With this newsletter, I want to honor Moishe Rosen, the founder of Jews for Jesus, who recently died. I consider Moishe to be the most interesting and the greatest man I have known. Not perfect (who was or is perfect - except Messiah Yeshua?), but the greatest.

Lon Solomon said of Moishe: "More than any other single person, Moishe has been responsible for putting the idea of being Jewish and believing in Jesus on the map". I agree with Lon. Moishe was the most significant evangelist to the Jewish people in the 20th century, and possibly since Rabbi Paul.

He directly impacted the lives of many Jewish people and Gentiles, and reached thousands and millions more through others whom he trained and inspired.

He loved the Three-In-One God of Israel. He loved the Word of God. He loved his Jewish people. He loved the Church. He had a laser-like focus for Jewish evangelism.

He had a large and generous view of Jewish ministry and was willing to cooperate with many denominations, churches, organizations and individuals outside of Jews for Jesus.

He was unique, with a unique combination of talents and traits. He knew himself and was comfortable being the eccentric person God made him.

He was wise. He was a visionary leader and master strategist like a high-ranking general in the army of the Lord of Hosts.

He had a good sense of humor - even at his own expense. He was fun. He was very earthy, yet very spiritual. He knew how to bring others into his enjoyments. He knew how to eat and introduced others to the pleasures of the table!

He had a great mind and was interested in learning more about many parts of God's creation.

He liked gadgets and technology. He was innovative, using new technology to enhance the work of evangelism.

He was courageous. He chose the hard and meaningful tasks, not the easy tasks.

He was a gentleman in his personal life and manners, and yet a radical when it came to evangelism. Through courage and creativity and radical thinking and action, he created opportunities for the Good News about Messiah to be proclaimed.

He was tough, but he was fair. He was a strong, forceful leader, and yet kind, gentle and thoughtful. He was honest and could be very blunt.

He was generous, hospitable and gracious. Even though I left his employment, he didn't write me off, as a lesser man might have. He still wanted me to succeed and reach our people. As I was just starting Shema, one of the very first gifts I received was from Moishe (and it was a generous donation). I have never forgotten it.

He was available for anyone, whenever his time, wise counsel and advice were needed. He related to and cared for so many different kinds of people, from the small to the great.

He valued organization and administration. He placed a premium on training men and women, and trained a generation of leaders. He was a man of hard work, high ethical standards and personal integrity, and demanded the same from those with whom he worked.

He was a man of principles. He left a great organization committed to those core principles.

He was a role model to many, a trainer of many, a mentor to many, a friend of many.

He loved and enjoyed his family. He was a good husband, a terrific father and grandfather.

Moishe will be greatly missed - but not for long and not forever! Jim Congdon observed this truth: Even when death's arrival is expected, its arrival is shocking, and leaves a gnawing emptiness: But God is good. And Heaven is near. And reunion is sure!

Shalom!
Rabbi Loren