April Executive Director Address

Greetings Union Friends,

As happens with changes in climate this time of year, the warmer weather brings new growth along with it. The earth rejuvenates, flowers bud, and the earth’s inhabitants behold an exciting moment in nature’s cycle. We see the spring’s “new life” motif within the Passover story and Israel’s rebirth after being set free from bondage. In the same season, we celebrate Messiah’s awakening from the grave during Passover—bringing new life along with him. Much as nature is cyclical and themes of new life are carried along with the cycles, so too there are spiritual rejuvenation moments, and we seem to be enjoying one of them. See my Executive Director video update below. 

If you want to see some of the future, and not just hear about it, come to our 2025 Summer Family Conference outside of Boston. Early registration is open now through April 21.

Paul Wilbur will be returning to the Boston area (where he fares from) and will join us for the Saturday evening concert, along with a variety of musicians of all ages. Speakers from Israel will grace the platform as well (for example, Eitan Shishkoff and Boaz Michael); various committees will convene and tweak platforms (for example, fine arts and education); and some of the world’s greatest Messianic rabbis will share. Our conventions are important, key moments in the Union’s life.

Beyond all this, Boston is a great family getaway—one that can turn into a real educational experience for the whole family. So, plan ahead now to extend your time in the area.

Union President Rabbi Barney Kasdan and Rabbi Dr. Rich Nichol recently travelled to Brazil to participate in a major conference organized by Rabbi Matheus Zandona Guimaraes. Prior to their departure, Baruch Hashem Synagogue in Dallas hosted a select group—from both the UMJC and MJAA—to participate in a mini-conference to process issues associated with including our friends of Anusim/Sephardic descent. Union Delegates will receive information from this seminal meeting at the pre-conference business meetings.

In the summer, Union Delegates will also be presented with approximately 30 new communities for Union membership or affiliation—what will amount to 50 new communities since the summer of 2023. About a dozen are affiliates with Anusim representation. As you see, it’s a timely conversation being held in Dallas and Brazil.

You’ll also want to mark your calendars for our interactive, all-night Bible study honoring the tradition of Tikkun Leil Shavuot. It will be held on June 1-2, 2025 from 9pm-4am EDT. More details on speakers and topics coming soon. TLS comes on the heels of the Omer campaign, during which time we raise funds and awareness of our various outreaches in Israel, Ukraine, and at home. 

Shortly Eric Tokajer and I will travel to Ukraine for a Messianic leader’s conference. Anxious to deliver more than information, I’d like to make sure these communities know they are loved and cared for. Specifically, I’d like to bring some financial relief. Knowing there are many things competing for your time, attention, and finances makes me a bit reluctant to ask. Still, the emergency of the moment forces me to appeal to you—as the Lord reminded us to remember the poor, naked, and imprisoned—to join me in contributing to our Israel-Ukraine funds where monies are split to help those in need.

Someone recently commented: “You don’t stop Jeff. You’re always asking for money!” That’s indeed true, and I am not apologizing for it here. It only becomes a problem if I am asking for myself—and I haven’t done that once. As the Executive Director of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations it’s my job to, among other things, (1) inform you where the Executive Committee is taking us and (2) invite your assistance in the journey. 

Lots happening in the UMJC. Hope you’re proud to play a part. I know I am.

Yours,

Dr. Jeffrey Seif
Executive Director
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations