When your Jewish child converts to Christianity

       Every year or so I am contacted by a member of Kol Emeth (or even one of the other synagogues) that their Jewish child has formally converted to Christianity. It is not widely discussed in the Jewish world, but the fact is that many churches have targeted the Jews specifically for conversion.

      There are at least two large churches here in East Cobb that I know for a fact have encouraged their young people to encourage their Jewish teenage friends to attend Christian services or youth group events.

      It is hard for us to say no, but what often happens is that the Jewish teenager is subjected to both love and admonition from their friends. Peer pressure works in strong ways, and often adolescents are lonely, confused, or simply searching for answers.

     When youth ministers, coaches, FCA advisors, or even other teens encourage your child to embrace Evangelical Christianity, it can be difficult for your child to turn down the offer to belong to something charismatic. After all, from a teen’s point of view, Evangelical Christianity offers a clear and palpable answer to happiness; whereas, Judaism, an intellectual faith, often encourages us to ask even more questions rather than seeking easy answers.

     There is no easy antidote to the conversion movement that is now popular in Cobb County and on college campuses everywhere. For one, I would strongly recommend that you encourage your child to try a Jewish youth group, Kol Emeth Federation of Temple Youth (KEFTY).

     KEFTY is a fun and easy way to surround your impressionable teen with positive Jewish role models. It is inexpensive for your child to get involved and involves only safe, fun, and enjoyable social activities.

     I also recommend keeping your tenth grade child in the Rabbi’s Confirmation Class because during that time we will also discuss reasons to remain Jewish.

    Finally, the Seagrams Corporation has endowed the multi-million dollar Birthright Foundation. Every Jewish child can experience Israel for free simply by applying online. A trip to Israel can be life-changing for any Jewish teen or young adult (ages 18-26).

    Be aware that your children have been targeted for proselytizing. Even sporting events and social activities at neighborhood Cobb churches are often a means to approach the non-Christian child and to convince them to find God, but only in an Evangelical context.

Rabbi Steven Lebow