Jews for Jesus presentations coming to two Valley churches

A national organization called Jews for Jesus is coming to the Valley, speaking at local churches for two weeks.

The presentation, called "Christ in the Passover," aims to enhance the Christian understanding of the New Testament by showing the Jewish background for the communion celebration, organizers said. It describes ancient and modern Jewish customs with an emphasis on the redemption accomplished by Christ through his death, they said.

The presentation uses a visual display of traditional Passover.

A table is set with traditional Jewish Passover items, including representative foods which are explained, but not eaten.

The ceremonial Seder plate, the three-compartment pouch in which the matzo is kept, as well as the traditional cup of Elijah are presented, and new insights to their christological significance are provided.

The national group has presented the demonstration to more than 15,000 churches.

Moishe Rosen, the founder and former executive director of Jews for Jesus, originally wrote the demonstration in 1956.

The presentation was taken from the writings of the late Rabbi Leopold Cohn, who died in 1936.

Rosen said that some of the most important elements of the Christian faith are implied in the Passover feast as observed by Orthodox Jews today.

"The Christ in the Passover presentation is one way for Jews for Jesus can help churches appreciate the Jewish roots of the Christian faith," Rosen said, "though our primary ministry is to those who do not yet believe in Jesus."

Jews for Jesus is an evangelistic agency known for creative methods and materials.

The organization's literature deals with contemporary themes, ranging from current films to chemical waste.

The organization has permanent branches in seven cities, as well as nearly 100 chapters in 33 states and six countries.

Rich Robinson will be presenting "Christ in the Passover" in Southcentral Alaska churches in the next two weeks. He will be at Wasilla Assembly of God on March 3 and at Mat-Su Covenant Church on March 15.

Robinson is also making numerous presentations in Anchorage, Eagle River and Valdez, as well as one visit to Barrow and Fairbanks.

For more information about Jews for Jesus, interested people can visit their Web site at www.jfjonline.org.

For more information about one of Robinson's two Valley presentations, interested people can contact the Wasilla Assembly of God at 376-5732 and Mat-Su Covenant Church at 373-2322.