Changing the Culture

Learning is integral to Messianic Jewish spirituality, but it does not stand alone. “The world stands on three things—Torah learning, prayer, and acts of loving-kindness" (Avot 1:2). These are the primary components of a Jewish spirituality that seeks the best possible world for all people. The New School does not advocate that we teeter the world on one pillar or try to balance it on two. We need all three—Torah learning, public and private prayer, and overflowing acts of kindness—to bring wholeness to our community and our world.

     In our context, “Torah” is understood broadly as the study of the entire Tanakh (Old Testament), the Brit Hadasha (New Testament) and the writings of our sages. Learning involves work and spiritual engagement, and it is sweet to the taste. And weakness in this Torah learning breeds weakness in our communities. Sadly, it's not uncommon for self-taught novices to assume the posture of great expertise—and to get away with it simply because we Messianic Jews have so little knowledge of our own texts, traditions, and spirituality.

     But please do not blame congregational leaders for this shortfall. They are expected to be one-man bands—each a gifted preacher, teacher, pastor, counselor, organizer, etc. – and to work for peanuts. A one-man band may be very impressive in its own way. But we don't expect it to play the individual instruments like a virtuoso. The same holds true for congregational leaders who, for the most part, can't establish learning communities either because they didn't have the opportunity to learn deeply, or aren't gifted to pass it on, or they're just overwhelmed with all the other responsibilities they bear.

     Messianic Jewish culture will not be changed just by educating leaders, as crucial as that is. The new Messianic Jewish learning will open doors for all to learn. Our culture will change as Messianic Jews are touched and transformed by positive, spiritually-impacting learning experiences.  It will change as Messianic Jews engage in learning that is accessible yet challenging, difficult yet so rewarding, learning that involves the activity of the God’s Spirit and interaction with other learners. We have seen changes like this take place again and again in a variety of learning environments. It’s time to embrace the change.