Celebrating Hanukkah...

Hello...!Last night, I attended a Hanukkah (or Chanukkah) celebration with a group of Messianic families. I was invited by a professor from the University, and the meeting included a husband/wife evangelist team, and a wonderful non-Christian Jewish family as well. It was a wonderful dinner, and we enjoyed discussing the "types and shadows" of the Old and New Testaments. I was very blessed. We know that Hanukkah is mentioned in the New Testament (in John 10:22 as the Feast of Dedication). Each year, I attend a Messianic Passover Seder -- which has been one of the most meaningful experiences of communion that I have participated. In my opinion, it does not seem to be any more "ritualistic" than the typical observation of communion on the first/last Sunday of the month. In fact, the remembrance of the Passover makes the whole idea of communion all the more powerful. Yet I have sometimes been "advised" that participating in such events is "dangerous to the faith" (by a few local believers that I know).Has anyone else participated in such events? What are your thoughts on non-obligatory observation of Jewish feasts or celebrations? :-)

I wonder if, like with the manger scene, religion is completely welcome by society- as long as it's not Christianity...Grace and Peace...

Chris,I attended a Passover celebration a few years ago that was lead by Paul Wilbur. Paul Wilbur is a Messianic Jew as some would say. I like to just call a Christian a Christian whether they are Jewish or not.I was very blessed by the Passover and by how the elements of the Passover all point to Christ as the Messiah. I for one don't see any harm in taking part in these things as long as we do not begin to make them a necessity or a requirement.I have heard or heard warnings that many Messianic congregations have seemed to come under the requirements of doing these things which would seem to me they are doing what Paul warned against in Galatians.I don't think anyone can say it is wrong for a Christian to take part in things as long as it is by faith and not done as a requirement. We should seek the Lord and ask what He thinks before we proceed though.God bless,Mike

It is important I think to make that distinction for several reasons.Jesus came to the Jew first. The early church was a Jewish sect.Other Christian believers need to remember there are many Jewish believers.Many Jewish believers have lost much for Christ.I have heard that their families will have a funeral for them and treat them as dead.They loose their inheritance etc. All for Jesus Christ. Do not let the worlds view of PC effect their testimony. Pray for Israel, Shalom.

Last night my husband and I also went to a Hanukkah celebration at the home a Messianic family with whom we are now very friendly. We have also attended Passover seders and Feast of Tabernacle celebrations, and have thoroughly enjoyed every one. We have found them very interesting and it has certainly broadened and deepened our knowledge of the Bible.In fact, since September we meet up with three other couples every two weeks at this family's home, have a meal with them, and then we have a 'chavurah' a study group time together; we have gone through the "Shemoneh Esrei" in the Siddur (this is the prayer that the Jews say that has now taken the place of the 'sacrifice'). We went through it in small sections, and talked about it, finding out what and how Jews think now - very interesting and revealing. We have also read through one book on God crucified which, although was absolutely dreadful to read, gave us some wonderful, very thought-provoking, deep and challenging discussions. We are now reading through a book about restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel, which is proving to be as interesting, too; (only just started this one). Having a Hebrew scholar (the husband of the family), we get down to the real meaning of the some Bible words, which are often very differently interpreted into English from Hebrew, and we get the Jewish explanation/slant on words and passages. I have found that my Christian experience has been broadened, and our study time together supercedes many sermons I have had in church. I always leave with plenty that has challenged me and to think about. Last time we discussed about 'judaising' and we were told very firmly that it was the very last thing on their minds. Yet I have sometimes been "advised" that participating in such events is "dangerous to the faith"How can it be dangerous to the faith since the Christian faith has come out of the Jewish faith? These are very similar to the feasts that Jesus would have participated in! If you visited Israel, I am sure a Passover seder would be included in your tour. I count it a privilege to have made friends with this Messianic family. Sue