Greetings Union Friends,

My wife Barri told me recently that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I didn’t understand. She explained that she meant the weather; harsh/cold has its last hurrah as the month starts, and then as the month turns, the weather pivots toward a warmer and calmer lamb-like climate.

Weather aside, amidst the turbulence of socially trying times, I look for the day when the lion will lie down with the lamb (Isa. 11:6). We not only hope and pray for better days to come in Israel, Ukraine, and the world, but we labor to that end with loving investments in and through Messianic communities. If you’d like to join by donating to needs in Israel and Ukraine please do so here.

Global Updates:

In May 2025, I’ll be heading to Ukraine with Boris Goldin and Eric Tokajer to follow up on ministry work spearheaded last year by Howard Silverman.
Shortly thereafter, I, along with Michael Schiffman and another Union Exec member, are planning a trip to Germany. I’ll report back on doors opening there.

Domestic Updates:

In a few weeks, Rich Nichol, John Fischer, and Tony Arroyo will be meeting in Dallas with Matheus Zandona and leaders of congregations that include descendants of the Anusim (Jews forced to convert in 15th Century Spain). The group will speak to, for, and about issues facing the Anusim. Barney Kasdan and others will be heading to Brazil proximate to all of this for a Messianic conference there.
Union delegates will soon be looking at 25 new applications for Union membership and affiliation—a number that might grow to 30 by the summer conference. Add those to the 21 from last year and the Union will have seen approximately 50 new communities onboarding at one level or another in just two years! I know full well that rapid growth represents something of a threat. We’ll process the future carefully and prayerfully and adjust accordingly. This organization’s policies are determined by the votes of its elected delegates, with their decisions, in turn, managed by an elected Executive Committee superintended by an elected president. Though the Executive Director (yours truly) plays a part, the Union is a joint venture—an enterprise we’re engaged in together.

As you may recall, I’ve been talking up our new Friends of the Union program. We garnered over 10,000 views on the reel launching that campaign! That didn’t immediately translate into 10,000 new friends but it does attest to the power of social media and what we can do when we do things together. Thank you. I’m re-attaching another promo now. If you didn’t promote the last one and would like to do so now, please (1) share this link on your social networks and, in your own words, encourage all your friends to learn about the Union, and (2) share this brief 90-second video. With God’s help, there is so much we can do together.

Speaking of together, we'll be rolling out this year’s Omer program starting on the evening of April 13 and culminating in Tikkun Leil Shavuot—an all-night study on June 1, 2025 (more details coming soon). An offering will be received for displaced and needy persons in Israel and Ukraine in conjunction with it.

Lastly, beyond whatever presents we may receive, know that your presence alone is a gift. Thank you for being part of the miracle that is the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. If you’d like some behind the scenes news and reflection, view the video.

Yours,

Dr. Jeffrey Seif
Executive Director
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations

March Executive Director Address