Welcome to the Messianic Judaism FAQ on iChristians.org, your trusted resource for understanding the roots, beliefs, and practices of Messianic Judaism. Here we explore what Messianic Judaism is, what Messianic Jews believe, how it differs from Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism, and how followers of Yeshua (Jesus) live out their faith today. Whether you’re new to this movement or deepening your walk with God, this guide helps explain the foundations of faith, Torah, grace, and salvation through a Messianic lens.
About iChristians.org and the Mission Behind This Messianic Judaism FAQ
Q: What does “iChristians” stand for?
A: The name iChristians represents a modern faith rooted in ancient biblical truth. The “i” stands for both Internet, reflecting our mission to reach a global audience online, and Israel, honoring the Hebraic foundation of our belief in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah. We are digital disciples grounded in the Jewish roots of our faith and dedicated to sharing that heritage worldwide.
Q: Who runs this website?
A: iChristians.org is led by believers in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) who embrace a Messianic Jewish understanding of Scripture. Our team includes teachers, writers, and followers committed to presenting the Good News from a Hebraic perspective that unites Jewish and Gentile believers.
Q: Are you affiliated with any denomination?
A: No. iChristians.org is an independent Messianic ministry, unaffiliated with any denomination. Our goal is to bring together both Jewish and Gentile believers under the banner of Messiah Yeshua. While we operate independently, our values are inspired by respected Messianic leaders such as Rabbi Greg Hershberg of Beth Yeshua International. We are not affiliated with either Rabbi Hershberg nor with Beth Yeshua International and the content on this website does not reflect any views other than our own.
Q: What is the mission of iChristians.org?
A: Our mission is to help people worldwide know Yeshua the Messiah through Scripture and the foundations of the Hebrew faith. We provide resources, teachings, and fellowship opportunities built on both the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the Brit Chadashah (New Testament), showing how they form one unified message of salvation.
Q: Are you part of a larger Messianic movement?
A: We support the broader Messianic Jewish movement, but operate independently. Our ministry serves both seekers and believers across the globe, helping them discover the beauty of biblical Judaism fulfilled in the Messiah. We encourage others to associate with the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America or it’s affiliated synagogues.
This Section of the Messianic Judaism FAQ Explains What Exactly Is Messianic Judaism?
Q: What is Messianic Judaism?
A: Messianic Judaism is a faith movement of Jews and Gentiles who believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world. Messianic Jews maintain a strong connection to Torah, the Hebrew Scriptures, and the traditions of Israel while embracing Yeshua as the divine fulfillment of prophecy.
Q: How is Messianic Judaism different from Christianity?
A: While both share belief in Yeshua (Jesus), Messianic Judaism vs. Christianity differs in cultural and biblical expression. Messianic believers continue to honor Jewish traditions, feasts, and the Sabbath, interpreting both Testaments through a Hebraic worldview. We view faith in Yeshua not as abandoning Judaism, but as completing it—uniting Jew and Gentile as One in Messiah.
Q: How is Messianic Judaism different from Rabbinic Judaism?
A: Rabbinic Judaism does not accept Yeshua as the Messiah, relying on oral law and rabbinic interpretation. Messianic Judaism, by contrast, believes that Yeshua fulfilled the Messianic prophecies in the Tanakh and that Scripture alone is the final authority for faith and practice.
Q: Do Messianic Jews believe Jesus is God?
A: Yes. We believe that Yeshua the Messiah is the divine Son of God, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), sent to redeem both Israel and all nations. He is central to all Messianic Judaism beliefs and the living fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.
Q: Are Messianic Jews really Jewish?
A: Absolutely. Many Messianic Jews are ethnically Jewish and continue to live a biblical Jewish lifestyle. Faith in Yeshua does not erase Jewish identity—it fulfills it. As Scripture teaches, in Him, Jew and Gentile are One in Messiah (Ephesians 2:14).
Messianic Jewish FAQ Beliefs About Yeshua and the Bible
Q: Why do you call Jesus “Yeshua”?
A: “Yeshua” is the original Hebrew name of Jesus, meaning “YHWH is salvation.” We use His Hebrew name to acknowledge His Jewish heritage and restore the connection to first-century believers who followed Him as Yeshua HaNotzri (Yeshua of Nazareth).
Q: What does Yeshua mean?
A: The name “Yeshua” comes from the Hebrew root yasha (יָשַׁע), meaning to save. It is equivalent to “Joshua” in English and expresses the divine mission of our Messiah: salvation and redemption for all who believe.
Q: Do you believe in the New Testament?
A: Yes. We affirm that the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) is the inspired Word of God, continuing His covenant promises through Yeshua. It does not abolish the Torah but fulfills and completes it—revealing God’s plan for Jew and Gentile alike.
Q: Which Bible do you use?
A: We use both the Tanakh (Old Testament) and the Brit Chadashah (New Testament), often through Messianic or Complete Jewish Bible translations. These preserve the Hebrew names and cultural context of Scripture.
Q: What is the role of prophecy in Messianic Judaism?
A: Prophecy is central to our faith. We believe Yeshua fulfilled many Messianic prophecies in His first coming and will fulfill the rest upon His return. From Isaiah 53 to Zechariah 14, both the Tanakh and the Brit Chadashah testify that Yeshua is the promised Redeemer of Israel and all nations.
Messianic Judaism FAQ about Torah, Law, and Grace
Q: Do Messianic Jews follow the Torah?
A: Yes. Messianic Jews honor the Torah as God’s divine instruction for holy living. While salvation is by grace through faith in Yeshua alone, Torah guides us in daily righteousness and covenant relationship.
Q: Do you believe in grace or in keeping the Law?
A: We believe in both grace and obedience. Grace brings salvation; obedience demonstrates love and faith. Torah and grace are not in conflict—they work together to reflect the will of God in the believer’s life.
Q: Is circumcision required in Messianic Judaism?
A: No. Circumcision is a sign of the Abrahamic covenant but is not required for salvation. The true circumcision is of the heart, through faith in Yeshua the Messiah (Romans 2:29).
Q: What about kosher laws?
A: Many Messianic believers follow the biblical dietary instructions in Leviticus 11. While not mandatory for salvation, these kosher laws honor God’s design for holiness and health. Observing them is a personal act of devotion and obedience.
Sabbaths, Feasts, and Messianic Jewish Holidays
Q: Do you observe the Sabbath on Saturday?
A: Yes. We celebrate the biblical Sabbath (Shabbat) from Friday evening to Saturday evening, as Scripture commands. It is a day of rest, worship, and spiritual renewal—a weekly reminder that God is our Creator and Redeemer.
Q: What holidays do Messianic Jews celebrate?
A: Messianic believers keep the biblical feasts listed in Leviticus 23: Passover (Pesach), Shavuot (Pentecost), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). Each feast reveals prophetic truths about Yeshua and helps us live according to God’s calendar.
Q: Do you celebrate Passover instead of Easter?
A: Yes. During Passover, we commemorate Yeshua’s sacrifice as our Passover Lamb, whose blood redeems us from sin. While many Christians celebrate Easter, Messianic Judaism emphasizes the original biblical timing and meaning of Yeshua’s death and resurrection.
Q: What do you believe about Christmas?
A: We honor the desire to celebrate Yeshua’s birth but do not observe Christmas in its traditional form. The December 25 date originated in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine and incorporated pagan elements. Many Messianic believers instead reflect on the Messiah’s birth during Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), which aligns more closely with the biblical narrative.
Messianic Judaism FAQ about Salvation, Baptism, and Faith
Q: Can Gentiles be part of Messianic Judaism?
A: Salvation comes only through faith in Yeshua the Messiah, who offered His life as an atoning sacrifice for sin. Salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works, and is available to both Jew and Gentile—One in Messiah.
Q: Is baptism required?
A: Baptism does not save; faith in Yeshua does. However, immersion (mikvah) is an important outward expression of obedience and renewal. It symbolizes cleansing and rebirth, reflecting the ancient Jewish practice that prefigured New Testament baptism.
Q: What is the role of faith in your belief?
A: Faith is the foundation of our walk with God. Just as Abraham was declared righteous by faith, believers today are made right with God through trust in Yeshua—the promised Redeemer who fulfills the covenants of Scripture.
Messianic Judaism FAQ: Community and Inclusion
Q: Can Gentiles be part of Messianic Judaism?
A: Yes. Messianic Judaism welcomes both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Yeshua HaMashiach. Together we form one body, united not by ethnicity but by faith, grace, and covenant relationship with the God of Israel.
Q: Do you have online gatherings?
A: Currently, iChristians.org serves primarily as an educational and devotional resource. However, we encourage fellowship through online Messianic communities and livestreams such as Beth Yeshua International. Our goal is to nurture a worldwide community of believers reflecting the unity of Messiah.
Q: How can I join or participate?
A: You can participate by reading our teachings, exploring our articles, and engaging through future online events. Whether you are Jewish or Gentile, if you seek truth rooted in Scripture and faith in Yeshua, you are welcome here. Share this Messianic Judaism FAQ with others who are curious about our beliefs and practices.
Q: Do you require membership?
A: No. We are not a formal congregation and do not require membership. Our purpose is to serve as a spiritual resource for all who desire to deepen their understanding of the God of Israel through Messiah Yeshua.
We hope this Messianic Judaism FAQ has been helpful and invite you to return often as new questions and answers are added.
Conclusion: Messianic Judaism Today
Messianic Judaism continues to grow in Israel, the United States, and around the world. It bridges ancient Jewish faith with the revelation of the Messiah, calling both Jews and Gentiles back to the roots of Scripture. At iChristians.org, we are committed to helping seekers understand the heart of Messianic Judaism—faith in Yeshua, obedience to Torah, and love that unites all nations under the God of Israel.
We hope this Messianic Judaism FAQ has answered your questions and inspired you to explore further. Visit often as new insights and teachings are added to guide you in your walk of faith.
Quick Messianic Judaism FAQ Highlights
Q1: What is Messianic Judaism?
Messianic Judaism is a faith movement combining belief in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah with the observance of Torah and Jewish traditions. Both Jewish and Gentile believers unite in worship, seeing Yeshua as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
Q2: Is Messianic Judaism Christianity?
Messianic Judaism shares many beliefs with Christianity, including faith in Yeshua as the divine Son of God, but it retains the Hebrew foundations of Scripture. Messianic believers honor the Torah and biblical festivals, preserving the Jewish identity of faith in Messiah.
Q3: Do Messianic Jews follow the Torah?
Messianic Jews follow the Torah as God’s instruction for life and holiness. While salvation comes through grace and faith in Yeshua, the Torah guides daily living and expresses a believer’s covenant relationship with God.
Q4: Do Messianic Jews celebrate Christmas?
Most Messianic believers do not celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense. Instead, many reflect on the birth of Yeshua during Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles), which aligns more closely with the biblical timeline and Jewish customs.
Q5: Do Messianic Jews celebrate Passover instead of Easter?
Yes, Passover holds deep significance in Messianic Judaism. Believers remember Yeshua’s sacrifice as the Passover Lamb, linking His death and resurrection to the biblical feast that celebrates redemption and freedom.