The Baltimore-based Jews for Judaism, a national operation, has as its raison d’etre fighting Christian missionaries seeking to convert Jews into believing that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. In particular, they focus on the alleged deceptive practices of such groups. Having had some experiences with Christian missionaries both here and in Israel (ironically the one in the Jewish state being the much more deceptive one), I understand the concern.

But in no way should the language Jews for Judaism is using in its new campaign to fight Hebrew Christians – a truly convoluted name for these groups – be acceptable. Jews for Judaism Executive Director Ruth Guggenheim, whom I know as a very solid and respected Jewish professional, went beyond the rhetorical pale with this quote: “There is no difference between a sexual predator on the Internet and a spiritual predator.”

To me that is remarkably insensitive. But to be certain I checked with a Jewish friend who actually is a survivor of sexual abuse from his teenage years. “I’m not in therapy for the rest of my life because of my experience with Jews for Jesus, which I had,” he scoffed. “But I am because of what happened to me sexually.”

I have no problem with Jews for Judaism monitoring the Internet and the remarkable possibilities opened by the phenomenon of electronic social networking. But let’s cool the rhetoric. Their concern is that missionizing groups are “friending” Jewish kids and targeting them for their efforts. Who should be surprised? After all, in the e-world, everybody is everybody’s “friend” and how many of us really take our sudden popularity that seriously? And if we want to engage in religious conversation, so be it.

I also probably have a lot more trust in people’s ability to discern snake oil from cough syrup than Jews for Judaism’s supporters might. I’m fond of noting that if Judaism cannot survive in the free market place of ideas then its problems are much larger than those of Jews for Jesus and similar groups – whose decades of pumping many millions of dollars into creating “complete Jews” has been the worst financial investment of modern religious life.

Besides, I know too many Christians who are good, decent people who believe in their faith with all their heart and all their soul. And they are willing to talk to me and anyone about it when asked. Some of them might even support missionizing amongst the Jews. But I have to be honest: That doesn’t bother me that much. After all, I think Judaism is the greatest, most intellectual, spiritually engaging and challenging religion in the world. And not only do I think everyone should consider it, but I’m not afraid to say that to individual Christians and Christian groups.

But when it comes to comparing evangelizing practices to sexual predators, let’s think a lot longer before we portray ourselves as remarkably less intelligent than I’d like to think is true.

First, I apologize for offending anyone who has been physically abused. Certainly, one who has been physically abused has been traumatized for life. In no way did I mean to offend you. Allow me to tell you that many individuals that have come out of a “religious experience” and/or cult group feel spiritually and emotionally ABUSED. They have been taken advantage of by people, who they thought they could trust, yet preyed on their vulnerabilities and desire for community, friendship and a relationship with God. Literally, every individual that we have spoken with about their experience(s), share the pain (though not physical) and deep hurt they feel after being betrayed and victimized by “messianic rabbis” and “spiritaul leaders” who have presented themselves as something OTHER THAN WHAT THEY ARE. That is a form of abuse.  And, sadly, the majority of these spiritual victims DO seek therapy from a professional to deal with their pain, lack of trust and the trauma.

There are many fine Christians, and those of other faiths, who do not utilize deception and/or a “preying mentality” to convert Jews. These are our true friends - and we should have them as our friends and partners.
Ruthie

Ms. Guggenheim’s misled remarks are tantamont to the Catholic church equating same-sex adoption with child abuse or comparing abortion to the holocaust. Such statements not only display a blatant lack of sensitivity but potray the speaker as just plain ignorant.