I have to say that I had an amazing experience at Hashivenu, the progressive Messianic Jewish think tank experience in LA. Two papers were given, responses were made, rejoinders heard, small d group discussions ensued. Excellent blend of academic rigor, spiritual sustenance, science and social justice, good ol Jewish humor and evocative questions. Jesus would have been proud! Most of all there was love. Not to mention a visionary focus on the Kingdom of God: Where is Yeshua leading us to and how can we proactively participate in that? The theme was animal rights. Judaism has a special interest in this because of the laws of keeping kosher. And because of the command to practice lovingkindness. There are many Jewish sources in Torah and the Oral Tradition that address it as well. I got to fellowship with some rock start rabbis too: Mark Kinzer, Stuart Dauermann, Carl Kinbar, Paul Saal, Derek Leman, Jason Brumbach, Boaz Michael, and others. The whole thing was a privilege beyond words. It was definitely a homecoming for me. I look forward to next year!
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:34:07 +0000