Dr. David H. Stern — October 31, 1935–October 8, 2022

David and Martha Stern, 2016

David Stern, economist, surfer, bodybuilder, messianic author, professor and theologian, “retired” from his indefatigable service to our Messiah Yeshua on Shabbat in Jerusalem. David was a chief architect of the modern Messianic Jewish movement, and his pervasive presence can be seen through an abundance of citations to his works, his teachings, and his lectures.

David’s books grace the shelves of every serious messianic believer throughout the world, including Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel; Messianic Jewish Manifesto, reissued as Messianic Judaism: A Modern Movement with an Ancient Past; Jewish New Testament: A Translation of the New Testament that Expresses its Jewishness; The Jewish New Testament Commentary: A Companion Volume to the Jewish New Testament; and Complete Jewish Bible.

Dr. Stern earned a baccalaureate degree from UCLA, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University. Being wheelchair bound for the last several years, he continued to be active in attendance of his synagogue and welcomed many visitors into his home.

Dr. Stern leaves behind his beloved wife, Martha, son Daniel, and daughter Miriam and her husband Avi, and nine grandchildren. He was laid to rest in Jerusalem on the morning of October 9 at Givat Shaul Cemetery. Though he leaves a giant hole in our midst, David Stern will be remembered for posterity for his enduring devotion, steady faith, and pioneering works.