July 22, 1998 - With missionary activity heightened during the summer months, the Orthodox Union (OU) has joined forces with the New York Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) to alert synagogues to the missionary menace.

In an article in HANHALA (Administration in Hebrew), a newsletter geared for synagogue executives, the OU warned administrators about missionary groups and provided critical tips on preventing missionary infiltration.

Released this week, the article stated in part:

"Missionary representatives …try to get a foot in a shul by seeking membership or employment within the Jewish community. Many proselytizing groups hide behind the facade of Jewish, educational, and/or community service programs. Some examples include scholastic help, AIDS education and even Kabbalah study. Synagogue leaders must be aware of their institution’s legal rights..."

The article also informs synagogue leaders about Countering Hebrew Christianity – A Guide for the Jewish Community, a handbook produced by the JCRC and the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club that provides legal guidelines for religious, educational, and secular Jewish institutions in dealing with missionary infiltration.

"Groups such as Jews for Jesus are engaging in nothing less than spiritual genocide. They are aiming at the extinction of Judaism and the Jewish people," said Rabbi Moshe Krupka, OU Director of Synagogue Services.

"Hebrew Christians who euphemistically refer to themselves as Messianic Jews desperately want to be recognized as the fifth arm of Judaism. As we near the millennium, and the supposed Second Coming, missionary activity is intensifying and the Jewish community must do its utmost to respond," said Dr. Philip Abramowitz, Director of the JCRC Task Force on Missionaries and Cults.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like to obtain a copy of the article, please call (212) 613-8318.

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