BELIEFS & COMMUNITY
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations: beliefs and identity
Religious Values guide · Updated
The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, or UMJC, is a network of congregations that combine commitment to Jewish communal life with belief in Jesus, whom they call Yeshua, as Messiah. Its own definition emphasizes both Jewish covenantal identity and life shaped by the New Covenant. This is the movement's self-understanding, rather than a description of Judaism as a whole.
This guide concerns the UMJC's published teaching. Other groups using the term Messianic Jewish may differ, and the label should not be treated as interchangeable with Hebrew Roots.
Belief in Yeshua and the authority of scripture
The UMJC's statement of faith affirms one God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit and identifies Yeshua as the divine Messiah who became human. It receives the Tanakh and the New Covenant writings as authoritative scripture. These beliefs distinguish its religious commitments from the Orthodox and Reform Jewish traditions discussed elsewhere on this site. Readers should attend to that difference even where worship uses familiar Jewish language or symbols.[1]
Torah, covenant and Jewish communal life
The UMJC describes Torah as God's gift to Israel and places Jewish identity within an enduring covenant. It does not describe the relationship to Torah as identical for Jews and people from the nations. Its definition also recognizes the participation of non-Jews with a particular calling to these communities. This account is more specific than a general interest in the Jewish background of the Bible.[1][2]
A network with congregational commitments
The UMJC presents itself as supporting congregations, leadership development and shared reflection. Its definition of Messianic Judaism connects faith with Jewish community and tradition rather than limiting it to private belief. When exploring an affiliated congregation, ask how it teaches scripture, observes the calendar, approaches Jewish and non-Jewish participation and relates to its wider network. The congregation can explain how these commitments appear in weekly life.[2][3]
Common questions
Is UMJC simply another name for the Hebrew Roots movement?
No. The UMJC gives a particular account of Jewish covenantal identity and distinguishes Jewish and non-Jewish relationships to Torah. Hebrew Roots is a broader and less centralized label, and some ministries using that approach teach Torah observance differently.[1][2]
What should I clarify before visiting?
Ask about affiliation, the service language, how the congregation explains Yeshua and the New Covenant, and expectations for participation. A clear account of its own beliefs is more useful than inferring its identity from Hebrew terms or a service's appearance.
Sources & further reading
The sources below explain the beliefs and practices discussed here. Where a guide describes a broad movement, a named organization illustrates its own approach.
- 1.UMJC: Statement of faith
Its teaching on God, Yeshua, scripture, Israel and Torah.
- 2.UMJC: Defining Messianic Judaism
The network's explanation of Jewish community and covenantal identity.
- 3.UMJC: Learn
Introduces the network's educational and congregational work.