    In this episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we compare the biblical feasts of Israel and compare them to American holidays and culture.  Although focused on America, the ideas can apply to any western nation who values freedom.  Join us for this engaging exchange of ideas.

    News Brief 0007 - Messianic Chatter in the Zeitgeist

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 27:52


    In this news brief, we discuss some interesting messianic chatter Drake picked up from two Israeli news sites.

    Torah Chai-Lights 008 - Exodus - Hidden Meanings in the Names of Biblical Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 17:20


    In this episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we take a look at the names of key biblical characters, starting with Nadav, son of Aaron, and discuss the meanings of those names along with what messages those names communicate to us.

    Torah Chai-Lights 007 - Exodus - An Exploration Into Holiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 17:51


    In this episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we explore the meaning of holiness.

    Torah Chai-Lights 006 - Exodus - The Meaning of Atonement

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 16:58


    In this episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we delve into the definition of atonement.  While in English it means At One with something, the original Hebrew word from which it is derived, means so much more.

    Torah Chai-Lights 005 - Exodus - Parallels Between the Tabernacle and the Creation Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 18:40


    In this episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we explore some interesting parallels between the tabernacle in the wilderness and the story of creation.

    Torah Chai-Lights 004 - Exodus - Hidden Meanings of the Bitter Waters of Jealousy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 18:24


    In this episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we take a look at the ritual of the bitter waters that the wife of a jealous husband must drink, as commanded in Numbers chapter 5, comparing the passage to the events following the golden calf incident in Exodus 32.

    Ep. 0028 - Slavery in the Torah - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 52:38


    In this episode, we continue taking a serious look at slavery in the Torah and comparing it to the modern version of this practice in the modern world of today.

    News Brief 0006 - Is Gaza Destined to Become the Mediterranean Riviera?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 30:22


    In this news brief, we explore the possibility that Gaza could become the next Mediterranean riviera.

    Torah Chai-Lights 003 - Exodus - Wordplay using Pharaoh's name

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 15:10


    In this episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we discuss the confrontation that Moses had with Aaron at the incident of the golden calf.

    Ep. 0027 - Slavery in the Torah - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 81:12


    In this episode, we take a serious look at slavery in the Torah and compare it to the modern version of it.  Does the Bible justify it?  Why was it permitted?  Is the biblical model different than that of slavery in the 18th and 19th century Americas?  Do we find hints of freedom for all people in the Torah?  For answers to these and more questions, be sure to listen in.  

    Torah Chai-Lights 002 - Exodus - Insights into the Chariot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 18:25


    In this episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we discuss the "chariot" of God, found in Exodus.  Join us for this engaging conversation.

    News Brief 0005 - A Hostage Release Deal in Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 9:36


    In this news brief, we discuss the cease fire agreement reached with what remains of Hamas as well as the deal made to release the hostages still held in Gaza.

    Torah Chai-Lights 001 - Introduction to Exodus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 28:14


    In this inaugural episode of Torah Chai-Lights, we introduce a new regular (or perhaps frequent guest) to the show, David Matthews.  He is affectionately nicknamed "Temple Fox" because of his love for studying the second Temple.  David has a unique perspective on the book of Exodus, which is where we begin our Torah teachings.  Join us as we pick David "Temple Fox" Matthews' brain for insights into this fascinating book of the Bible.

    Ep. 0026 - The Story of Chanukah

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 59:38


    In this episode, we discuss the origins of the festival of Chanukah.  Join us as we take an informative look at this popular and ancient holiday.

    News Brief 0004 - What Effect Will a Trump Presidency Have on the Middle East

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 16:33


    In this news brief, we discuss the effect Trump will have on the Middle East once he takes office in January 2025.

    Ep. 0025 - Jewish Denominations - Part 6 (Messianic Judaism)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 50:27


    In this final episode of a 6-part series, we continue our discussion on where MJ fits within the various branches of Judaism.  Join us as we conclude this enlightening subject.

    Ep. 0024 - Jewish Denominations - Part 5 (Messianic Judaism)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 61:14


    In this episode of a 6-part series, we continue our discussion on how Jewish denominations came into existence.  In Part 5, we discuss where MJ fits within the various branches of Judaism.  Join us as we continue this engaging topic.

    Ep. 0023 - Jewish Denominations - Part 4 (Reconstructionist Judaism)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 52:10


    In this penultimate episode of a 5-part series, we continue our discussion on how Jewish denominations came into existence.  In Part 4, we discuss the origins and beliefs of what may be the black sheep of the family, Reconstructionist Judaism.  Join us as we explore this engaging topic.

    News Brief 0003 - Arab Terrorists Attack Jews in Amsterdam

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 15:04


    In this short news brief, we discuss the recent pogrom instigated by Palestinian Arab terrorists on Jews and Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.

    Ep. 0022 - Jewish Denominations - Part 3 (Conservative Judaism)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 44:21


    In this episode, we continue our discussion on how Jewish denominations came into existence.  In Part 3, we focus on how the Conservative branch began.  Join us as we explore this fascinating topic.

    Ep. 0021 - Jewish Denominations - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 46:26


    In this episode, we continue our discussion on how Jewish denominations came into existence.  In Part 2, we review the origin of Modern Orthodoxy.  Join us for this engaging discussion.

    News Brief 0002 - Iranian Missiles Launched Against Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 17:57


    In this short news brief, we discuss Iran's act of aggression against Israel by firing 180 missiles against the nation.

    Ep. 0020 - Jewish Denominations - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 74:45


    In this episode, we begin a series discussing how Jewish denominations came into existence.  In Part 1, we review the origin of Chasidism, Reform Judaism, and Modern Orthodoxy.  Join us for this enlightening discussion.

    News Brief 0001 - Exploding Pagers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 16:34


    In this short news brief, we discuss the impact of the thousands of simultaneously exploding pagers and walkie talkies within Hezbollah.

    Ep. 0019 - Interview with Rabbi Peter Shirokov

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 86:19


    In this episode we sit down with Peter Shirokov, the rabbi at Tikvat David synagogue in Roswell, Georgia to discuss his views on Messianic Judaism today.  Join us for an insightful conversation.  For more about Rabbi Peter, visit his website at www.pshir.com.  

    Short Feature 0001 - Drake and Dave Eat Locusts

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 22:11


    Listen as Drake and David humorously eat locusts, Drake willingly and David reluctantly.

    Ep. 0018 - Michael Ruskin Interview: The Vow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 102:33


    In this episode, we interview Michael Ruskin, a self-published author, about his book, The Vow.  It's a compelling love story about the undying loyalty that his parents had for one another, which kept them alive, allowing them to survive the Holocaust and to find each other in the aftermath of its devastation.  We discuss the book with Michael and explore the impact of the Holocaust on his life and the lives of his parents, which drove him to write the story in their memory.  You definitely want to hear the discussion.

    Ep. 0017 - Satan and Judaism - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 106:02


    In this second of a two-part series, we challenge basic assumptions about the character of Satan.  Is he real or is he simply the evil within us, personified as the evil other, a type of scapegoat figure.  Join us as we explore this deep topic.

    Ep. 0016 - Satan and Judaism - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 92:36


    In this episode, we challenge basic assumptions about the character of Satan.  Is he real or is he simply the evil within us, personified as the evil other, a type of scapegoat figure.  Join us as we explore this deep topic.

    Ep. 0015 - MJs Kinda Keep Kosher - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 87:23


    In this episode, we conclude our discussion on the level of kashrut that tends to be found in Messianic Jewish community, along with its implications.  Listen Now!

    Ep. 0014 - MJs Kinda Keep Kosher - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2024 112:41


    In this episode, we discuss the level of kashrut that tends to be found in Messianic Jewish community, along with its implications.  We delve into whether this level is sufficient, and if not, how to challenge the community to become more observant.

    Ep. 0013 - A Fresh Look at Jews for Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 113:46


    In this episode, Jeff Cohen, a board member of J4J discusses the organization today and how it has changed from its early days of street evangelism.  You don't want to miss it!

    Ep. 0012 - Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage - Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 112:02


    In this third installment of a 3-part series, we discuss the idea of Jewish marriage and divorce with Rabbi Russ Resnik of the UMJC.  Rabbi Resnik is an expert on this topic with a wealth of information to share.  Click now to listen!

    Ep. 0011 - Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 130:17


    In this second of a 3-part series, we discuss the idea of Jewish divorce.  Find out the various causes of divorce.  Learn why Orthodox Jews have such a low divorce rate and what they can teach Messianic Jews about staying married.  Join us!

    Ep. 0010 - The Chametz King

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 104:05


    In this episode we take a light-hearted look at Passover and try to give our listeners some ideas with regard to preparing for it and celebrating it.  Also, our Wall of Weird topic pokes fun at some strange teachings related to the recent eclipse.  Join Us!

    Ep. 0009 - Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 115:23


    In this first of a 3-part series, we discuss the idea of Jewish marriage.  Come learn about the three stages of marriage - erusin, kiddushin, and nissuin.  Find out what a ketubah is and how it protects the bride from potential abuse, as well as how Messianic Judaism could transform this important document from being a wall ornament to an actual legal contract recognized by secular courts.

    Booze in the Bible

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 124:03


    In this episode, we discuss what the scriptures, Judaism, and Jesus have to say about drinking alcohol.

    Ep. 0007 - Combating Antisemitism

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 109:32


    In this episode, we discuss the topic of antisemitism with Michael Rackstraw, a Holocaust lecturer and volunteer at the Breman Museum in Atlanta.  Together with Michael, we discuss the history of antisemitism, particularly as it relates to the Holocaust, it's impact on society today, and how to combat it.

    Ep. 0006 - From Generation To Generation

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 90:50


    In this episode we interview Stephanie Hamman, Director of Ashreinu, the children and youth education program offered by the UMJC.  In this interview Stephanie discusses the purpose of Ashreinu and its ongoing importance in the education of the next generation of Messianic leaders. Please consider supporting us with a monthly contribution. Support the show

    Ep. 0005 - Why Jews Vote Liberal

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 128:21


    In this episode, we discuss why Jews overwhelmingly vote for liberal and progressive candidates as well as why they generally distrust policies that Evangelicals embrace.

    Ep. 0004 - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 131:39


    In this second of a two-part interview, we discuss Jewish Mysticism with James Ballard, a Jewish follower of Yeshua who has spent years studying Kabbalah and its impact on New Testament writings.

    Ep. 0003 - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 123:28


    In this first of a two-part interview, we discuss Jewish Mysticism with James Ballard, a Jewish follower of Yeshua who has spent years studying Kabbalah and its impact on New Testament writings.

    Ep. 0002 - Jewish Tradition

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 80:15


    We discuss the place of Jewish tradition within Messianic Judaism.

    Ep. 0001 - Introducing MJNext

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 56:50


    In this episode, we introduce ourselves and discuss the purpose of the podcast.

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