Online Resources

Are these websites “messianic”?

Most of the resources listed above are well respected Jewish websites; and while these do not reflect a “messianic” perspective, they do provide accurate and relevant information relating to the Jewish faith, history, and observances. Websites with an asterisk ( * ) are typically considered “messianic” websites.

Why don’t we have many “messianic” websites?

Unfortunately, most messianic websites promote some form of anti-Semitic or unscriptural doctrine such as alternative calendars, sacred name, solo scriptura, and two-house, just to name a few. As an observant Jewish synagogue fully centered on Messiah, Sar Shalom embraces normative Judaism and cannot in good conscious recommend websites that promote these positions.

The messianic websites we have included do provide some good information for Christians who wish to know more about the Hebraic roots of their faith, and begin walking in Torah observance as a believer in Yeshua, but may not yet be ready for full immersion into an observant Jewish lifestyle. Even so, the leadership of Sar Shalom does not agree with certain tenets, doctrines, theology, content, and mission directions stated in these messianic websites. So our recommendation of these sites comes with that reservation.

Are the Jewish websites “anti-Christian”?

Virtually all observant Jews are “messianic” in that they believe in the Jewish Messiah. However, the Messiah found in Torah (and the Gospels and Epistles) is very different than the Christian “Jesus” in whose name the church has taught against Torah and persecuted the Jewish people for nearly 2000 years. So it should come as no surprise that mainstream Jewish informational websites do not reflect modern “Christian” perspectives on the Messiah. In fact, some articles/authors go so far as the argue against the Messiah found in the Gospels and Epistles for these very reasons. Nevertheless, WE are not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of G-d that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. BaShem Yeshua!

Do these sites contain Jewish “mysticism”?

Concerns over kabbalistic or chassidic understanding are often overblown in anti-Semitic, Christian, and secular communities and media; and are easily corrected with proper understanding and proper discernment on the part of the reader.

In the Jewish faith, there are four levels of Torah study – Parshat, Remez, D’rash and Sod – referred to collectively by the acronym “Pardes.” Beginning with the basic understanding and progressing to the most conceptual, each level represents a deeper and more intensive study of scripture. In simplest terms, the Jewish Pardes is roughly equivalent to in-depth exegesis and eisegesis studies in Christian theology.

In any faith-based community, solid understanding which is grounded in scripture can be overtaken by strange and unscriptural ideas – such as hyper-grace theology in the Christian church today. Likewise in the Jewish community, some have taken Pardes to extreme ends of esoteric thought. However, the leadership of Sar Shalom has reviewed the websites above and considers the vast majority of content to be acceptable, beneficial, and well within the boundaries of normative Judaism.

Should you encounter anything you are unsure about, please take the time to contact our Rabbis or Zakenim through the Contact Us page. They will be more than happy address your concerns.

Do we favor Jewish websites over messianic ones?

Sar Shalom is an observant Jewish synagogue fully centered on Messiah. As such, it is our conviction that websites with any degree of anti-Semitic information or anti-Jewish bias are much more problematic than websites with a comparatively small amount of esoteric Jewish thought. For these reasons, we do recommend more leading Jewish websites than “messianic” websites; though we make every effort to be open, honest, and objective in our evaluations and recommendations. Our goal is to help you find dependable Torah-based informational websites that will inspire and strengthen your observant Jewish walk as a believer in Mashiach.

What happened to website (fill-in-the-name) that used to be listed?

The leadership, members, and friends of Sar Shalom regularly review the “recommended” websites listed above. Regretfully, some previously listed sites have been removed due to egregious violations of Torah and/or well established Jewish halacha. We prefer not to discuss a removal to avoid drawing attention back to the website in question. Suffice to say if a site has been removed from this list, there were very grave and widely shared concerns about the website’s positions and/or content.