Why did the cowardly act of barbarism of October 7, 2023 occur, and why has it so quickly escalated into an anti-Jewish and anti-Israel worldwide crusade? The main purpose of this paper is not to analyse the events of 7th October and the subsequent response of the Israeli government, but to hopefully provide some broader background and context to the current crisis.

By Kelvin Crombie

How did Jesus’ Jewishness get written out of the Church’s understanding of its Savior over the centuries by errant theologies? One thing is clear: such thinking began early in the Church’s history soon after the original Jesus movement was totally Jewish.

By Dr. Theresa Newell, CMJ USA

For all Jews, the Shoah hangs over us like a dark cloud. Also in our soteriology we cannot entirely come out from under the cloud into the warm sunshine and light of God in his grace and pure beauty. The Shoah lurks behind every aspect of our faith, but it also highlights the glory of God and his covenant and promises. But post-Auschwitz questions challenge even the basic theological issues of the nature of God, his goodness and grace, his covenant purpose for Israel and through Israel for the world.  

By Martin Goldsmith, CMJ UK

We first meet Isaac and Ishmael within the book of Genesis, in the context of the unfolding revelation. This takes place in Genesis 21. Genesis 21 is understood as a key foundational passage in the Bible, both for Jewish and Christian commentators. The birth of Isaac and the ‘removal/rejection’ of Ishmael have huge ramifications. The ‘shock waves’ from this event are still felt today, within the complex world of Middle Eastern political, spiritual and religious life.

By Rev. Alex Jacob, CMJ UK

As this comparison suggests, a greater appreciation of the character and role of Moses will lead to a greater appreciation of Yeshua as the promised Messiah. In this paper I will examine some of the similarities and differences between these pivotal characters in the Bible, taking into account some of the rabbinic material associated with Moses.

By Rev. John Atkinson, CMJ South Africa

A personal attempt to provide an answer after considering a range of Jewish and Christian responses, and to explore the future of Jewish-Christian relatedness in a post-Shoah world.

This paper is a personal response. However, the experience and context of an author is important and may give additional perspective to their work. I am a Roman Catholic Benedictine nun of Stanbrook Abbey, Wass, in North Yorkshire. I am also the sister of Alex Jacob, the CEO of CMJ UK and the editor of the Olive Press Research Papers. 

Or The Rabbinic Bible, the Reformation, and Israel

The work establishing the text of the Hebrew Scriptures in the 16th century will last for centuries, but the transformation in the lives of those involved in this work will last for all eternity. The work primarily of one individual would affect the Reformation, contribute to the translation of the Bible into common language, and eventually lead to the founding of the State of Israel.

By Dr. Jim R. Sibley

The Puritans, the Pilgrims who settled in Massachusetts, used the Jewish model for family life at a time when Jewish people were not allowed to live in England. This connection came from both the Hebrew scholars and from the Bible becoming accessible to the common man. As people began to see the sweep of Scripture and read the prophecies, they began to understand God’s purposes for Israel, the people and the nation.

By Jane Moxon, head of development at CMJ UK

Anti-semitic attacks are up in the UK (and the US). As believers, we must ask: What can a Christian today learn from the life of a brilliant young German theologian who paid the ultimate price for speaking Truth to Power during the darkest days of the 20th century? 

By Dr. Theresa Newell, founder of CMJ USA

Some biblical reflections on the Incarnation alongside a brief engagement with the teaching of Maimonides and some aspects of Jewish Kabbalistic Mysticism.

By Rev. Alex Jacob, director of CMJ UK