Please explain this phenomenon: How can non-Jews call themselves Jews or?

I'm sorry, I just need to comment that the stupidity in these answers, especially referencing the xian bible as a source text (somewhat like referencing a beef recipe to a vegan), is sadly-

no suprise.

But in reference to IAME's answer-

now we know where the word 'schmuck' really came from!

in the beginning it relies upon what do you define as Messianic Jews. actual, a ok-enjoyed extremely-Orthodox flow of messianic Jews by utilising the call Chabad is between the main widely used Jewish messianic strikes. The call Chabad provides the Hebrew letters ???. each and each by utilising itself stands for yet another vital it incredibly is a center fee for this flow: ????=expertise, ????=perception and ???=know-how. by utilising know it incredibly is obvious that this flow is in keeping with fee of reason and good judgment, even nonetheless it incredibly is criticized for its non secular inclination while in the previous due Nineties its followers had thrown their Rabbi (the top of a non secular flow) as a results of fact the Messiah and nevertheless have self assurance he's, even a decade after his passing away. nevertheless, the Chabad flow is between the main suitable Hassidic sects in the Jewish worldwide which contradicts any declare what so ever as to hatred Jews experience in the direction of Messianic sects interior Judaism. Messianic sects which at the instant are not Jewish is an entire non-appropriate tale and that i additionally think of there is not any hate in the direction of them the two.

Yet again, people apparently think that we Jews are SO stupid that we don't know what we're talking about.

They also ignore the *fact* that YES - there ARE Xians going around calling themselves 'jews' and then accusing REAL JEWS of 'lying'.

I'll say it really clearly so even the morons among us can get it:

It doesn't matter WHAT the Xian bible claims about Xians being 'spiritual jews'.

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The XIAN bible does not get to define JEWISH identity.

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There - that clear enough for the idiots among us?

And maybe people would like to know that most XIAN leaders have TOTALLY CONDEMNED the Xians that DO go round posing as "messianic jews". As far back as 1997 they warned about these Xian Evangelists and their deceit:

In the summer of 1997 in Washington D.C. (USA), there was held an Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington. Partaking in the conference were representatives of various Protestant churches, Roman-Catholics, together with Moslems and representatives of Jewish organizations.

The Conference concluded with an official statement (published in "Interfaith Connector" Vol. 8, No. 2) which stated:

“We condemn proselytizing efforts which delegitimize the faith tradition of the person whose conversion is being sought. Such tactics go beyond the bounds of appropriate and ethically based religious outreach.

"Examples of such practices are those common among groups that have adopted the label of 'Hebrew Christianity', 'Messianic judaism', or 'jews for Jesus'. These groups specifically target Jews for conversion to their version of Christianity, making claim that in accepting Jesus as the savior/messiah, a Jews 'fulfills' his/her faith.

"Furthermore, by celebrating Jewish festivals, worshipping on the Jewish Shabbat, appropriating Jewish symbols, rituals and prayers in their churches, and, sometimes, even calling their leaders 'Rabbi', the seek to win over, often by deception, many Jews who are sincerely looking for a path back to their ancestral heritage.

"Deceptive proselytizing is practiced on the most vulnerable of populations - residents of hospitals and old aged homes, confused youth, college students away from home. These proselytizing techniques are tantamount to coerced conversions and should be condemned."

People can call theirselves anything they want but doesn't mean it's true.May walk & talk like a duck but doesn't make them ducks..Maybe 'smucks'.

Seriously,I've no idea why non-Jews call themselves Jewish..Perhaps some Messies do to keep in touch with their families & observe the holidays?

VillageAtheist,why shouldn't Jews respond to ?'s re Judaism? Also,we don't burn/kill those that differ in their beliefs,it's Xtians who burned Jews during the crusades/inquisitions ie..Ya sure you're an Atheist not a fundie with your unjustified hatred towards Jews??

A proud Jew..

Did you really think you would get cogent answers to this question? I know it has been asked before, but this question has never gotten real answers. All you get is cut and paste from the New Testament or snideness. I am coming to the conclusion that even trying to start a dialogue is a waste of time. We, as Jews, know the truth; let them fool themselves all they want. They are not worth the time.

Yes, they are a prime example of how one can practice a made-up religion while simulaneously insulting our religion by claiming to be practicing ours! Sheer and unabashed blasphemy, it is. We would have no problem with them practicing our customs as long as they didn't claim to be us!

While I appreciated Nightmare before Xmas's view that they are indeed not Jews, I see we still have more education to do because even she thinks they are a part of Judaism ("Well, to my understanding, they still celebrate the customs. That makes them a subdivision of Judaism"). Celebrating customs does not make one part of the religion whose customs one celebrates. If devil-worshipers, for example, put up a Christmas tree, gave gifts, even had crosses in their house, would that make them Christians? Hardly.

Jews don't believe in the New Testament. They only believe in the Old Testament. Thus, Messianic Jews should drop the 'Jews' part. Is that what you're asking?

Well, to my understanding, they still celebrate the customs. That makes them a subdivision of Judaism. Personally though, I don't identify them as Jews. I identify them as Christians. I mean, the New Testament isn't just a slight difference in beliefs. It's a pretty big difference!!

can you believe the person who writes

"Read the New Testament - the books of Romans & Hebrews for the explanation of why this is so."

I think that gets the award for "missed the point by the widest possible distance". I remember that Rowan and Martin had an award for incredibly dumb stuff like that. what was it>? anyway there's your winner.

Can we also become Israeli's or Jews?

Est 8:17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the kings commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Isa 14:1 For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

Isa 56:3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

Isa 56: 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

Isa 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

Rom 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

All due respect, but...

DRINK!!

ETA: More than happy to :-) Sounds great!