The Hebrew Roots movement is a religious movement that advocates the return to the first century walk of faith in Christ. This movement places emphasis on studying the Hebrew Bible and Jewish traditions to learn the cultural context for understanding the New Testament. The goal is to walk as Jesus walked and follow the faith practiced by the early church. Here is an overview of the Hebrew Roots movement’s key beliefs and practices:
Emphasis on the Torah
Hebrew Roots adherents place strong emphasis on studying and following the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. This includes observing the Sabbath, biblical holidays like Passover and Sukkot, and following the Torah laws on diet and purity. Adherents believe that since Jesus and the apostles observed Torah, it remains valid for Christians today. However, there is debate on which laws in Torah should be followed.
Identity with Israel
The Hebrew Roots movement strongly identifies with the people and traditions of Israel. Adherents refer to Jesus by his Hebrew name, Yeshua, and prefer using Hebrew names and terms for biblical figures and concepts. Some engage in Jewish cultural practices like wearing prayer shawls and observing Jewish rituals. Many see themselves as part of Israel or as Israelites.
Emphasis on Hebrew language
Studying biblical Hebrew is very important in the Hebrew Roots movement. By learning Hebrew, adherents feel they can gain a deeper understanding of the scriptures. Some scrutinize the New Testament Greek translations for accuracy and advocate using the Hebrew versions of biblical names. Prayers and blessings are often recited in Hebrew.
Critique of mainstream Christianity
Hebrew Roots followers are often critical of mainstream Christianity. They believe the modern church has strayed from the original Hebrew foundations of the faith. This includes rejecting holidays like Christmas and Easter as pagan in origin. The doctrines of original sin, Trinitarianism, and going to heaven after death are also critiqued for not aligning with Hebraic understandings.
Emphasis on righteousness by faith
Despite the emphasis on Torah observance, the Hebrew Roots movement does not believe in earning salvation through works. Righteousness is said to only come through faith in Yeshua (Jesus). Obedience to God’s commands flows out of love and belief rather than seeking justification. Adherents believe their Torah observance is evidence of their salvation, not the cause of it.
Belief in the Torah for all believers
Hebrew Roots adherents believe that the Torah was given for all God’s people, not just the Jewish people. They teach that both Jews and Gentiles are invited to follow the Torah and walk as Jesus did. The Torah provides the instructions for righteous living. Mainstream Christianity is seen as rejecting the Torah and missing vital Hebraic context.
Emphasis on First Century Context
Understanding the first century Jewish cultural context for the life of Jesus and the early church is crucial in the Hebrew Roots movement. Adherents study extrabiblical sources like the Mishnah and Talmud to better grasp the language, practices, and setting of the New Testament writings. This provides insights for how to apply biblical teachings.
Belief in the Two Houses of Israel
Some Hebrew Roots adherents subscribe to the Two House or Ephraimite theology. This belief states that the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel in the Old Testament represent divisions between Jews and Christians today. Advocates believe they are descended from the “lost” tribes of Israel or are spiritual Israelites.
Emphasis on the Holy Spirit
The work of the Holy Spirit is emphasized in the Hebrew Roots movement. The Spirit enables proper obedience to God’s commands. Some adherents experience Spirit-led phenomena like dreams, visions, and prophecy. However, there are concerns by critics about opening the door to spiritual deception.
Messianic Orientation
Most Hebrew Roots adherents identify as Messianic believers. This means they see Yeshua (Jesus) as the foretold Messiah who fulfills the promises of the Hebrew scriptures. Messiah is seen as the ultimate goal and culmination of the Torah, not the end of it. Faith in Yeshua as Messiah motivates Torah observance.
Congregational Life and Outreach
Hebrew Roots fellowships meet together on the Sabbath and biblical holidays for worship and study. Typical activities include Torah readings, dancing, Hebrew liturgy, praise music, and feasting. Home fellowships are also common. Congregations have outreach through television, radio, and online to spread their message.
Concerns and Controversies
Opponents of the Hebrew Roots movement express several concerns. Legalism and salvation by works is a worry if Torah observance is taken too far. Identifying too closely with Jewish practices risks losing focus on Jesus. And flawed end time prophecies and conspiracy thinking have led some groups into controversy. There are also concerns about lack of accountability and proper leadership in the decentralized movement.
In summary, the Hebrew Roots movement advocates returning to the Hebrew foundation of the Christian faith. By studying the Torah, Hebrew language, and Jewish context of the New Testament, adherents seek to live as the earliest followers of Jesus did. This movement has impacted many Christians to more deeply connect with the Jewish roots of their faith.
