September Executive Director Address

Greetings UMJC Friends:

There’s so much happening in the Union, I’m prompted to think people would be better served by a newspaper than a letter—but a letter it is, with a video.

I am sure that first and foremost on our hearts is our beloved Israel. We are all heartbroken over the recent recovery of six more murdered hostages, and continue to pray for true peace to be reached very soon for the sake of all those impacted. Thank you for your practical support these many months. 

Through all these challenging times in the Jewish world, there is also a significant amount of good news to report. As you may recall, 21 new communities were added to the UMJC at the 2024 Summer Conference—a record for us. I am pleased to report that we already have applications in hand for 10 more and with eight new applicants from Ukraine, we’re growing both at home and abroad.

Rabbi Dr. John Fischer (and possibly Dr. Patrice Fischer) is heading to South America to work with our regional director there; I am slated to go to Russia with Rabbi Dr. Rich Nichol in November to meet with a number of Messianic leaders there. Our president, Rabbi Kasdan, is also traveling to visit new groups in various countries of Latin America. With you, we want to help advance the Messiah’s Kingdom and get needed intellectual, spiritual, and financial resources to people and places in need the world over. 

As the financial needs in Israel and Ukraine remain, so we will continue to sow into ministries in both countries. Donations given to the Solidarity Fund will be split 50/50 between Israel and Ukraine. At the same time, we must not neglect the home front. In order to send Union representatives to these various countries and support the rest of the Union operations, we must not neglect the General Fund. God blesses cheerful givers!

Looking over the horizon toward the next summer of 2025, the Union is planning a Youth Trip to Israel led by Matt Absolon and an Adult Trip to Israel led by myself and my wife, Dr. Barri Seif. I’m hoping and praying things settle by next summer, making travel more comfortable for all. Check it out and make your plans now!

The Union is beginning to prep for Strategic Planning Sessions during which time we’ll work through a SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It’s a corporate management heuristic and a great opportunity for stakeholders to take stock of our group’s (1) strengths and (2) weaknesses and take inventory of (3) opportunities and (4) impediments to success (i.e., threats). We have a consultant (J.R. Klein). Working in tandem with the Executive Committee and then the Steering Committee, surveys will go out from JR and responses collected. Those responses will be gathered and then serve as reflection points at the soon-coming Strategic Planning Sessions to be held at the end of the Winter Leadership Retreat in San Diego (January 19-22, 2025). It will be a time for our leaders to prayerfully and carefully reach forward. Details TBA.

Lots happening... It’s all good. Want more info? Check out the attached video update from me for more—and for some behind the scenes updates.

In closing, speaking on behalf of our president, Rabbi Barney Kasdan, and the entire Executive Committee, I’d like to thank you for being part of the modern-day miracle that is the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations.

Yours,

Dr. Jeffrey Seif
Executive Director
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations