WHAT CHURCHES CAN DO
Now more than ever, churches are called to be beacons of compassion and hope by standing resolutely against antisemitism. This work requires prayer, teaching, serving, and speaking out. We are here to help get you started.
This holiday season, as Chanukah begins on Christmas night, churches have a unique opportunity to show their support for their local Jewish neighbors by sharing this video in your services, and displaying chanukiahs (the special nine candle menorah) inside and outside your church.
We have provided a simple guide for churches to love their Jewish neighbors and stand against the rise of antisemitism, as well as resources such as Bible reading plans, prayer guides, and resources to learn more about Jewish people.
Share our holiday video
Please share the Love Your Jewish Neighbor holiday video with your church, school, Bible study, or faith community to start a conversation about how you can love and support your local Jewish neighbors. You can share via YouTube, or fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we will provide you a link to download the video as well as a prayer guide to share with your community.
A CALL To LOVE
5 ways churches can love their jewish neighbors
Mobilizing your church community in prayer, educating your community about antisemitism, and actively getting to know and support your local Jewish community are a few simple ways to get started in loving your Jewish neighbor and fighting antisemitism.
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Prayer is a powerful tool. Commit to praying for the protection of Jewish communities globally, asking for divine intervention against physical, verbal, and systemic forms of antisemitism. Pray for peace and understanding between communities and courage to act against injustice.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. — Psalm 122:6–9
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Show your support by choosing Jewish-owned and Israeli businesses as your church’s preferred vendor. This could look like catering an upcoming event with a local Jewish deli, or selling items in your lobby or bookstore from Israeli businesses or artisans. The war has impacted many Israeli businesses and artisans dependent on tourism.
Choosing to shop with these businesses, you actively extend love and solidarity. Consult your local Jewish community center, Jewish Federation, or local synagogue in your area about businesses that you can support.
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Antisemitism, often called "the oldest hatred," dates back to ancient times, with Jewish people facing persecution in the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. A few hundred years after Jesus’ death, the early Church transitioned from primarily Jewish to Gentile believers. By the fourth century, Constantine distanced Christianity from Jewish traditions, aligning holidays with the Gregorian calendar. This change fostered the belief that Jewish people were responsible for Jesus' death, a view that became church doctrine. By the tenth and eleventh centuries, this led to harmful stereotypes, superstitions, and violence against Jewish communities, including the myth of ritual child sacrifice. During the Middle Ages, religiously motivated antisemitism forced Jewish people to convert, face expulsion, endure violence, or even death.
Antisemitism swelled in the 19th century, and across Europe, and most of the church was silent. This eventually led to the Holocaust - the murder of 6 million Jewish people.
Most Christians are unaware of the church’s history and contribution toward antisemitism. We must not let history repeat itself.
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Don’t stay silent in the face of antisemitic remarks or behavior in your church community and local area. Lovingly, but firmly, challenge such actions and misinformation. This includes addressing microaggressions and subtler forms of antisemitism.
Speak truth and be a light.
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” —Ephesians 5:11
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow in all ways into Messiah, who is the Head.” —Ephesians 4:15 TLV
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’” —Matthew 25:40
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Does your community understand the covenant God made with Abraham, the promises God made to His Chosen People, or what the Old and New Testament speak of when it comes to Israel (the people and nation)? This upcoming year, commit to a Bible study or teaching series on Understanding God’s Heart for His Chosen People.
Equipping and educating your congregation with accurate information about Jewish history, culture, and religion, helps people understand the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and Christians’ responsibility to bless and stand with the Jewish people.
Messianic Jewish Ministries (Jewish ministries that believe in Jesus) offer great resources for churches. Here are a few to get you started.
DOWNLOAD
The love your jewish neighbor Video & prayer guide
Please provide your name and email, and we will provide you with a link to download both your simple PDF guide of how to pray against antisemitism and the Love Your Jewish Neighbor holiday video.