Rabbi Dr. John Fischer's Menorah Ministries - Shalom - Rabbi John Fischer's Menorah Ministries

The Netzer David International Yeshiva
3190 Gulf-To-Bay Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33759
727-726-1472
Fax: 727-724-6090

In the early 1880's a respected District Rabbi in Hungary, Isaac (Yitzhak) Lichtenstein picked up an old copy of the Testament and began reading it. As he later remarked, "Not the half had been told me of the greatness, power and glory of this Book, formerly a sealed book to me. All seemed so , and yet it did me good, like the sight of an old friend who has laid aside his dusty, travel-worn garments, and appears in festive attire, like a bridegroom in wedding robes, or a bride adorned with her jewels."

Not too long after that, Rabbi Lichtenstein starting teaching from the Newer Testament to his synagogue and people. Because of his reputation and position, the Synod of Rabbis in Hungary cited him to appear before them and explain himself. After prolonged discussion and much interaction with Rabbi Lichtenstein, the assembled rabbis demanded that he should resign his position and be formally baptized. He replied that he had no intention of joining any church. He had found in the Newer Testament the true Judaism; so he would remain as before with his congregation, and preach it in the synagogue. And, that's what he did despite persecution and abuse. From his official place as District Rabbi he continued to teach and to preach from the Newer Testament. This was a testimony to the strong attachment of his own community and the ongoing attentiveness of his synagogue.

Soon, Rabbi Lichtenstein and his writings had become widely known, and different church and missionary organizations sought his services.

The Papacy, too, soon learned of his existence and significance. A special emissary from the Pope visited Tapio Szele, Hungary, with attractive offers to join the Catholic Church. To all he had the same reply: "I will remain among my own nation. I love Christ. I believe in the Testament but I am not drawn to join Christendom, so I will remain among my own brethren, as a watchman from within and to plead with them to behold in Jesus the true glory of Israel."

Yitzhak Lichtenstein was one of several important Jewish leaders and scholars of that period that spawned a Messianic movement that eventually numbered about a quarter of a million Jewish people. In our own generation the Spirit of G-d has birthed a Messianic Jewish movement of similar proportions. There has been a remarkable growth in number of Messianic synagogues worldwide, with congregations emerging all the time. This amazing growth has been accompanied by the pressing need for trained Messianic leaders and teachers, and for quality Messianic Jewish training to equip such people. Several efforts have already been made to help provide this training.

The Netzer David International Yeshiva was formed in 1998 to build on those efforts and supplement them. Netzer David is Hebrew for "Branch of David," an important Messianic title found in Isaiah 11:1, and also alluded to in Isaiah 53:2ff.

Taking its lead from Rabbi Yitzhak Lichtenstein, the Yeshiva focuses on our commitment to and continuity with our ancient Jewish tradition and heritage, as well as the answer to the centuries-old longing of our people for the coming of the Messiah, now fulfilled by Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth). Therefore, it offers in-depth training to enable Messianic Jewish leaders to stand within Judaism and among the Jewish people. The Yeshiva equips its students to take various leadership and ministry roles in Messianic Jewish synagogues and ministries, and to sensitively and effectively interact with rabbis and others from within the Jewish community.