As Jewish followers of Jesus, or Yeshua, the Messiah, we express our concern and solidarity toward the African-American Christian community during these recent difficult times. In the aftermath of the unthinkable loss of nine members of Emanuel AME Church in Charleston on June 17, six black churches have been destroyed by fire in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.
Read MoreOur friend and colleague Rabbi Barry (Betzalel) Budoff passed away unexpectedly the evening of July 25, as he prepared to celebrate Shabbat with his family. The entire UMJC community joins with the Budoff family, and with his home congregation, B’nai Maccabim in the Chicago area, in mourning their loss. Rabbi Betzalel was a pillar of our community, and a true friend and mentor to many. Baruch dayan emet. Blessed be the true judge.
Read MoreIn light of the vision of peace conveyed by the Jewish prophets, we look toward a future in which the current suffering of both Jews and Arabs in the Middle East will be replaced by true peace. This same vision of the future compels us to work and hope for peace today, as our Messiah instructs us, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9). Therefore the UMJC prayerfully supports genuine efforts toward peacemaking between Israel and Arab parties in the Middle East, especially regarding the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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