"For I am Adonai, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed -- Malachi 3:6

The teachings of Yeshiva Beth HaShem are unique!

Since beginning the yeshiva (and making the lesson videos) we have gone through a few significant transitions. I plan to replace the videos with updated versions when I have time. As the web pages note, the text versions are always the most up to date.

We have transitioned to an information-only website format. We are no longer offering conversions nor certificates of completions (nor ordinations). The material remains up and is updated periodically. Those wishing to convert to Judaism are advised to do so through the standard Jewish channels as we discuss in the lessons. We are happy to assist with this upon request.

The tests have been renamed "Study Notes" and are still located near the bottom of each lesson (please note that some of the later lessons have not yet been updated to reflect these changes).

You are welcome to send in any questions or comments you may have about the lessons (or anything else). I try and answer within 24 hours.

Something new is our presence in the virtual world of Second Life. Second Life allows us to talk in real time as though in a physical location. We have scheduled talks and discussions each Wednesday at 10 AM and 5 PM Pacific time zone as well as a weekly gathering on Saturdays at 1 PM Pacific. I frequently monitor Second Life and am available for conversation and questions much of the time. For more information on Second Life visit our:
http://yeshivabethhashem.org/SecondLife

I am the author of this material. I have invested over forty years and counting to seeking God and His Way through the religions of the world. This quest lead me to the centrality of Torah and the Way of Judaism. These lessons represent the conclusions of this research to date. They are updated from time to time as greater understanding is granted and unclear points are revealed.

Despite what many people seem to believe, Judaism is a very diverse system. The lessons of Yeshiva Beth HaShem are intended to be viewed as svora l'halacha (or interpretations of Jewish Law) and not as Jewish law. We seek to inspire eyes to open, not to define requisite beliefs. Our teachings are completely Torah consistent.

Our primary focus is interested non-Jews. Religious Jews already have innumerable sources for quality information. They have nothing to "convert into" because they are already Jews. Christians and others who desire to accurately understand the teachings of the first century Jewish rabbi Y'shua (Jesus) on the other hand have few options. The so-called Messianic movement, groups like Jews for Jesus, the Hebraic Roots movement, Reconstructionist Christians and so on are in reality Christian missionary sects attempting to appear Jewish when they are not. The New Testament warns against such people Revelation 2:9, 3:9 etc. They teach the same anti-Torah beliefs as the rest of Christendom. This site exists primary for non-Jews who seeking answers.

Unlike helpful groups such as Jews for Judaism however, we consider Y'shua to be an important Jewish reformer and rabbi. We address the issues from this perspective. One does not have to reject Jesus to practice biblical religion, but one does need to study and discover his real teaching and reject what has been wrongly attributed to him. As far as we know no one else approaches this material in this way (if you know of someone who does please share their information with us!).

We are not Christians and we do not share their essential beliefs. We accept Rebbe Y'shua ("Torah teacher Jesus") as a controversial and highly plagiarized Jewish rabbi and reformer. Like the Rambam, the Ba'al Shem Tov, Rebbe Nachman and many other Jewish sages past and present, his teachings were rejected by the established rabbinim of his his day. Many of his essential reforms have long since been embraced by the Progressive Jewish movements (although not credited to him) and can even be seen among the Orthodox in some cases. Rebbe Y'shua was a major reformer and had a major influence on Judaism in the years following 70 CE. By studying the wisdom of our sages, including Rebbe Y'shua, we can all deepen our love for and service to HaShem.

Be advised, as Rebbe Y'shua warned:

John 15:18 If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you.

This is truth.

Those who embrace his teachings are generally rejected by Christians as "too Jewish" and by Jews as "too Christian." You need to understand this before proceeding. Those who embrace these teachings may be called upon to defend their views and yet to simultaneously "turn the other cheek" when accosted from either side. Strong prejudice and animosity is very real on both sides. We seek to honor both Jews and sincere Christians while holding firmly to the Torah teachings of our rabbi.

Please Note: We do not offer conversion into Judaism. These lessons do not award degrees nor certificates. We merely help people rediscover the original Jewish teachings of Rebbe Y'shua. What one does with this information is a personal matter. We invite your questions, comments and your friendship.

As for what became of the original Jewish movement of Rebbe Y'shua, please consider this insightful video:

Conversion to Judaism:

As a general rule of thumb, no one needs to convert to Judaism to please HaShem. But some people are strongly drawn to do so for various legitamate reasons. We can assist in this.

We encourage those who are looking for gerut (conversion) to seek it through formal conversion through one of the recognized Jewish movements (i.e. the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionist). We can help you determine which movement is best for you. To our knowledge none of the online conversion programs are legitamate. One needs to be part of a real world community (in addition to your local synagogue -- or if you don't have one, are still seeking etc. -- join us in our viritual community with Second Life!).

Each movement determines its own qualifications for conversion. Not all conversions are accepted by all movements. Conversions done through "Progressive" non-Orthodox Judaism (i.e. Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist) will not be accepted by the Orthodox and not all Orthodox accept other Orthodox conversions. It can be rather confusing.

What we offer is a way for Christians and others to understand the historic and biblical "Jesus" as a Jewish rabbi and significant reformer. For many people this realization is a big step in their preparation to take up the Jewish religion or to serve HaShem as a Non-Jew under the Seven Laws (the Sheva Mitzvot B'nei Noach). Understanding Y'shua's Jewish teachings often makes this transition easier. It also will put you at odds with both religions and hence produce its own difficulties. This fact should be handled carefully.

We intend no offense to Christians nor Jews. Our goal is simply to uncover and practice the Judaism of Rebbe Y'shua as Jews and Noahidim (non-Jews). This requires us to understand the historic teachings and evolution of the Jewish and Christian religions. This then is a path of study as well as heart.

Zionism:

By this term we mean that we stand with the state of Israel and the Jewish people always. We affirm the God decreed Jewish birthright to the entire land of Israel (not just its current boundaries), especially of our eternal capitol Jerusalem, undivided and unmolested.

We reject all forms of Replacement Theology.

Our Lessons.

These teachings are Torah consistent and based on the traditional wisdom revealed by our sages, including the reforms of Rebbe Y'shua, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov and others. Jews differ widely on doctrinal and social issues but ours fit within the traditional framework when understood and welcome everyone. We invite our fellow Jews to study these teachings and if they disagree with our conclusions to present their reasons.

Let's Hang Out in Second Life!

 

• Join our Beth Yachad Yeshiva Group.
• Join us live in Second Life
• Join our One God Discussion and Prayer Group.
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel for lots of videos
• Make friends and learn at our Ning Site.
• Skype Yochanan with user name: bethhashem.live.
• E-mail Yochanan at yeshivabethhashem@yahoo.com
• Connect with Yochanan's Xanga Blog.
• Befriend Yochanan on On Facebook.

For more contact information see our Contact page