Back to the People with Nicole Shanahan “Jews for Jesus” and Messianic Judaism, feat. Susan Perlman
Jun 11, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Susan Perlman, Chief Partnership Officer of Jews for Jesus, shares her transformative faith journey from traditional Judaism to Messianic beliefs. She explores the cultural dynamics of the 1970s Jesus Revolution, shedding light on the challenges faced by Jewish converts. The discussion highlights the intersection of Jewish traditions with new faith practices, especially around important rituals like Passover and Shabbat. Susan emphasizes the importance of fostering love and acceptance within diverse communities amid ongoing sociopolitical tensions.
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Unexpected Jesus Movement Encounter
- Susan Perlman met a Jesus movement musician on a busy New York street who spoke openly about Jesus being Jewish.
- This unexpected encounter started her journey toward believing Jesus was the Jewish Messiah.
Share Faith Through Allies
- When sharing your belief in Jesus with a non-believing family, start by seeking out the most sympathetic family member.
- Enlist their help to gradually communicate your faith to others in the family.
Jesus and Jewish Identity Coexist
- Accepting Jesus as Messiah does not mean losing Jewish identity.
- Believers like Paul still claimed their Jewishness while embracing Jesus as the Jewish Messiah.
