Below is an Open Letter that Rabbi Dr. Stuart Dauermann posted on Ralph Messer’s Facebook Page which appears to have been deleted. Below read these insightful words by my mentor and pioneer of the modern Messianic Judaism movement.
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
When a person uses the term “Rabbi” for himself, he is obliged to adhere to the standards that Rabbis follow. You may be impressed with Ralph Messer’s personality, teachings, or charisma, but that in no way refutes that when he uses the term Rabbi of himself, he must adhere to certain norms. The way he used/abused the Torah is one which rabbis of all stripes find repugnant. This should matter to him and to you.
He may be the nicest, and most Spirit filled man you know. That is besides the point. The problem is two-fold: First he claims the title Rabbi when he is not a Jew nor has any reputable body given him the title. It is like me claiming to be Pope. Second, in ministering under that title, he tramples underfoot the norms to which all rabbis adhere. This is not a small thing and should be acknowledged by him and by all people of a sincere, respectful, and aware faith.
The problem is one of a sense of entitlement. No matter how filled with the Spirit some person might suppose themselves to be, they are not thereby entitled to do as they choose with things deemed holy to others. If someone came into your house speaking in tongues and pulled your/your wife’s wedding gown out of the closet to clean their car, would you say “Hallelujah?” or would you rather say “What do you think you are doing?”
The Rabbi just cleaned his car with the Jewish people’s wedding gown. We protest.
Thank you for reading.
Rabbi Stuart Dauermann
Jewish, and ordained under the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations
