Alexander Adelson (pictured) is the branch leader of Jews for Jesus, in Sydney. The Other Cheek asked him about what is like to minister to the Jewish community.
1. How does your ministry talk to Jews about Jesus?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sharing Jesus (Yeshua) with Jewish people. At Jews for Jesus, we each use our own authentic Jewish testimony as a starting point. Personally, I often begin by simply sharing my story as an Israeli Jew who believes in Yeshua. People are usually surprised to meet someone Jewish — and even more, Israeli — who believes in Jesus. That surprise opens the door to deep and meaningful conversations.
Some people try to convince me I’m wrong, but more often I hear genuine questions: “Why do you follow Jesus?” or “What does your family think?” I’m grateful to share that my mother is also a believer in Jesus.
We find that building real relationships — being present and listening — is the most effective path. When people know that you’re a Messianic Jew, questions often arise naturally. Sometimes it starts with a joke, other times it leads to profound spiritual discussions about faith, the Bible, or current events.
The Apostle Paul said, “To the Jew I became as a Jew… to those under the law, as one under the law…” (1 Cor. 9:20). That spirit guides our ministry — we engage people as they are. We adjust our approach depending on whom we’re speaking with: a Holocaust survivor, a secular Israeli, a young Gen Z adult, or someone from the Orthodox community.
We recognize the diversity within the Jewish world — Orthodox, Reform, secular, academic, ethnic minorities — and we approach each with sensitivity and respect. One common factor, though, is that most Jewish people have never seriously encountered Jesus or read the New Testament. For many, a conversation with a believer is their first real interaction with the gospel. That’s why we strive to be ready — not to win debates, but to give an answer for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).
2. Does the language of Romans 9–11 and the image of the grafted-in tree shape your dialogue with Jews?
Romans 9–11 is foundational for our theology and ministry. It reminds us of God’s enduring faithfulness to Israel, His sovereign mercy, and His plan to bring both Jews and Gentiles into one people through faith in Messiah.
However, most Jewish people are unfamiliar with the New Testament. When we quote from it, we’re often met with scepticism or outright dismissal. Many Jews reject the idea that Jesus could be the Messiah — or even Jewish. Some are still waiting for a messiah or multiple messianic figures, depending on their background.
Still, the concept of being chosen by God resonates deeply in Jewish identity. That shared belief gives us a starting point for conversation. Romans 11 speaks to a mystery — that one day, “all Israel will be saved.” Until then, we labor patiently, knowing this is often a slow and difficult journey. But we trust in God’s faithfulness to His promises.
3. Are there specific language or apologetics tools you find useful?
Absolutely. A deep understanding of Jewish tradition, culture, and the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) is crucial. Most Jewish people haven’t read the Old Testament in full, but they’re familiar with key traditions and objections. After 14 years in ministry, I’ve encountered many of the same questions repeatedly, and I’ve learned to answer them with patience and grace (as much as it possible).
Language also matters. Being able to read and discuss the Hebrew Bible in its original language builds trust — especially with Israelis or religious Jews. Opening Isaiah 53 and reading it in Hebrew, word by word, often leads to powerful “aha” moments.
In some communities, like among Haredi Ashkenazi Jews, Yiddish is the spoken language, and understanding it helps build bridges.
We must also understand Jewish objections: “Jesus is not for us — He’s for Christians.” Knowing how to respond gently and biblically to this claim is essential. I always encourage fellow believers not to begin with “Jesus” or by declaring someone a sinner. Our understanding of sin and salvation may differ from Jewish concepts based on Torah and the 613 mitzvot.
Instead, we begin with shared ground — love, faith, justice, Scripture — and build from there.
4. Are Jews turning to Christ? What stories can you share?
Yes — Jewish people are coming to faith in Jesus, though often quietly and over time.
I’m one of them. I was born in the former Soviet Union and grew up in a secular Jewish family. As a young Israeli soldier, I began searching for a deeper Jewish identity — first in synagogues, and finally through the Messiah found in the New Testament. Eighteen years ago, I came to faith in Yeshua.
Young Israeli: Another story is of a young Israeli man I met 14 years ago. He ordered a New Testament from our website. I brought it to him in person while he was serving in the army. Over the next several years, we stayed in touch and discussed faith from time to time. Eight years later, he called me one evening and said, “Alex, I believe. Jesus is the Messiah — my Savior.” He had already prayed to receive Him.
Arik: We first met Arik at one of our outreach events in Tel Aviv. Since that initial encounter, he began attending our gatherings regularly — including several events held at a local church.
After completing the Alpha course and attending church services a few times, Arik joined the Beta discipleship course and participated actively. During one of our meetings, Arik made a conscious and heartfelt decision to pray the prayer of salvation, receiving Yeshua as his Lord and personal Savior.
He has shown genuine interest and continues to attend Beta meetings faithfully. We’ve also agreed to begin one-on-one discipleship sessions to help him grow deeper in his faith and prepare for baptism.
Arik shared that, even after publicly declaring his faith in Yeshua, he still wrestles with understanding certain concepts. He recognizes that elements of his Reform Jewish background continue to influence his thinking. At this stage, Arik has only shared his faith decision with his wife and has not yet spoken openly about it with others.
While we may not see mass movements, there is real fruit. In Israel today, there are about 10–15,000 believers and over 100 congregations. Around the world, there are likely over 100,000 Jewish believers in Jesus. I’ve worshiped with hundreds of them in places like Kyiv, Ukraine, and here in Australia we have vibrant Messianic congregations — including in Sydney led by my dear friends Rabbi Daniel and Melbourne by Lawrence.
5. Are diaspora ministries different from ministry in Israel?
Yes, the context is very different.
I spent most of my life and ministry in Israel, serving in Tel Aviv and across the country. We ran 12 evangelistic campaigns under the banner “Behold Your God, Israel” and reached thousands. Sharing the gospel there means speaking almost exclusively to Jews who may have never heard the name of Jesus outside of a negative context. Being Israeli is important — it builds trust.
While Israel is a Jewish democratic state, there are still challenges. We faced opposition from ultra-Orthodox groups, including protests outside our house of prayer. Street evangelism sometimes led to confrontation, and police would often not intervene unless physical violence occurred.
Now, as I begin ministry in Australia, I see a different set of challenges. Since October 7, 2023, the Jewish community here feels increasingly unsafe. Antisemitism has risen, and public protests have made Jewish people feel threatened — even in so-called “Christian” countries. The historical trauma of pogroms and exclusion is being reawakened.
Many Jews in the diaspora feel like outsiders again. And when some of the attacks come from those who identify as Christians, the wounds go deep. That’s why it’s more important than ever for followers of Jesus — both Jews and Gentiles — to stand together, to oppose antisemitism, and to show the love of Jesus in word and deed.
In this climate, conversations about Yeshua require patience, sensitivity, and a deep awareness of the emotional and historical pain many carry. Ministry here is different — but just as needed, and just as guided by the Spirit.
Alexander Adelson
Jews for Jesus Sydney, Australia www.jewsforjesus.org.au
Image: Jerusalem. Image credit: J H / Flickr