Jewish Community Connections

The Jewish community needs our support. Urgently. For centuries the Jewish people have faced marginalization. Antisemitism is again on the rise worldwide. Jewish students are being targeted on college campuses and attacked simply for wearing a Jewish star. It feels like our world has gone crazy. Israel is under attack as a nation – global forces openly express their desire for its destruction. The Jewish community needs Christians now more than ever.

Sadly, those of us who love a Jewish Jesus often find ourselves disconnected from his people—the Jewish people. The reasons for this disconnect are multifaceted. The church’s tragic separation from its Jewish roots and persecution of the Jewish people is documented in Dr. Michael Brown’s highly recommended book, Our Hands Are Stained with Blood.

While this history is sobering, it is not insurmountable. Understanding the past can empower us to move forward with empathy and purpose. If you know Jesus, you already have a Jewish friend. What a friend we have in Jesus! But you don’t need to have a Jewish friend to build a meaningful connection with the Jewish community. 

As we begin a New Year and quickly approach the Passover/Easter season, several other important Jewish festivals and memorials—like Purim and Holocaust Remembrance Day—occur in the next few months. This presents a meaningful opportunity to connect with the Jewish community. We want to invite you to participate! There are many ways to do so.

Following you’ll find a list of ideas to engage and celebrate with the Jewish community. Most public events are open to everyone, and Christians are often welcomed with curiosity and warmth. At times, we will organize groups to attend events together. Other times it will be up to you!

A quick note: The Jewish community often leans toward more liberal worldviews. If you attend Jewish events, don’t be surprised if you encounter perspectives that might differ from your own. Use these moments to listen, learn, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with sensitivity. If you have any questions or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone or through our website. We are here to help.

The Atlanta Jewish Community Center

The Marcus Jewish Community Center (MJCC) offers many opportunities to connect with the local Atlanta Jewish community! You do not have to be Jewish to join or go to events. Whether you’re looking for fitness classes, book fairs, want to learn Hebrew, or are interested in Jewish history, cooking,  etc... There is something for everyone! Our team recently went to hear Noa Tishby, a world-famous Israeli activist involved in fighting antisemitism. Her books are excellent and can be found on Amazon. Showing up to these events offers a chance to learn and to interact.

They also sponsor Jerry’s Habima Theatre which brings together actors with disabilities and theater professionals for an annual, epic Broadway-style performance. Save the date: “Fiddler on the Roof” playing March 6 – 16, 2025! 

The Breman Museum & Cultural Center: thebreman.org

Discover Jewish history and culture at The Breman Museum! Explore captivating exhibitions like History with Chutzpah, which delves into the rich Jewish history of the South, and Absence of Humanity, a poignant exploration of the Holocaust. The Breman offers a diverse calendar of monthly events showcasing Jewish arts and culture. We invite Christians to visit and connect with these powerful stories. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to tour the museum with us.

Atlanta Jewish Times

The Atlanta Jewish Times (AJT) is a vital hub of news coverage for Atlanta’s vibrant Jewish community, fostering connection and a shared sense of identity. We highly recommend subscribing online or in print. The AJT offers a convenient way to stay connected to Jewish Atlanta. When you are aware of what’s going on in the Jewish community, you are able not only to engage but to pray more effectively. Its also a great conversation starter with your Jewish friends.

JF&CS

Jewish Family and Career Services (JF&CS) is dedicated to supporting Atlanta’s diverse community. One of their many initiatives is providing vital services to Holocaust survivors. Want to make a difference? Volunteer to escort a survivor to their monthly lunches. This simple act of kindness offers companionship and a chance to hear their inspiring stories. By volunteering, you’ll not only enrich a survivor’s life but also gain a deeper understanding of history.

Visit a Synagogue

We are often asked if it is OK for a Christian to visit a synagogue – absolutely! Go say hello. Tell them you are a Christian, and you want to learn more about Jewish observance. Bring flowers for Holocaust Memorial Day. Look for special holidays, events, and speakers. Let us know if you would like to join us for a ministry synagogue visit!

Prayer Walks

We prayer walk in Jewish neighborhoods of Atlanta on Saturdays when people are walking to and from Synagogue. It is such a special experience to walk among the community while we are praying for them! Keep an eye out for announcements via our e-mail updates. 

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is the largest Jewish film festival in the world by attendance. Our ministry has been involved in this film festival for decades and we highly recommend attending! A variety of topics are covered including antisemitism, the current conflict in the Middle East, contemporary issues for the Jewish people and Israel, as well as dramas and comedies. Over the years it has not been unusual for our team to attend 20+ films in a few weeks. This year’s 25th anniversary festival runs February 19 to March 16, 2025. 

Streaming on Netflix!

If you are interested in learning more about Jewish and Israeli culture from the comfort of your home, there are many excellent options. Here are just a few series available on Netflix: 

Unorthodox: follows a young ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman who escapes her arranged marriage and attempts to build a new life outside her strict religious community, facing challenges as her past tries to catch up with her.

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem: follows the complex dynamics and secrets of multiple generations of a Sephardic Jewish family in pre-state Jerusalem, against the backdrop of Ottoman rule and the British Mandate.

Shtisel: follows the lives of a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jewish family residing in Jerusalem, exploring their daily struggles with love, loss, and navigating a strict religious lifestyle.

Fauda: depicts the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by following a team of undercover Israeli operatives hunting down Palestinian militants in the West Bank, focusing on the human stories on both sides of the conflict.

***Disclaimer: many of these shows contain violence, language, and other mature content – discretion is advised.

Join Us in Israel!

We are heartened by signs that peace in Israel is on the horizon. When that occurs, there will be a huge pent-up demand for tourism – and we are prepared! We have a tour booked for October 11-20th, 2025, and we are excited to return!

The above are just a few of the ways for you, as a Christian, to connect with the Jewish community. We are here to help you do so. Again, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions. Also, we’d love to hear from you if you attend any of these events! Let us know what you learned!