George W. Bush just sank...


George W. Bush to Raise Money for Group That
Converts Jews to Bring About Second Coming of Christ

Next week, former President George W. Bush is scheduled to keynote a
fundraiser in Irving, Texas, for the Messianic Jewish Bible Institute, a
group that trains people in the United States, Israel, and around the
world to convince Jews to accept Jesus as the Messiah. The
organization's goal: to "restore" Israel and the Jews and bring about
about the second coming of Christ.

Messianic Jews have long been controversial for Jews of all major
denominations, who object to their proselytizing efforts and their
message that salvation by Jesus is consistent with Jewish theology. Last
year, Abraham Foxman, president of the Anti-Defamation League, told
Politico that former Sen. Rick Santorum's appearance at an event hosted
by another Messianic Jewish organization, the Messianic Jewish Alliance
of America, was "insensitive and offensive." And Commentary magazine,
which bills itself as a "conservative American journal of politics,
Judaism, social and cultural issues," noted, "it must be understood that
the visceral distaste that the overwhelming majority of Jews have for
the Messianics is not to be taken lightly." Many Messianic Jews are
Christians who have adopted aspects of Jewish ritual observance; others
are Jews who share the Christian belief that Jesus is the Messiah.

Asked about Bush's upcoming appearance at the Messianic Jewish Bible
Institute (MJBI) event, Rabbi David Saperstein, the director of the
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, said, "It's disappointing
that he would give his stamp of approval to a group whose program is an
express effort to convert Jews and not to accept the validity of the
Jewish covenant." Foxman was traveling overseas and unavailable to comment.

(After this story published, Rabbi David Wolpe of Los Angeles' Sinai
Temple, whom Newsweek has called the most influential rabbi in the
country, tweeted, "This is infuriating.")

Based in Dallas, the MJBI claims that it acts like the Apostle Paul in
helping to "educate Christians in their role to provoke the Jewish
people to jealousy and thus save some of them (Romans 11:11-14)." It has
Bible schools in 12 countries, an online school of "Messianic theology,"
and programs to train Messianic rabbis and pastors. Its logos feature a
star of David and a menorah, and its website promotes the weekly Torah
portion, a "Yiddish Mama's Kitchen," and links to purchase Judaica and
books, such as Christ in the Old Testament. The nonprofit organization
brought in approximately $1.2 million in revenue in 2011, the last year
for which records are available.

At the November 14 event, which will be held at the Irving Convention
Center, Bush will discuss his White House experiences, according to
promotional materials. Bush, the group says, will "share his passion for
setting people free." Last year, Glenn Beck was the star of the group's
fundraiser, which was held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

This year's event is designed to bring in funds for the group's
proselytizing operations. And the former president is helping out with
more than just speech-making. The most expensive of the ticket packages,
which range from $100 to $100,000, includes 20 invitations to a VIP
reception and photo opportunity with Bush, 10 signed copies of Bush's
book Decision Points, and passes to tour the George W. Bush Presidential
Library and Museum.
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Proselytizers should be hanged.
Religion: together we can find the cure.