Update (11/8/13): After this story published, the #MessianicJewishBibleInstitute removed references to #GeorgeWBushs scheduled appearance from its website. But Freddy Ford, a spokesman for the former president, told Mother Jones on Friday afternoon that Bushs plans havent changed, and he will appear at the event. Update 2 (11/11/13): On Monday, Abraham Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, released a statement on this story. We were disappointed to learn that former President George W. Bush has decided to move ahead with his plan to speak at a fundraising event for an evangelical proselytizing group whose stated goal is to convert Jews to Christianity, Foxman said. President Bush is a friend who has an abiding love and respect for Israel and the Jewish people. I know that he does not represent or embrace the purpose or the mission of this group, and therefore I wish he would not speak there. Next week, former President George W. Bush is scheduled to keynote a fundraiser in #Irving, #Texas, for the Messianic Jewish Bible Institute, a group that trains people in the United States, Israel, and around the world to convince Jews to accept Jesus as the Messiah. The organizations goal: to restore Israel and the Jews and bring about about the #SecondComingOfChrist. Messianic Jews have long been controversial for #Jews of all major denominations, who object to their proselytizing efforts and their message that salvation by #Jesus is consistent with Jewish theology. Last year, Abraham Foxman, president of the #AntiDefamationLeague, told Politico that former Sen. #RickSantorums appearance at an event hosted by another Messianic Jewish organization, the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America, was insensitive and offensive. And Commentary magazine, which bills itself as a conservative American journal of politics, Judaism, social and cultural issues, noted, it must be understood that the visceral distaste that the overwhelming majority of Jews have for the Messianics is not to be taken lightly. Many Messianic Jews are #Christians who have adopted aspects of Jewish ritual observance; others are Jews who share the #Christian belief that Jesus is the #Messiah. Asked about Bushs upcoming appearance at the Messianic Jewish Bible Institute (#MJBI) event,#RabbiDavidSaperstein, the director of the #ReligiousActionCenterOfReformJudaism, said, Its disappointing that he would give his stamp of approval to a group whose program is an express effort to convert Jews and not to accept the validity of the #Jewish covenant. Foxman was traveling overseas and unavailable to comment. (After this story published, #RabbiDavidWolpe of Los Angeles #SinaiTemple, whom #Newsweek has called the most influential rabbi in the country, tweeted, This is infuriating. On Monday, he published a story in #Forbes Forward on the subject, writing, the sudden rise of ‘#MessianicJews’ owes more to a clever way of misleading untutored Jews than to making theological sense. It should not receive the imprimatur of a former President of the United States.) Based in #Dallas, the MJBI claims that it acts like the #ApostlePaul in helping to educate Christians in their role to provoke the Jewish people to jealousy and thus save some of them (Romans 11:11-14). It has Bible schools in 12 countries, an online school of Messianic theology, and programs to train Messianic rabbis and pastors. Its logos feature a star of David and a menorah, and its website promotes the weekly Torah portion, a Yiddish Mamas Kitchen, and links to purchase Judaica and books, such as Christ in the Old Testament. The nonprofit organization brought in approximately $1.2 million in revenue in 2011, the last year for which records are available. At the November 14 event, which will be held at the Irving Convention Center, #Bush will discuss his #WhiteHouse experiences, according to promotional materials. Bush, the group says, will share his passion for setting people free. Last year, #GlennBeck was the star of the groups fundraiser, which was held at #Cowboys Stadium in #Arlington, Texas. This years event is designed to bring in funds for the groups proselytizing operations. And the former president is helping out with more than just speech-making. The most expensive of the ticket packages, which range from $100 to $100,000, includes 20 invitations to a VIP reception and photo opportunity with Bush, 10 signed copies of Bushs book Decision Points, and passes to tour the #GeorgeWBushPresidentialLibraryAndMuseum. #AlisaStephenson, MJBI director of events and partner relations, would not say whether Bush is receiving a speaking fee for his appearance. We cannot have any outside advertising or any media whatsoever involved in this, so I most likely cannot answer any of your questions, she tells Mother Jones.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 01:26:09 +0000
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