Have you ever been reading your Bible when questions about the text pop into your mind?  What does an ephah of grain amount to? What was life like in Bible times for a widow without means? What about for a shepherd in the desert or a midwife in Egypt? What does a shekel equal in dollars? What went on in the centuries between the Old and New Testaments? Where is Jericho in relation to Jerusalem?

Having the answers to your questions at your fingertips would add so much depth to your Bible reading. You could grasp the whole meaning that’s lying right there within certain Scriptures and passages. 

Introducing…

That’s why we’ve produced the new Jewish Voice Study Bible in the New International Version. It includes so many resources to help you understand Bible times that you’ll be amazed.

Rabbi Jonathan Bernis of Jewish Voice introduces an exclusive section of content at the end that highlights the importance of understanding the Jewish context in which the whole Bible was written and God’s continuing faithfulness to the Jewish people. You’ll learn about the “Lost Tribes of Israel” and their fascinating migrations over the millennia to surprising places around the world today.

Take a look at some of the other exciting features in the Jewish Voice Study Bible.

Connecting with Your Jewish Roots

Parasha Readings

This weekly Scripture-reading plan will take you through the first five books of the Bible – the Torah – in a year. The plan includes selected readings from the HafTorah, which are the Prophets and Writings of the Old Testament, and the New Testament.

Biblical Feasts and Jewish Memorial Days

Within the biblical Jewish feasts lies tremendous meaning ‒ for Jewish and Gentile Believers alike. You’ll learn about each of the biblically commanded Feasts of the Lord, including Passover and Yom Kippur, along with two additional Jewish memorial days described in the Bible.

The Importance of Israel

Why Israel is So Important

Today, many Believers do not understand God’s eternal promise to Israel – both to the people and the Land. This section provides key Scriptures – from Genesis through the New Testament – that declare God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people and His commitment to restoring them to Himself.

Intercessory Prayer Guide for Israel

Psalm 122:6 instructs us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and all of Israel. It invokes a blessing on those who do so. The JVMI Bible includes a prayer guide that uses Scripture and a simple bulleted list to help you intercede for the salvation of Israel and Jewish people everywhere. A map of 21st century Israel will help you in your prayers and Scripture reading.

Is Peace Possible in the Middle East?

Examining the history and current news, it would appear that peace in the Middle East isn’t possible. Read an excerpt from Jonathan Bernis’ book Is Peace Possible? for an inspiring reminder that all things are possible with God.

Leading the Way to Salvation

Using the Old Testament in Sharing the Gospel

The apostle Paul taught about Jesus using the only Scriptures he had at the time – the Old Testament. Because many Jewish people don’t accept the New Testament as Scripture, it’s valuable to know how to share the Gospel of the Messiah with them from their own Holy Scriptures – what we call the Old Testament. You’ll find some helpful guidance in this article.

Messianic Prophecies

Today, one of the most dramatic ways to share the Good News with others is through the Old Testament’s Messianic prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. This clear list will bolster your own faith and help you talk about Him with others.

Sharing Jesus with Others & Accepting Jesus

A simple guide will help you lead someone to receive Jesus. There is also a sample prayer that can be used to accept Him as Messiah. A sample prayer for accepting Jesus as Messiah can help you pray with someone receiving Him or guide someone you might give this Bible to as a gift.

Other Exciting Features

Extensive Book Introductions

Bible book introductions provide backgrounds, dates, themes and outlines to help you understand the structure and context of each book.

Word Studies

Understand the deeper meaning of Scriptures with brief Hebrew and Greek word studies interspersed throughout the Scriptures.

Maps

If you’ve ever wondered what path the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness, or where Gideon and his tiny army of 300 fought and won their battles, or what Jerusalem looked like at various times in Bible history – well, there’s a map for each of those curiosities plus many more. The Jewish Voice Study Bible includes 76 full-color maps to help you understand the settings of various Bible accounts and history.

“Day in the Life” Articles

Catch a glimpse of what life was like in Bible times through 16 fascinating “A Day in the Life” articles interspersed throughout the Bible text.

Textual Articles

54 textual articles provide more in-depth knowledge about a variety of topics that you’ll read about through your daily devotional times with the Lord.

Charts & Models

Thirty-six charts organize everything from Old and New Testament chronologies to David’s family tree, from Messianic Psalms to Daniel’s vision, and from the parables of Jesus to His resurrection appearances. Eight model drawings show you what the Tabernacle, Temples and their furnishings looked like.

Page Notes

Page notes offer valuable context from rabbis, scholars and early church leaders.

Study Helps

The Study Helps section includes handy tools to assist you in your Bible reading. A Table of Weights and Measures helps you translate meanings into modern-day equivalents. The Glossary defines certain difficult words for you. A Concordance lists nearly 5,000 words and 36,000 verses where they’re used. The Index to Maps helps you check the list of locations and know what maps show them. The Bibliography and End Notes document the sources used in writing the volume of articles and commentary.

The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and our faith grows by hearing it (Romans 10:17).

The Jewish Voice Study Bible will connect you with the Jewish roots and foundation of your faith in Yeshua. You will see the Word come alive within its historical context and see the consistent message of redemption told from Genesis to Revelation.

Since Yeshua’s (Jesus’) first disciples, there have always been Jewish Believers in Him. Even so, what today is called the Messianic Movement is relatively new. Its beginning is intertwined with the Jesus Movement of the 1960s. Messianic Judaism comprises Believers in Jesus, worship observances and lifestyles that are identifiably Jewish. It has much to offer the Body of Messiah and is having a valuable impact within the Church in several ways. 

Messianic Judaism fits Jewish Believers

Mark grew up in a kosher home. He came across a back issue of Jewish Voice Today magazine and read personal stories of Jewish people who came to faith in Yeshua. The testimonies intrigued him, and he wanted to know more. 

When he learned of a Messianic Jewish congregation located three hours away from him, he made the trek one Sabbath. Afterward, he talked with the rabbi and placed his faith in Yeshua as the Messiah. 

Back at home, Mark visited churches, but nothing fit for him. He missed the observances of his Jewish identity and longed for a place to worship with other Jewish Believers. When he discovered a Messianic fellowship in his own city, Mark found his congregational home and has been attending ever since. 

The same kind of story occurs regularly all over the world. When the Lemba Jewish community in Zimbabwe first met representatives of Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI), they were thrilled to discover a Jewish expression of faith in Yeshua. 

The Lemba have clear ties to the ancient people of Israel, particularly the Levites. They have maintained their Jewish identity through the centuries, even after many came to faith in Yeshua. But they weren’t comfortable in either traditional Christian or non-Yeshua-professing Jewish synagogues. When Lemba Believers learned of Messianic Judaism, they said, “Ah, this is the community where we can fully belong!” As Jewish Believers in Yeshua, no other form of worship met all of their needs. 

Messianic Judaism highlights the Jewish roots of Christianity

“I had no idea how much Jesus is evident in the Jewish feast of Passover,” one woman said. “Before I attended a Passover Seder at my church, I never thought Jewish observances were relevant to my faith as a Christian.” This Gentile had been a Believer for more than 30 years but didn’t realize how little she knew about her faith’s connection with Judaism.

Messianic Judaism’s presence in the Body of Messiah brings to light the Jewishness of faith in Yeshua. It draws attention to the Jewish context of the Bible. This is an essential element to fully understanding the teachings of the New Covenant and recognizing God’s redemptive thread running consistently through the Old Covenant and pointing clearly to Jesus. 

Gentiles have much to gain from Messianic Judaism as it enriches their relationships with God through an understanding of the Jewish roots of their faith. 

Messianic Judaism Reminds Believers that Jewish People Need Yeshua

In the years before Jewish Voice president and CEO Jonathan Bernis placed his faith in Yeshua, several people shared the Gospel with him. What stands out to him now about those instances is that each time he explained to the well-meaning Believers that he is Jewish, they apologized – as if the Gospel is not for Jewish people. 

An unfortunate number of Gentile Christians are under the impression that Jewish people have another way of receiving God’s redemption. However, in John 14:6, Yeshua said that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Acts 4:12 further states that there is salvation in no one else and by no other name than Yeshua. When Jonathan came to believe in Yeshua, he was surprised to learn that not only was Yeshua for Jewish people, but the Gospel was for them first (Romans 1:16).  

Messianic Judaism brings focus to the fact that Jewish people need Yeshua and inspires Gentile Believers to pray for and reach out to them.

Messianic Judaism Demonstrates that God Remains Faithful to Israel

A woman approached JVMI staff member Rabbi Jack Zimmerman shortly before his speaking session at a conference in New York. She was convinced that he was “a Jewish-Christian rabbi trying to bring her back under the Law.” As Rabbi Jack spoke with her, it became clear that she also wasn’t sure that God continues to have a distinct plan and purpose for Israel and the Jewish people.

After Jack’s teaching, her entire perspective had changed. She came to understand that God is not finished with Israel and that Christians have a responsibility to support Israel and pray for the Jewish people. 

A dangerous misconception exists in parts of the Church today, in which some believe that God has rejected Israel and replaced her with the Church. The book of Romans emphatically teaches otherwise. Not only is the Gospel for the Jewish people first, but the apostle Paul also notes that: 

• He would wish himself cursed if it could be exchanged for his Jewish brethren to believe in Yeshua (Romans 9:3)
• Jewish rejection of Yeshua in no way implies God has rejected the Jewish people (Romans 11:1, 11‒15)
• Gentiles have not replaced Israel, but rather, have been grafted in among God’s chosen people, like a wild olive branch into a natural olive tree (Romans 11:16‒21)
• One day, all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26)

Messianic Judaism underscores for Gentile Believers the everlasting nature of God’s covenant with Israel (Genesis 17:17). It inspires within the Church a love for Jewish people and Israel. 

Messianic Judaism is good for the Body of Messiah. Not only does it provide a fitting worship experience for Jewish Believers, but its presence enhances the walk of Gentile Believers by providing vital and rich biblical context for faith in Jesus. It also helps maintain the integrity of Scripture regarding the Jewish need of Yeshua, God’s faithfulness to Israel and the Church’s responsibility in these regards. As Messianic Judaism grows, so will its positive influence in the Body of Messiah.