Some have commented on this blog that we only post the negative about Moishe Rosen, David Brickner, and Susan Perlman, ( we seem to be relatively silent about the rest, apparently treating them as victims of the system.)
Some have commented that we ignore the positive, or do not see the complex contradictions of Moishe Rosen.
I thought about this, and thought of all the endearing qualities of Moishe, and the strengths of JFJ.
But then I realized, it seemed these were not the ends. Moishe can act nice, but he repeatedly said to the staff that he disdains nice people.
Likewise, it appears his ministry entitles him to do things, that no Christian should be entitled to do, at least with a clear conscience.
So, I began to have the opinion, that his "virtues, and giftedness" was used as a license, to do the most abominable things, thus negating the virtuousness of them.
Do I feel our reporting should be more balanced and fair? His strengths, are interwoven with his unrepentant weaknesses, seemingly excusing him. So I say no, we should not hail him as great though flawed.
I still feel some affection towards him, but this emotion can't blind me from the great wrongs he habitually created, too often excused or overlooked by others, because of his apparent virtuosity.
No one is perfect, but flawed Christians should get better. I was taught the fruit of the Holy Spirit, is repentance, and change. But I never saw change, just entrenchment to protect, and hide, that which should have changed.
I was also taught to discern what a Christian was, who did not change, or grow.
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Friday, April 01, 2005
Mediation?
Some have suggested that those of us who were hurt by Jews for Jesus should seek to have these grievances professionally mediated. The idea being that mediation would allow the person who was abused to talk to their abuser in a safe environment, and possibly reach emotional and spiritual closure. I personally don't know of anyone who has engaged in professional mediation with JFJ. I suspect that there are several reasons for this, including:
(1) JFJ might not submit to an arbitration or mediation process, for a variety of reasons. Remember, this is an organization that often shuns people who leave without a "good" reason. The feelings of individuals are not at the top of their priority list. My guess is that Jews for Jesus would avoid arbitration since the outcome is beyond their control. Why arbitrate or mediate when they have an in-house attorney? What is the benefit for them?
(2) Persons who have been hurt by JFJ might not want to submit to this process, fearing that a similar outcome might result (i.e., more hurt and more damage to the individual). In other words, there is a trust issue here.
(3) Who would pay for such a process? I'm sure that professional mediators are not cheap, although they are undoubtedly somewhat less expensive than lawyers.
(4) Is mediation worth the emotional toll that it would probably take on individuals? It would take a great deal of courage and emotional strength to go through this process, especially for someone who has been badly hurt by their involvement with JFJ. But what would result? Surely not a financial settlement, since JFJ would never agree to binding arbitration. Probably not even a sincere apology. The most that one could get from JFJ would probably be something like, "We are sorry that you experienced emotional distress while working for Jews for Jesus." And even that would never become public, since of course JFJ would insist on a confidentiality clause. Nevertheless, I'm sure that there are numerous people who used to work for JFJ who would willingly go through mediation if the financial costs were not too great. But the question is, would JFJ agree to it? My guess is no.
A number of people have written letters to JFJ to express their concern about the abuse that has taken place in the past and may still be taking place today. These letters were written, for the most part, by individuals who experienced abuse while in the employ of JFJ. (In other words, they have first hand knowledge of the abuse). I have seen several of these letters. I have also seen the responses (from Jews for Jesus) to some of these letters. In no case do I remember the responses to these letters ever taking responsibility for the pain that these individuals experienced. Usually the responses were defensive and "blamed the victim." Once in a while a meager apology was offered, something like "I'm sorry that you experienced pain. If anyone hurt you, they should not have done that." Can you see how shallow and empty that kind of response is? It reminds me of Iran-Contra in the 1980s when Reagan or one of his officials said, "Mistakes were made." No ownership of the problem. At any rate, I just can't see why JFJ would engage in mediation with anyone. It is not to their benefit, except in a spiritual sense, and I don't think that is high on their list of priorities.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
(1) JFJ might not submit to an arbitration or mediation process, for a variety of reasons. Remember, this is an organization that often shuns people who leave without a "good" reason. The feelings of individuals are not at the top of their priority list. My guess is that Jews for Jesus would avoid arbitration since the outcome is beyond their control. Why arbitrate or mediate when they have an in-house attorney? What is the benefit for them?
(2) Persons who have been hurt by JFJ might not want to submit to this process, fearing that a similar outcome might result (i.e., more hurt and more damage to the individual). In other words, there is a trust issue here.
(3) Who would pay for such a process? I'm sure that professional mediators are not cheap, although they are undoubtedly somewhat less expensive than lawyers.
(4) Is mediation worth the emotional toll that it would probably take on individuals? It would take a great deal of courage and emotional strength to go through this process, especially for someone who has been badly hurt by their involvement with JFJ. But what would result? Surely not a financial settlement, since JFJ would never agree to binding arbitration. Probably not even a sincere apology. The most that one could get from JFJ would probably be something like, "We are sorry that you experienced emotional distress while working for Jews for Jesus." And even that would never become public, since of course JFJ would insist on a confidentiality clause. Nevertheless, I'm sure that there are numerous people who used to work for JFJ who would willingly go through mediation if the financial costs were not too great. But the question is, would JFJ agree to it? My guess is no.
A number of people have written letters to JFJ to express their concern about the abuse that has taken place in the past and may still be taking place today. These letters were written, for the most part, by individuals who experienced abuse while in the employ of JFJ. (In other words, they have first hand knowledge of the abuse). I have seen several of these letters. I have also seen the responses (from Jews for Jesus) to some of these letters. In no case do I remember the responses to these letters ever taking responsibility for the pain that these individuals experienced. Usually the responses were defensive and "blamed the victim." Once in a while a meager apology was offered, something like "I'm sorry that you experienced pain. If anyone hurt you, they should not have done that." Can you see how shallow and empty that kind of response is? It reminds me of Iran-Contra in the 1980s when Reagan or one of his officials said, "Mistakes were made." No ownership of the problem. At any rate, I just can't see why JFJ would engage in mediation with anyone. It is not to their benefit, except in a spiritual sense, and I don't think that is high on their list of priorities.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
CONTROL or CHAOS?
CONTROL or CHAOS?
Remember the TV show GET SMART?
Maxwell Smart was Agent 86 working for CONTROL. (Did you know that Agent 86 meant "Agent OUT OF IT!"?)
The enemy organization was CHAOS.
Max was married to Agent 99 and worked for the CHIEF.
There are some similarities in how many issues in Jews for Jesus were/are done because it seemed like a good idea to CONTROL or there might be CHAOS.
But....CHAOS is sometimes a better thing than CONTROL!
Maybe we should have done all of "the work" under the CONE OF SILENCE!?
(Remember that device? It was the silliest thing where nothing was
discussed or accomplished!)
This is what Jews for Jesus was and still is: the JFJ organization is similar to the CONTROL organization that we watched on TV in the 1960s. There is so much control that nothing is accomplished and nothing changes. Discussing issues regarding abuse with JFJ is like discussing under the CONE OF SILENCE. Also, it doesn't seem like Jews for Jesus is accomplishing all that much in the field of evangelism.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Remember the TV show GET SMART?
Maxwell Smart was Agent 86 working for CONTROL. (Did you know that Agent 86 meant "Agent OUT OF IT!"?)
The enemy organization was CHAOS.
Max was married to Agent 99 and worked for the CHIEF.
There are some similarities in how many issues in Jews for Jesus were/are done because it seemed like a good idea to CONTROL or there might be CHAOS.
But....CHAOS is sometimes a better thing than CONTROL!
Maybe we should have done all of "the work" under the CONE OF SILENCE!?
(Remember that device? It was the silliest thing where nothing was
discussed or accomplished!)
This is what Jews for Jesus was and still is: the JFJ organization is similar to the CONTROL organization that we watched on TV in the 1960s. There is so much control that nothing is accomplished and nothing changes. Discussing issues regarding abuse with JFJ is like discussing under the CONE OF SILENCE. Also, it doesn't seem like Jews for Jesus is accomplishing all that much in the field of evangelism.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 31, 2005
I love my work!
Three times one summer in the late 90's. I bumped into JFJ staff workers, we exchanged friendly banter, and all gave an unsolicited, "Out of the blue", exclamation "I love my job!"
The first time I heard it, I was impressed with the person, knowing how difficult life in JFJ was. The second time I heard it, it was not as believable. The third time, I realized, this is calculated damage control, because leavers were starting to be vocal about what a living hell their work experience was.
To this day I have only heard one other staff worker say: "I love my job!", in 30 years, (and that was about 25 years ago).
Those same three comments in a couple month period, a coincidence? I hardly think so.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
The first time I heard it, I was impressed with the person, knowing how difficult life in JFJ was. The second time I heard it, it was not as believable. The third time, I realized, this is calculated damage control, because leavers were starting to be vocal about what a living hell their work experience was.
To this day I have only heard one other staff worker say: "I love my job!", in 30 years, (and that was about 25 years ago).
Those same three comments in a couple month period, a coincidence? I hardly think so.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Jews for Jesus and Spirituality
I remember my very first day with Jews for Jesus. I was sitting inside their biggest money-making machine's vehicle (the Liberated Wailing Wall bus). I had arrived the day before and was told that this first full day would be my beginning to learn my part for the skit "tradition."
I was up before eveyone else, because I'd had lots of great sleep for months (while this group of people had been sleep deprived for months). I was reading my Bible, enjoying time with God.
I had been given a copy of the Liberated Wailing Wall training manual the day before which made it clear that Bible study time for ministry preparation counted on our Time Logs -- I thought I was in a very God-centered organization ! (for those who may not have experienced "time logs" they are how Jews for Jesus makes sure their missionaries do what they tell them to do. Everything in your "ministry" life has to be recorded -- how many Jewish people you meet with can never be more than 50 minutes, how many donor postcards you were required to write had to be recorded along with how many you actually wrote, etc. You even had to write down your "good and bad" thing that happened in the week, which usually came back to bit you and was used against you at some point).
Back to the story:
I was told I would also be doing my personal testimony at the evening service, so I was in prayer, reading my Bible, thinking about what to say, and keeping a record of the time I was spending, because the Manual said that is what I had to do.
The leader of the group that year woke up and came to see who was awake an hour early. He saw me, saw what I was doing and said, "Put your Bible away! Put your Time Log away! You can't count your Bible reading time unless it is schedule or unless I say so!"
I realized at that moment that something was wrong, but I thought it was my "leader." Then I met more "leaders" in Jews for Jesus, all the way to the top of the organization, all of whom were more controling as you went up the ladder.
In other words, that first day's experience was "typical"! It was NOT an exception to the rule.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
I was up before eveyone else, because I'd had lots of great sleep for months (while this group of people had been sleep deprived for months). I was reading my Bible, enjoying time with God.
I had been given a copy of the Liberated Wailing Wall training manual the day before which made it clear that Bible study time for ministry preparation counted on our Time Logs -- I thought I was in a very God-centered organization ! (for those who may not have experienced "time logs" they are how Jews for Jesus makes sure their missionaries do what they tell them to do. Everything in your "ministry" life has to be recorded -- how many Jewish people you meet with can never be more than 50 minutes, how many donor postcards you were required to write had to be recorded along with how many you actually wrote, etc. You even had to write down your "good and bad" thing that happened in the week, which usually came back to bit you and was used against you at some point).
Back to the story:
I was told I would also be doing my personal testimony at the evening service, so I was in prayer, reading my Bible, thinking about what to say, and keeping a record of the time I was spending, because the Manual said that is what I had to do.
The leader of the group that year woke up and came to see who was awake an hour early. He saw me, saw what I was doing and said, "Put your Bible away! Put your Time Log away! You can't count your Bible reading time unless it is schedule or unless I say so!"
I realized at that moment that something was wrong, but I thought it was my "leader." Then I met more "leaders" in Jews for Jesus, all the way to the top of the organization, all of whom were more controling as you went up the ladder.
In other words, that first day's experience was "typical"! It was NOT an exception to the rule.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Is Jews for Jesus really FOR Jesus?
Someone once asked me if Jews for Jesus is really FOR Jesus.
"Well," I thought, "OF COURSE they're for Jesus. You never hear them saying anything against Jesus or the Gospel." JFJ is "for" Jesus in that they are not against him.
But, then I gave it some more thought. Those that join staff are very much for Jesus, wanting to be proactive, dedicated to serving him and bringing others to know Jesus as Messiah.
But then the work ethics of Jews for Jesus takes over. JFJ stresses the "work" so much to the exclusion of the Spirit. Those that stay in JFJ are duped into thinking that serving JFJ is the same thing as serving Jesus. The work takes over more and more of the life of the JFJ missionary until there is no time or spirit or love for God left. In other words, BURN OUT.
JFJ insists that there is no such thing as Burn Out, but rather the missionary is lazy, no good, and not dedicated enough. After hearing this, either the missionary stays and gets worse, or leaves. If he or she leaves, MAYBE they will heal, or maybe they'll be convinced that they really are a failure or God is not real.
Either way, the damage is done. A dedicated, hard working servant of God no longer is sure of his or her salvation, or at the very least, no longer interested in telling others about Jesus.
Maybe JFJ is "against" Jesus after all. "By their fruits ye shall know them."
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
"Well," I thought, "OF COURSE they're for Jesus. You never hear them saying anything against Jesus or the Gospel." JFJ is "for" Jesus in that they are not against him.
But, then I gave it some more thought. Those that join staff are very much for Jesus, wanting to be proactive, dedicated to serving him and bringing others to know Jesus as Messiah.
But then the work ethics of Jews for Jesus takes over. JFJ stresses the "work" so much to the exclusion of the Spirit. Those that stay in JFJ are duped into thinking that serving JFJ is the same thing as serving Jesus. The work takes over more and more of the life of the JFJ missionary until there is no time or spirit or love for God left. In other words, BURN OUT.
JFJ insists that there is no such thing as Burn Out, but rather the missionary is lazy, no good, and not dedicated enough. After hearing this, either the missionary stays and gets worse, or leaves. If he or she leaves, MAYBE they will heal, or maybe they'll be convinced that they really are a failure or God is not real.
Either way, the damage is done. A dedicated, hard working servant of God no longer is sure of his or her salvation, or at the very least, no longer interested in telling others about Jesus.
Maybe JFJ is "against" Jesus after all. "By their fruits ye shall know them."
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Jews for Jesus does anti-missionary activity
Jews for Jesus missionaries endure plenty of persecution on the streets, both in their regular duties and during various campaigns. Sometimes persecution is by isolated individuals and at other times it is the result of organized "anti-missionaries activity." JFJ missionaries glad bear up under verbal and physical abuse from unbelievers for the sake of the gospel. However, what missionaries don't bargain for when they sign up is the abuse they suffer from those who should be upholding them: their supervisors and other leaders. This is doubly difficult to endure not only because they suffer humiliating verbal abuse and physical hardship but it comes from fellow belivers who happen to be their managers. It is this kind of abuse that causes missionaries to "burn out" and leave the Jews for Jesus organization. This abuse is the true "anti-missionary activity."
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Why should we care?
Someone has recently written the the participants of this Ex Jews for Jesus Blog are filled with hate and only seek revenge.
No, we do not hate. No, we do not seek revenge.
What has happened is that God has directed us to share what really happened in Jews for Jesus. We are doing what God has asked us to do.
We begin each day wanting to put our efforts elsewhere, but we continue to be led by God to speak out and tell our stories and our experiences.
We'd much rather do nothing; that would be so much easier.
http://exjewsforjesus.com
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
No, we do not hate. No, we do not seek revenge.
What has happened is that God has directed us to share what really happened in Jews for Jesus. We are doing what God has asked us to do.
We begin each day wanting to put our efforts elsewhere, but we continue to be led by God to speak out and tell our stories and our experiences.
We'd much rather do nothing; that would be so much easier.
http://exjewsforjesus.com
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Broadsiding
Most of us remember our first sortie. I remember skaking with fear as I began my mission for God.
The feelings most had before going out on the streets to pass out Jews for Jesus tracts usually were feelings of fear.
Once we got going, the fear left us, and boldness entered our being.
During my first sortie, a young Jewish man stopped and argued with me. He was very surprised to find out that I was doing "this" as a volunteer. I will never forget telling him that no one had forced me to go on the streets and share my love of Jesus; I wanted to tell the world the wonderful message of God's love.
He assumed I was a member of some cult and had been forced to stand on a street corner and pass out brochures. My statement that I wanted to be there changed his attitude.
I don't remember if I did the "JFJ thing" and got his name and address for further follow-up; I was too new to JFJ to know that I was supposed to do that, but the excitement of talking to him made me want to go on more and more sorties!
So, whenever a JFJ missionary called me to volunteer for a sortie, I rarely said no.
When I went on Jews for Jesus staff I knew I would have to go on sorties. The idea of going on many sorties a week excited me, but soon, I found that most JFJ staff dreaded sorties. Not only did they dread sorties, but most dreaded the way JFJ had them share the gospel. I was sad to learn that most JFJ leaders rarely went on sorties.
The entire methodology of JFJ was built around JFJ's boldness and JFJ's leaders didn't even participate in the methods that JFJ shared with the church!
The whole thing was a scam and I was a part of it.
There was no longer joy in broadsiding. If a Jewish person now approached me on the streets I could not answer that I wanted to be there sharing my love for Jesus.
The truth was that JFJ forced me to stand on the streets to promote JFJ's LIE. Jews for Jesus did not really want to share the gospel with the world; Jews for Jesus just wanted to promote Jews for Jesus.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
The feelings most had before going out on the streets to pass out Jews for Jesus tracts usually were feelings of fear.
Once we got going, the fear left us, and boldness entered our being.
During my first sortie, a young Jewish man stopped and argued with me. He was very surprised to find out that I was doing "this" as a volunteer. I will never forget telling him that no one had forced me to go on the streets and share my love of Jesus; I wanted to tell the world the wonderful message of God's love.
He assumed I was a member of some cult and had been forced to stand on a street corner and pass out brochures. My statement that I wanted to be there changed his attitude.
I don't remember if I did the "JFJ thing" and got his name and address for further follow-up; I was too new to JFJ to know that I was supposed to do that, but the excitement of talking to him made me want to go on more and more sorties!
So, whenever a JFJ missionary called me to volunteer for a sortie, I rarely said no.
When I went on Jews for Jesus staff I knew I would have to go on sorties. The idea of going on many sorties a week excited me, but soon, I found that most JFJ staff dreaded sorties. Not only did they dread sorties, but most dreaded the way JFJ had them share the gospel. I was sad to learn that most JFJ leaders rarely went on sorties.
The entire methodology of JFJ was built around JFJ's boldness and JFJ's leaders didn't even participate in the methods that JFJ shared with the church!
The whole thing was a scam and I was a part of it.
There was no longer joy in broadsiding. If a Jewish person now approached me on the streets I could not answer that I wanted to be there sharing my love for Jesus.
The truth was that JFJ forced me to stand on the streets to promote JFJ's LIE. Jews for Jesus did not really want to share the gospel with the world; Jews for Jesus just wanted to promote Jews for Jesus.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Jews for Jesus Council Meetings
There have been many stories written about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. There were stories that showed these men coming together for a purpose and chanting "United We Stand, Now and Forever!" as they entered the great room where the Round Table stood.
Sometimes when I picture this scene, I remember the Jews for Jesus Council Meetings. Men and women leaders from Jews for Jesus from all over the world came together and sat around something similar to a round table.
From the point of view of a visitor, these meetings appeared to have some of the glory and honor that could have been present under the legendary Round Table of King Arthur.
The JFJ Executive Director sat at the head of the table surrounded by men and women who were considered the greatest in Jews for Jesus. Decisions and discussions on things that could change individual's lives were made at these meetings.
At a JFJ Council Meeting in 2000, David Brickner asked the senior JFJ members present to renew their love for God and their love for sharing the gospel. What happened? Nothing changed in JFJ, but David sure gave a good speech.
It would really be so wonderful if those who lead JFJ could actually renew their love for God and reach out to not only those who JFJ ministers to, but also to those who JFJ has hurt.
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Sometimes when I picture this scene, I remember the Jews for Jesus Council Meetings. Men and women leaders from Jews for Jesus from all over the world came together and sat around something similar to a round table.
From the point of view of a visitor, these meetings appeared to have some of the glory and honor that could have been present under the legendary Round Table of King Arthur.
The JFJ Executive Director sat at the head of the table surrounded by men and women who were considered the greatest in Jews for Jesus. Decisions and discussions on things that could change individual's lives were made at these meetings.
At a JFJ Council Meeting in 2000, David Brickner asked the senior JFJ members present to renew their love for God and their love for sharing the gospel. What happened? Nothing changed in JFJ, but David sure gave a good speech.
It would really be so wonderful if those who lead JFJ could actually renew their love for God and reach out to not only those who JFJ ministers to, but also to those who JFJ has hurt.
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Friday, March 25, 2005
Has Jews for Jesus really changed?
Has Jews for Jesus really changed?
I think it is quite possible (and actually quite likely) that the JFJ of today is much different than the JFJ of yesterday. When you take Moishe out of the picture (at least out of the day to day operations), then you take away much of the abusiveness that was present in the organization. In the past, branch leaders and others who aspired to JFJ's upper echelons were motivated to do Moishe's dirty work (motivation like the need to please Moishe, the fear of his wrath, the desire to be promoted, etc.), but after Moishe retired, this motivation was essentially gone. It is not surprising that things changed when Moishe stepped down from being executive director.
But this is not to say that the organization has become healthy overnight. You can't just smooth over past abuses by saying "mistakes were made" or "people are not perfect" or "there were many bumps in the road." Perhaps a good analogy would be that JFJ has cancer, but the disease is in remission, since the symptoms are no longer present to the same degree that they once were. But to follow the oncological metaphor, the organization is still sick. It is only when all of the illness is rooted out completely that one can say that the organization is "cancer-free." Here are some principles of repentance that may help us determine if JFJ has truly changed:
(1) JFJ abuse was systemic and pervasive and must be "owned" and acknowledged. To my knowledge, this acknowledgement has never happened.
(2) Drastic change is necessary. This means radical change, not incremental or superficial changes. One example of radical change might be to remove Moishe Rosen from the Board of Directors. Another might be to integrate more explicitly compassionate and humane values into the mission statement of the organization.
(3) JFJ needs to make amends with everyone who was hurt. By "JFJ" I mean both current leadership and emeritus leadership. Until Moishe acknowledges the great pain that he caused so many people, over so many years, I cannot consider JFJ to be a changed organization. The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children, and the sins of Moishe Rosen will be visited upon the next generation of JFJ leadership until repentance truly occurs.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
I think it is quite possible (and actually quite likely) that the JFJ of today is much different than the JFJ of yesterday. When you take Moishe out of the picture (at least out of the day to day operations), then you take away much of the abusiveness that was present in the organization. In the past, branch leaders and others who aspired to JFJ's upper echelons were motivated to do Moishe's dirty work (motivation like the need to please Moishe, the fear of his wrath, the desire to be promoted, etc.), but after Moishe retired, this motivation was essentially gone. It is not surprising that things changed when Moishe stepped down from being executive director.
But this is not to say that the organization has become healthy overnight. You can't just smooth over past abuses by saying "mistakes were made" or "people are not perfect" or "there were many bumps in the road." Perhaps a good analogy would be that JFJ has cancer, but the disease is in remission, since the symptoms are no longer present to the same degree that they once were. But to follow the oncological metaphor, the organization is still sick. It is only when all of the illness is rooted out completely that one can say that the organization is "cancer-free." Here are some principles of repentance that may help us determine if JFJ has truly changed:
(1) JFJ abuse was systemic and pervasive and must be "owned" and acknowledged. To my knowledge, this acknowledgement has never happened.
(2) Drastic change is necessary. This means radical change, not incremental or superficial changes. One example of radical change might be to remove Moishe Rosen from the Board of Directors. Another might be to integrate more explicitly compassionate and humane values into the mission statement of the organization.
(3) JFJ needs to make amends with everyone who was hurt. By "JFJ" I mean both current leadership and emeritus leadership. Until Moishe acknowledges the great pain that he caused so many people, over so many years, I cannot consider JFJ to be a changed organization. The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children, and the sins of Moishe Rosen will be visited upon the next generation of JFJ leadership until repentance truly occurs.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Numbers
Jews for Jesus loves numbers.
How many broadsides were passed out in two hours? What? Only 400. You better do better next time.
How many Jewish people did you meet? What? Only 1. You better do better next time.
How many gentiles did you get to sign up for the JFJ Newsletter? What? Only 2. You better do better next time.
How many people were at your JFJ event? What? Only 100. You better have better attendence next time.
How many people did you meet with last week? How many people did you call? How many people did you email? How many? How many? How many?
How many of this and that can JFJ report on the next Newsletter? How many books and CDs have been sold?
How many meetings did DOME set up today? How many postcards were written?
How many? How many? How many?
How many have worked for Jews for Jesus? 900! How many have experienced abuse through JFJ? Over 300 have mentioned privately or publicly about the abuse experienced through the organization.
How many people write on this Ex Jews for Jesus Blog? It has been assumed that only a few write here. The fact is that what is being written are the voices of hundreds.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Purim
Jews for Jesus does not really celebrate Purim although most JFJ offices do hold Purim parties. Moishe Rosen told me once that he didn't pay much attention to Jewish holidays like Purim anymore. In fact, he told me that he didn't pay that much attention to the Jewish religion and the related holidays anymore since he's a Christian and didn't like practicing Jewish traditions all that much.
Well, back to Purim....
Haman was so so powerful. He wanted to see the Jewish people wiped from this earth.
When children are told this story, the good guys, the Jews, win over the bad Haman.
The king finds out that his beautiful Queen Esther is Jewish and Haman is hanged and there is a happy ending.
For those of us who were hurt by Jews for Jesus, a happy ending does not come quite so easily. We'd love to see the not so good guys get exposed, but Moishe Rosen, David Brickner, Susan Perlman, and senior JFJ staff continue to live in luxury and do bad things to people just like Haman did.
Young and innocent people that will eventually be hurt by Jews for Jesus.
The cost these people will pay is giving up family life, giving up freedom, and for some, leaving the Christian faith.
This Ex Jews for Jesus Blog and the Ex Jews for Jesus website will continue to tell the truth.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Monday, March 21, 2005
Strange fire?
I have heard that David Brickner had several bbq grills lit up at a JFJ staff retraining gathering where all JFJ staff present were required to sacrifice burnt offerings on these burning fires.
Can anyone explain what exactly occurred?
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Can anyone explain what exactly occurred?
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Yeshua versus Y'shua
Back in the early 1980s, Jews for Jesus decided to begin spelling the Hebrew name of Jesus as "Y'shua" instead of the commonly used "Yeshua." They did this not for scholarly reasons but for marketing purposes. The executive director believed that he could measure Jews for Jesus' influence in the Christian world by changing the spelling of this name. The more people that started to use "Y'shua" instead of "Yeshua," the more power he thought he had. And there was probably a "branding" element to this name change as well. Whenever people saw Y'shua spelled with an apostrophe, they would think of Jews for Jesus.
Unfortunately, there is absolutely no scholarly basis for transliterating the Hebrew name of Jesus as Y'shua. Any Hebrew scholar will tell you that Yeshua is much closer to how the name sounds when spoken, and in fact the use of this apostrophe when spelling out Y'shua has no basis in any commonly accepted transliteration method. Only ignorant people or cynical marketeers will continue to transliterate it as Y'shua. And that says a lot.
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Unfortunately, there is absolutely no scholarly basis for transliterating the Hebrew name of Jesus as Y'shua. Any Hebrew scholar will tell you that Yeshua is much closer to how the name sounds when spoken, and in fact the use of this apostrophe when spelling out Y'shua has no basis in any commonly accepted transliteration method. Only ignorant people or cynical marketeers will continue to transliterate it as Y'shua. And that says a lot.
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Friday, March 18, 2005
Automated JFJ answering machine parody
"Hello! You have reached the automated answering service of JFJ.
In order to assist you in connecting the right JFJ staff member, please listen to all your options before making a selection:
To hear lies about former JFJ staff members - Press 1
To hear the reasons for why a particular JFJ staff member did not work out - Press 2
To hear complaints about about a former JFJ staff member's performance - Press 3
To hear phones thrown through plate glass windows - Press 4
To ask why you didn't get this information in a JFJ newsletter - Press 5
If you want us to continue to abuse JFJ staff - Press 6
If you want us to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone - Press 7
To request another JFJ postcard for the third time this year- Press 8
To complain about the cramped quarters in the LWW bus - Press 9
To complain about expensive JFJ executive lunches - Press 0
If you realize this is the real world and that former JFJ staff must be the ones to blame for our behavior, hang up and have a nice day!"
In order to assist you in connecting the right JFJ staff member, please listen to all your options before making a selection:
To hear lies about former JFJ staff members - Press 1
To hear the reasons for why a particular JFJ staff member did not work out - Press 2
To hear complaints about about a former JFJ staff member's performance - Press 3
To hear phones thrown through plate glass windows - Press 4
To ask why you didn't get this information in a JFJ newsletter - Press 5
If you want us to continue to abuse JFJ staff - Press 6
If you want us to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone - Press 7
To request another JFJ postcard for the third time this year- Press 8
To complain about the cramped quarters in the LWW bus - Press 9
To complain about expensive JFJ executive lunches - Press 0
If you realize this is the real world and that former JFJ staff must be the ones to blame for our behavior, hang up and have a nice day!"
Working for Susan Perlman
The day really began when I heard the automatic garage opener announce Ms Perlman's arrival at the office. I didn't know if it was the sound of the opener or my stomach churning that I heard loudest. Within seconds of her arrival through the executory back door the tone of the day would be set, whether it would be hell or purgatory. Although I had been her assistant a long time, every day was unpredictable. Initially I had hope that with enough practice the days would smooth out and her verbal reprimands and dressing downs would become rarer, but that hope waned with time. What held me together was the believe that my work for her was a ministry. I knew the maze of her filing cabinets, how many little toy mice inhabited her office spaces, the titles of the books on her shelves and the details of providing food to the hungry senior staff at the council meetings. I knew what to do if a "reporter" called (frequently they were phonies) and when the deadlines were to submit evangelistic ads to magazines or to make changes in the art for Issues. But if anything went wrong, it was as if I had walked in off the street for my first day of work. It could be a long distance call from a branch leader, and if I didn't think to ask a question Ms Perlman wanted answered, a long critical review of my career ensued, ending with me calling the branch back at my own expense to ask the vital question. What hurt most was her telling me off in front of other staff. Respite came when I left for personal reasons. But my trials didn't matter because I know there's a crown awaiting me in the world to come with a stone in it inscribed "I received this in the house of my friends."
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 17, 2005
ABUSED SHMABOOZED
Some may say spiritual abuse is just a few weak individuals not being able to handle the pressures of a high-powered Ministry. Those same critics might say that children sexually abused by pedophiles just couldn't handle adult love.
But Microsoft has a strong autocratic leader and he's all right. Or is he? Look at his unfair, anti competitive business practices. Hmmm, look at IBM. They are creative, innovative, and acceptable to the Bible Belt. But just because something seems good, or okay to the casual observer, does not mean that it is Kosher on the inside.
But Moishe is such a talented, powerful, and charismatic leader. And Michael Jackson is such a likable performer, and he wouldn't do anything wrong. Why would he? He could have everything he could want by proper means.
Look at the complainers, the whiners, the disgruntled. Look they can't get over it. Why don't they just forgive and forget? If Jesus was sexually abused, He would forgive. If His mother was raped, He would forget. An organization can't sin. All we lost was 20 years of our life that we believed were in service of the Holy One, and it was just building an empire for the Rolly Polly One. Missing family milestones, neglected spouses, never allowed a satisfaction in our work. If we spoke the truth inside or outside The Ministry we couldn't work in other Ministries, or in the "secular world."
We trusted totally; could only have Ministry friends, live in approved places, assigned to specific cities, worked so much we could not even keep up a hobby. We lived, ate, drank, slept, hated, shunned, the way we were told. After a couple years, objectivity disappears. Constantly tested for loyalty, deference to higher ups, willingness to do the ridiculous, and humility (by humiliation).
The workers covenant say the executive director is always right. The board of directors was composed of the executive director, his compulsively loyal companion, and trusted Religious leaders, who get lavish perks, and make thousands off the sales of their theological books, by means of the executive director. Hardly checks and balances.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
But Microsoft has a strong autocratic leader and he's all right. Or is he? Look at his unfair, anti competitive business practices. Hmmm, look at IBM. They are creative, innovative, and acceptable to the Bible Belt. But just because something seems good, or okay to the casual observer, does not mean that it is Kosher on the inside.
But Moishe is such a talented, powerful, and charismatic leader. And Michael Jackson is such a likable performer, and he wouldn't do anything wrong. Why would he? He could have everything he could want by proper means.
Look at the complainers, the whiners, the disgruntled. Look they can't get over it. Why don't they just forgive and forget? If Jesus was sexually abused, He would forgive. If His mother was raped, He would forget. An organization can't sin. All we lost was 20 years of our life that we believed were in service of the Holy One, and it was just building an empire for the Rolly Polly One. Missing family milestones, neglected spouses, never allowed a satisfaction in our work. If we spoke the truth inside or outside The Ministry we couldn't work in other Ministries, or in the "secular world."
We trusted totally; could only have Ministry friends, live in approved places, assigned to specific cities, worked so much we could not even keep up a hobby. We lived, ate, drank, slept, hated, shunned, the way we were told. After a couple years, objectivity disappears. Constantly tested for loyalty, deference to higher ups, willingness to do the ridiculous, and humility (by humiliation).
The workers covenant say the executive director is always right. The board of directors was composed of the executive director, his compulsively loyal companion, and trusted Religious leaders, who get lavish perks, and make thousands off the sales of their theological books, by means of the executive director. Hardly checks and balances.
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
A Conflict of Interest for JFJ Psychologists?
For many years, Jews for Jesus has been sending some of their employees to see psychologists who have some kind of a relationship with the JFJ organization. For example, one psychologist who is retained in this way sits on the Board of Directors of Jews for Jesus. Another is a regular donor to JFJ.
I believe that this is a conflict of interest. To whom does the psychologist or therapist have loyalty? To his patient or to Jews for Jesus? Whomever the psychologist chooses to give his loyalty to (and I suspect that it always goes to Jews for Jesus, especially if they are the ones paying him), there would seem to be a conflict of interest. Although breaking patient confidentiality is a violation of California law for a psychologist or psychotherapist, I can't help but wonder if psychologists retained by Jews for Jesus have passed on private information to the leadership of JFJ.
But, you might ask, what if the patient signed a waiver or release of confidentiality form? Doesn't that give the psychologist the right to tell Jews for Jesus anything that they learn about the patient? Perhaps. Perhaps not.
Among psychotherapists there is an ethical problem called "dual relationships." This is where the therapist and the patient have more than one relationship with each other, such as being friends or business associates or some other kind of relationship. The legal issue of confidentiality may be overcome by the patient signing a release form. But the ethical issue of dual relationships remains. A therapist is supposed to avoid dual relationships, because these kinds of relationships get in the way of therapeutic progress and hinder positive growth for the patient. Of course, sometimes there is no way to avoid a dual relationship, but when this happens, the therapist is supposed to refer the patient to another therapist.
It appears that Jews for Jesus loves to create these dual relationships, and not just in the arena of psychotherapy. Any kind of blurring of the boundaries for JFJ is a good thing, because then their ethical and moral lapses become more ambiguous and less clear to everyone involved.
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
I believe that this is a conflict of interest. To whom does the psychologist or therapist have loyalty? To his patient or to Jews for Jesus? Whomever the psychologist chooses to give his loyalty to (and I suspect that it always goes to Jews for Jesus, especially if they are the ones paying him), there would seem to be a conflict of interest. Although breaking patient confidentiality is a violation of California law for a psychologist or psychotherapist, I can't help but wonder if psychologists retained by Jews for Jesus have passed on private information to the leadership of JFJ.
But, you might ask, what if the patient signed a waiver or release of confidentiality form? Doesn't that give the psychologist the right to tell Jews for Jesus anything that they learn about the patient? Perhaps. Perhaps not.
Among psychotherapists there is an ethical problem called "dual relationships." This is where the therapist and the patient have more than one relationship with each other, such as being friends or business associates or some other kind of relationship. The legal issue of confidentiality may be overcome by the patient signing a release form. But the ethical issue of dual relationships remains. A therapist is supposed to avoid dual relationships, because these kinds of relationships get in the way of therapeutic progress and hinder positive growth for the patient. Of course, sometimes there is no way to avoid a dual relationship, but when this happens, the therapist is supposed to refer the patient to another therapist.
It appears that Jews for Jesus loves to create these dual relationships, and not just in the arena of psychotherapy. Any kind of blurring of the boundaries for JFJ is a good thing, because then their ethical and moral lapses become more ambiguous and less clear to everyone involved.
http://exjewsforjesus.org
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth Edition (DSM-IV) is the definitive manual for diagnosing Mental and Emotional Disorders. Section 301.81 of the manual describes a condition known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Can anyone else think of someone at JFJ who fits this description?
Diagnostic criteria for 301.81 Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
(1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
(3) believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
(4) requires excessive admiration
(5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
(7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
(8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Can anyone else think of someone at JFJ who fits this description?
Diagnostic criteria for 301.81 Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
(1) has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
(2) is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
(3) believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
(4) requires excessive admiration
(5) has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
(7) lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
(8) is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
(9) shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
http://exjewsforjesus.org/
http://exjewsforjesus.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)