Crossing Boundaries: Navigating the Tensions of Jewish-Christian Relations
The Hope and Naivety of New Understanding
When I first began discovering the Jewish roots of my faith, I remember thinking that this deeper understanding—and my growing connection to the Jewish people—might help me better explain Yeshua to them if the opportunity ever arose. It seemed like a sincere and harmless thought. After all, when you uncover something beautiful and life-changing, the natural impulse is to share it. But as I continued studying and immersing myself in the Jewish context of Scripture, I quickly realized how naïve and overly simplistic that initial assumption had been.
The reality is, the topic of Jesus—and anything associated with modern Christianity—is often laced with centuries of pain, misunderstanding, and mistrust when brought into conversation with Jews who actively practice Judaism. There are deep historical wounds and theological chasms that cannot be bridged by enthusiasm alone.
To be clear, I do not presume to teach anyone a better way to engage with the Jewish community. That’s not my intent. But I do believe we must grow in awareness—both of the legitimate concerns held by many Jews and of the long and complex history that shapes Jewish-Christian relations today. In my humble view, much of the tension stems not from Jewish resistance, but from Christian misunderstandings, theological missteps, and centuries of bias. The more time one spends studying Scripture from a Jewish perspective, the more these issues come into focus. For those of us who desire to walk in truth and love, developing an honest and respectful awareness of how our faith is perceived—especially by the very people from whom it emerged—is not optional. It’s essential.
The Tragedy That Sparked This Reflection
This essay was sparked by a tragic news story involving the murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram—two young Jewish believers in Yeshua whose lives were taken by antisemitic violence. Their untimely deaths are a sobering reminder of the cost that can come with aligning ourselves with the Jewish people, and ultimately, with Hashem Himself. Throughout history, the Jewish people have endured relentless opposition—from pagan empires, elements within the Christian Church, and parts of the Muslim world. Their continued survival, and the price many have paid for it, testifies to the deep spiritual battle surrounding Hashem’s covenant. As Gentile believers who stand with Israel, we must recognize that this alignment may invite misunderstanding, hostility, or even danger. Yet, to stand with the people of the covenant is to stand on the side of truth, however contested it may be.
As I read through the reporting and commentary surrounding the event, one line struck me deeply: “Proselytizing Jews—especially in the land of Israel—is a red line that must not be crossed.” That statement, made amid sincere mourning, reflects a deep and complex tension that many Christians and Messianic believers often overlook. Before diving into a broader discussion on how modern Judaism perceives Christianity and evangelism, this heartbreaking moment provides a sobering and necessary backdrop. It reminded me how much history, pain, and misunderstanding still shape the way the Jewish people view any attempt to share Yeshua with them—even when done in love.
A Voice from Within the Jewish Community: Elie Mischel’s Plea
This deeply personal reflection, written by Elie Mischel of Israel 365 News in the wake of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram’s tragic deaths, expresses profound appreciation for the many Christians who support Israel without seeking to convert Jews. Mischel affirms that true friendship between Christians and Jews must rest on an unwavering respect for Jewish faith, identity, and spiritual boundaries. Attempts to evangelize Jews—however loving the intent—are described as spiritually aggressive, rooted in centuries of painful history marked by forced conversions and theological hostility. The core plea is clear: genuine partnership must never involve an effort to change who the Jewish people are in their covenantal relationship with Hashem.
The article draws a sharp distinction between supportive Christian Zionists and those—like certain missionary organizations operating in Israel—whose hidden or open agenda includes proselytizing. While honoring Yaron and Sarah for their solidarity with Israel, Mischel also grieves the religious mission they embraced as Messianic believers, which Judaism fundamentally rejects. From this perspective, efforts to bring Jews to belief in Yeshua—even under the banner of love—are seen not as friendship, but as betrayal.
In closing, Mischel blesses those Christians who honor Jewish self-definition and covenantal boundaries without compromise. The hope for a better future between communities, he insists, depends not on spiritual conquest but on mutual respect.
A Tension Felt, Not Just Theorized
Elie Mischel’s comments reflect a perspective widely held among practicing Jews—one that stands in direct tension with traditional Christian views of salvation and mission. For many Christians, this can become a point of deep conflict, especially when evangelism is perceived not as an act of love, but as a form of betrayal. While I do not intend, in this essay, to explore the full theological weight of Yeshua’s words—such as, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV Bible)—or Paul’s teaching that “a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25, ESV Bible), these verses are undoubtedly present in the minds of many readers. They deserve careful and respectful engagement. However, the purpose of this essay is not to resolve theological tension, but to consider how these tensions are felt—particularly by the Jewish people who have endured centuries of Christian pressure to conform. This reflection is written to foster humility, empathy, and clarity for those of us seeking to stand with Israel in a spirit of covenantal respect and truth.
Listening with Humility, Standing with Covenant Faithfulness
I would ask that you allow the words of Elie Mischel to ring in your ears as you set out to better understand the relationship between Israel and Hashem. It is a relationship marked by covenant, history, and faithfulness—a relationship that, I would argue, stands at the very heart of our own invitation to draw near to Hashem through Yeshua. Paul describes this beautifully in Romans 11, where he speaks of Gentiles as wild branches grafted into the cultivated olive tree. This image is not one of replacement, but of joining—an inclusion into a story already in motion. As we consider the weight of Jewish history and the deep sensitivities surrounding faith and identity, may we approach that olive tree not as conquerors or correctors, but as those who are humbled to be included. This call to humility is not just about interfaith sensitivity—it is about honoring the very covenant that we, as Gentile believers, have been graciously invited to participate in.