Well, perhaps we can not come to a definative enough answer for some discriminating groups. But, EMUSPATEL feels that it IS, so there ought to be some substantiating evidence. And, while not seeking a Court Room verdict here, we think that the question on whether we really are Jewish or not is a valid enough one that it needs to be answered in detail. Do we really have a Jewish Identity?
However, this definition was shouted down, as 1) it left out those who were Jewish by bloodline but were too afraid to stand up to the persecution and acted as if they weren't Jewish to avoid the harassment and 2) it allowed the Jehovah Witnesses to be classified as Jews (which nearly everyone felt were not really Jewish). So...go figure!
For example, which bloodline? EMUSPATEL uses the Patrilineal bloodline, as is used in the Holy Scriptures. Consequently, through ZDK, we can reputedly traced Our bloodline ancestory all the way back to the High-Priest under King Solomon--and from there all the way back to Moses and Aaron! Now, aren't the Descendants of Moses, Jewish? However, the Talmudists insist that the bloodline be traced through the mother, so that the mother or grandmother must be a Jewess (registered in a synagogue) for the person to be called a Jew. Thus, by their definition, the Descendants of Moses (like us) are NOT Jewish!
Yet, this gets even more twisted, as by this definition, Adolf Hitler (orginally Herman Schicklegruber) was Jewish, as his grandmother was a Jewess!
And, this runs smack up against those who were adopted into the Jewish Faith. What do you do about the BLACK Jews or Falasha, who don't appear to have a Jewish bloodline, yet certainly are and were Jewish all the way back into dim history? And, what about the Asian Jews or the Askenanzi? Their bloodline doesn't appear to be Hebrew, either!
Clearly, bloodline is not a conclusive definition!
As to Cultural Affinity, EMUSPATEL feels itself closely allied to the Culture of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (and its long trek up and through Northern Europe). Whereas, most Jews feel their Cultural Affinity with the Southern Kingdom of Judah (from which the name Jew comes). Perhaps this is silly hairsplitting, like Americans seeing themselves as Southerners or Northerners, when the rest of the World sees them all as Americans? But, then, was the Civil War unimportant? On the other hand, can Israelite Culture be called non-Jewish? (And NOT Hebrew Culture?) Clearely we are in difficulty here again.
And we are not the only ones. What about the secular Jews, who have Jewish parents but do not consider themselves part of the Jewish Community, but rather part of the secular, modern world? Are we to abandon and dump them all because they won't claim cultural affinity? Worse yet, the RAS certainly consider them still Jewish (and will even trace a person's genealogy back several generations to see if there were any Jews in the family line or not).
And, for us out West, the Cultural Affinity definition appears to run us afoul of the Mormons. For, as books on their position put forth, many in the LDS vehemently insist that they are Jewish (apparently tracing their claim through the American Indians, who they hold to be the Lost 10 Tribes?). So, are Momons Jewish? I severly doubt that the Jewish Theological Union would agree to that! (Moreover, as Saint Alive Reports, the LDS insistence of building an idolatrous Mormon Facility in the Holy Land set off howls of protest among the Jews there--but at the insistance of the American government, it was allowed, which has soured the relationship of the State of Isreal with America ever since!) So, it would not seem that Mormons have widespread acceptance of their claim to being Jewish.
However, with the recent anti-Missionary Laws, it would seem that Israeli Jews don't think Messianics are Jewish, either!
So, clearly, this definition of cultural affinity breaks down, too!
Well, the issue of exactly what the LAW really MEANS is not without controversy either. But, it is too lengthy (and bitter of a battle) to include here. If you are interested in this, see Our Article on the ToRaH, ToReL, or TaNaCh.
However, for arguement's sake, let us pursue this line of reasoning. And see its fruits.
A. BLOOD BAN:
Well, clearly the Holy Scriptures have forbidden the eating of
blood (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10-16; Deuteronomy 12:16, 23-25) and
makes diseased meat or meat of strangled animals taboo (Leviticus 22:8;
Deuteronomy 14:21). This was also upheld in the Great Council of
Jerusalem (Acts 15:20-21). And as it is part of the Noahic Rules of
Fellowship, which WE ascribe to, EMUSPATEL quite clearly keeps THE MAIN
required dietary laws, as well! And, for more details, check out Our
Article on the Noahic Rules of Fellowship.
B. KOSHER LAWS:
On the other hand, despite the strict Talmidic teachings on the
Kosher Laws, most modern Jews do NOT keep the old traditional Kosher
Laws, today--and yet they are still considered to be Jewish.
Consequently, EMUSPATEL feels that these dietary laws were only
Dispensational (for a set time period) and have now passed away, but
Kosher Laws are NOT kept by the majority of Jews in America, anyway!
Moreover, Abraham and the Angles ate both meat and milk together
(Genesis 18:8). Moreover, even in the Kosher Dispensation, it was
even permitted on certain Festivals to eat meat of unclean animals
(Deuteronomy 12:15, 14:26). So, when the Dispensation was shown to
be over (Acts 10:9-16), We (and most Jewish-Christians) felt it was
no longer necessary to keep this burdensome restriction.
On the one hand, we have the Talmudists who insist that Jews cannot be Christian (and those who try to be both are to automatically be excluded from that Jewish Communuity). And they have great supporters in such strong Jewish Groups as Jews for Judaism and Magen. However, not all Jews support their efforts!
Yet, on the other hand, there are church members who equally insist that if you are Christian then you cannot be Jewish--and these are the ones who are responsible for the Pogroms and forced conversions, where Jews are stripped of their Hebrew Heritage and driven into Gentile Culture (or excluded from fellowship, as well as exiled from the country--if not killed for clinging to Hebrew Culture, their Jewish Identity).
However, EMUSPATEL listens to neither of these groups! And we strongly maintain that it is possible to be BOTH Jewish and Christian, at the same time. And, if you are skeptical, then consider the historical facts that the early Christians (in the time of the Apostles) were about 99% Jewish! For, in the very early days, only Jews were the ones who became Christians (and were held for decades to be the Jewish Sect of the Nazarenes). So, if it was possible back then, then it is still possible, now! And, this is where EMUSPATEL has placed itself--in the GAP betwen Church and Synagogue (serving as a Bridge between the two).
Nor is this Our own unique perspective. For, since the Six Day War of 1967 (with the Jewish recapture of Jerusalem), the Messianic (Jewish-Christian) Movement has exploded and expanded across the globe. And, many Jews are beginning to ascert and maintain that you can be Jewish and Christian at the same time. So, if you are skeptical on this point, perhaps you need to open your eyes and take a good look at all the Messianics that there are out there. However, this is not to say that EMUSPATEL approves of or condones ALL such groups, but rather that it is a Sign of Our Times (the Dispensation of the Rise of the Messianic Kingdom is here).
Consequently, we hold that it is not mutually exclusive--that you can be Jewish and Christian at the same time!
For, when Judah was born, he was named by Jacob as YaHuDaH or ONE WHO PRAISES GOD. And, it is from him, that the Jews get their Hebrew Name: YaHuDeyM -- THOSE WHO PRAISE GOD! So, doesn't God's opinion on what a Jew is count for anything? For, HE considers anyone who Praises or Worships HIM as being Jewish!!!
Now, for sure, I have just lit the powder keg! For, that would mean that all the churches, which Worship God, are, in a sense, Jewish, too! (Or, at least, certainly Hebrews!) And that is sure to set the Talmudists howling!
However, in practical reality, Christianity grew out of Judaism, so, we both (Synagogue and Church) Worship basically the same GOD (though we understand HIM in different ways). Consequently, this definition is not as off base as you might think! For, it is how God views us. So, what is wrong with HIS perceptions? (I won't argue with HIM!)
Moreover, in light of the Persecution Definition (at the beginning), the RAS (Radical Anti-Semitic Groups), such as the Neo-Nazis and White Supremists, certainly view us that way. For, in their book, anything of God (Hebrew Culture) is to be done away with. And, though they focus primarily on doing away with Jews and Synagogues, a close examination of their plans, and past history, will show that they also intend to do away with all the churches, as well (since they are out-growths of Judaism). Thus, we (both Church and Synagogue) are being persecuted by them for being Jewish!
OK! But, don't stop here. Read over the rest of Our Introductory Literature. And get to know us better!
Or, can't find what you are looking for? OR, have a comment or suggestion? Then try the contact routes below:
E-MAIL us at: zdkf@gorge.net (Please, mark subject box EMUSPATEL!)
Our regular mailing address is:
Our phone number is: (509) 493-1674
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Filed: 07-06-99 . . . Up-dated 06-01-01