December 6, 2009: A Historic Date for Congregation Ruach Israel, and More. . .

Recently the Moshav Band, a famous Israeli-born Jewish rock band, performed at UMJC member Congregation Ruach Israel in Needham, MA. The purpose of the concert was to raise money for a new Torah scroll. However, God's purpose seems to have been much bigger.

Diane Cohen, the president of Ruach Israel, had contacted Yehuda Solomon, founder of the group and its lead singer, back in June and had simply asked if he would consider doing the concert at Ruach to help them raise money for a new Torah scroll. Diane explained that Ruach was a Messianic Jewish congregation, which means that they believe that Yeshua is the Messiah, and she also referenced Yehuda to Ruach's website. Yehuda said yes and after a few months of logistics, the contract was signed.

All was proceeding smoothly until the publicity for the concert started. Jewish news media were chosen and ads were placed in various Jewish locations. Although there was no problem for the most part in the wider Jewish community locations, e.g., Jewish Community Centers, Jewish colleges and universities, there was a strong negative reaction from within a small segment of the Orthodox Jewish community which happens to be the primary fan base for the Moshav Band. Yehuda and the band members are Orthodox Jews.

On Thanksgiving, with deepest regret and heartfelt apologies, Yehuda cancelled the concert. What resulted after that was some amazing dialogue between Yehuda and Diane. Yehuda expected to be threatened with a lawsuit, but instead was treated wth kindness and respect, with an offer to try to work it out and yet be sensitive to the pressure that the band was experiencing from members of its fan base. Rather than run from the pressure, Yehuda took on the battle, consulted his rabbis, discussed religious concepts with Diane, studied Ruach's website with his rabbi, and concluded the concert must go on. To quote Yehuda, "With this much drama, it's clear that God's Hand is in this and we are supposed to do this concert."

And what a concert it was! Barriers were shattered. All who attended were able to feel God's love through the amazing music of the Moshav Band that filled the room on that historic Sunday evening. The ensuing dialogue with members of the Jewish community that has been occurring since the concert has been productive beyond description.

Ruach Israel is already looking forward to next year's concert - and so is Yehuda.