Members Profiles Rabbi Derek Leman

Rabbi Derek Leman

Rabbi Derek Leman is the founder of Tikvat David Messianic Synagogue in Atlanta, founded May 2001. Author of Yeshua in Context, The World to Come, Feast, Proverbial Wisdom and Common Sense, A New Look at the Old Testament, Paul Didn't Eat Pork, Jesus Didn't Have Blue Eyes, Walking With Yeshua, and more.

Born in 1967, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from M.T.S. Emory University majoring in Hebrew Bible studies. He is continuing education in Rabbinics at Messianic Jewish Theological Institute.

The MJRC

I believe the MJRC is filling a role that has been missing for two thousand years -- leaders of the Jewish Yeshua movement forming standards so a community can unify around the way of Yeshua and Torah. In time, the fractured and confused broader movement of Messianic Judaism will, hopefully, look to those who have thought carefully about halakha and Spirit, and in greater unity will be a light for Yeshua's name from within our people. One area, for example, that generates confusion, controversy, and needless disunity is kashrut. The MJRC standards, while broad, should bring congregations and individuals together over time.

The MJRC is a motivation to deeper thought about policy and social/theological realities. Rabbis considering membership should know that the MJRC will challenge them with collegial discussion and benefit them with a skilled, educated, and wise assembly to add support and authority to their practice.


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