Ex-Orthodox Crisis

There is a phenomenon among Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel. A high percentage of them feel as though they are dressed in a costume. They may still be living within the Orthodox community, but many do not believe in what they are doing or even in God. Many that look Orthodox do not define themselves as such. Some still believe in God but can no longer participate in Orthodox society.

These individuals are looking for a way out, a way to connect with the society at-large. Yet it is intimidating and scary to leave everything they know – the support structures in their all-encompassing society. How can they take this step without getting completely lost? Many of them do not even have the basic educational tools of the average Israeli citizen, since their learning has focused on rabbinical commentary and oral law. Many have never worked a regular job. How can they find employment? They are overwhelmed by the daunting challenges.

Some still love God, but the things they have seen in the religious world have burned them. If they actually leave, there is the trauma of going from having a framework to having no framework, and trying to find themselves. Some are shattered. Some become homeless. Some become atheists with no faith at all. Some go into New Age, and some come to faith in Yeshua.

For years the traditional religious and ultra-Orthodox Israelis have been on my heart. I feel this is the direction God is calling me to testify about Him. This is the main group in Israel to which He has drawn me. It is also part of who I am. My personal understanding as a Messianic Jew includes a positive approach to Jewish tradition and culture – though not subject to the rabbinate or to rabbinical religion.

We at Revive Israel have been sharing the good news in Israel for years, reaching out to society in general and also to the Orthodox and ex-Orthodox in various ways.

In our new program, centered around agriculture, we provide an opportunity for Israelis from all walks of life to directly experience God’s creation – in this case through organic farming and permaculture. There is a wonderful action of God in the lives of people who come and work in the field with us. During part of the workday, we also provide a framework of praise, prayer and Scripture-reading as well as taking time to respond to questions and needs of all kinds. This is part of how we reach out to the ex-Orthodox. While working with us, one of them said he felt he had just had a cleansing shower for his soul.

We want to come to the aid of people who are struggling in the crisis and storms of life. We want to help them stand on the stable Rock and hear about Yeshua in a very clear way: by hearing the Scriptures, meeting believers, and encountering God in His creation.

So this is part of our vision of discipleship and evangelism through agriculture. Please join with us in prayer for all Israelis who are searching, secular and Orthodox alike, to find the One they are searching for.

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