Zalman Kravitz - Jews for Judaism (Page 14)

How to Fix a Broken World

How to Fix a Broken World Some critics of Judaism argue that the Jewish Bible is full of irrelevant laws and regulations that do not advance a relationship with God. Nothing could be further from the truth. This false argument is dispelled by the book of Deuteronomy, which contains many powerful spiritual messages. In the coming weeks, we will encounter passages that explain the nature of God’s absolute Oneness. Other passages will explain how finite beings can achieve a personal relationshi

Torah portion Devarim mitzvot

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

The Search for Spiritual Enlightenment

The Search for Spiritual Enlightenment Growing up in the Sixties, I experienced the hippy movement and participated in the search for peace and spiritual enlightenment. One individual tried to convince me to accept Christianity and promised that if I did so, I would “find peace in my heart.” His arguments were unconvincing. I kept searching. Although it took some time, I finally found what I was yearning for. In 1973, while attending college, I encountered a Chassidic Jew who impressed me wit

Torah portion Va’etchanan) echad

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 3 min read

The Minister’s Words Broke Her Heart

The Minister’s Words Broke Her Heart In 1980, when Baptist minister Bailey Smith said, “God does not hear the prayer of a Jew,” the Jewish community was outraged. After the public outcry, I was lecturing on a college campus when a distraught and heartbroken Jewish student approached me with tears in her eyes. A fellow student had repeated the minister’s anti-Semitic slur and told her she would go to hell unless she accepted Jesus. I reassured her that our bible teaches that God does hear our

Torah portion Eikev prayers

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Standing Up to a Prophet of Doom

Standing Up to a Prophet of Doom The evangelical street preacher stood in the middle of the UCLA campus and attracted a large crowd by spewing insults at ethnic groups and minorities. This “Prophet of Doom” accused professors, blacks, Hispanics, and other minorities of being “non-believers” who were condemned to hell and eternal damnation. The students rowdily jeered and heckled the preacher in an attempt to drown out his hate-filled speech. I witnessed this spectacle together with members o

Torah portion Re’eh Deuteronomy 13

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 3 min read

The Missionary Tried To Bribe Me

The Missionary Tried to Bribe Me A Jewish family asked me to meet in their home to dialogue with a Christian missionary who was discussing religion with them. I accepted the invitation because I felt it was important to provide everyone with a second point of view. I listened respectfully to the familiar and classic arguments the missionary presented. When it was my turn to respond, I provided a thoughtful refutation to his claims and also pointed out the spiritual beauty of Judaism and the mi

Torah portion Shoftim bribe

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 3 min read

Demanding Truth In Advertising From Missionaries

Demanding Truth In Advertising From Missionaries I received numerous calls concerning a High Holiday service promoted with large banners across a busy interchange. The host appeared to be a legitimate Jewish synagogue. However, upon closer examination, the fine print revealed that the sponsor was a messianic Christian group masquerading as authentic Judaism. One thing all denominations of Judaism agree upon is that it is an oxymoron to claim you can be Jewish and Christian simultaneously. So,

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 4 min read

Evangelicals Shocked by a Rabbi’s Revelation

Evangelicals Shocked by a Rabbi’s Revelation One Shabbat morning in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Talpiot, I encountered a group of evangelical Christians. Their tour guide was showing them the interior of the synagogue where I was praying. The guide asked if I had a few minutes to address the group and answer their questions. As I spoke with the group, I emphasized that Judaism is a highly spiritual religion, and along with my fellow Jews we have a personal relationship with God. I then expre

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 3 min read

Teenage Girl Confused by Missionary Video

Teenage Girl Confused by Missionary Video I received an email from parents concerned about their teenage daughter. She was confused by a YouTube video that appeared to be Jewish but was produced by missionaries. What upset their daughter was the missionary’s claim that Jews must accept Jesus because the God-given commandments are impossible to observe. Although many Christians believe the commandments are too difficult to keep, I was able to explain to this family why this is incorrect. The

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 4 min read