Hebrew Rooters vs. Jews

B"H

Hebrew Rooters vs. Jews: A Critical Examination of Supersessionism, Identity, Practice, and a possible solution….

The Hebrew Roots movement has increasingly positioned itself as a Torah-observant alternative to both Christianity and Judaism. However, upon closer examination, this movement represents a distinct form of supersessionism that distorts Jewish identity, misappropriates halacha, and creates a chaotic, self-interpreted version of Torah observance. This article will explore the core distinctions between Hebrew Rooters and Jews, providing halachic, historical, and scriptural clarity on why Hebrew Rooters are neither Jews nor followers of authentic Torah tradition, but if their tenacity is repositioned, they can change the world.

1. Defining the Terms: Who Are Hebrew Rooters and Who Are Jews?

Hebrew Rooters are primarily non-Jews, often from Evangelical backgrounds, who reject mainstream Christianity's traditions while claiming to "return" to Torah. They insist they follow the "true" biblical faith but reject halacha, rabbinic interpretation, and Jewish communal authority. They often claim Israelite and Sons of Zadok identity without evidence, constructing a religious framework that lacks historical or halachic legitimacy.

Jews, on the other hand, are those born into the Jewish people through maternal lineage or those who have undergone a halachic conversion. As defined by the Torah and upheld by halachic authorities, Jewish identity is rooted in covenantal continuity rather than self-declaration. Torah observance is not a personal project; it is a national obligation passed down through an unbroken chain of Torah Law and Halacha.

2. Halacha: The Core Difference Between Jews and Hebrew Rooters

One of the most glaring differences between Jews and Hebrew Rooters is their approach to halacha.

• Halacha Is Binding and Communal: Jews follow halacha as a structured and binding system based on Torah Shebichtav (Written Torah) and Torah Shebe’al Peh (Oral Torah). This includes the Mishnah, Talmud, Mishneh Torah, and rulings of recognized halachic authorities.

• Hebrew Rooters Reject Rabbinic Authority: Instead of adhering to the divine system established in Lo Tasur (Devarim 17:8-13), which mandates following the rulings of the kohanim, levi’im, and shofetim, Hebrew Rooters assume the right to self-interpret. With the rejection of the Halachic system, they continously break Torah Law (Sanhedrin via. Devarim 17:8-13) places them outside the Torah’s framework.

• Anarchy, Not Structure: Torah observance without Halacha (Rabbinic Law) leads to chaos. Hebrew Rooters pick and choose mitzvot while disregarding halachic foundations. They wear tzitzit incorrectly, break Shabbat in ways they do not recognize, and keep festivals in ways that conflict with Torah law. Their rejection of halacha is not just an error—it is a complete dismantling of the Torah’s legal system.

Without Torah Shebe’al Peh, they create their own legal interpretations, which ultimately contradict Torah itself.

This is not merely a misguided approach—it is an anarchic rejection of the divine system given to Am Yisrael.

3. Hebrew Roots Supersessionism: A Modern Form of Replacement Theology

It is crucial to recognize that Hebrew Rooters do not simply exist in danger of supersessionism—they are actively engaged in it. Their core belief is that they, not the Jewish people, are the true Israel.

• Rejection of Jewish Authority: Hebrew Rooters claim they do not need Jews, Halacha (rabbinic rulings), or Jewish tradition to observe Torah. This mirrors early Christian supersessionism, which sought to replace Israel with a "new" people of God.

• Theft and Bastardization of Jewish Traditions: Hebrew Rooters adopt Jewish practices but modify them in ways that strip them of their halachic meaning. This is not merely identity theft—it is a bastardization of Torah observance. They take Jewish sacred objects and misuse them, much like early Christian groups misappropriated Jewish symbols while stripping them of their authentic meaning.

• Erasure of the Jewish People: Many Hebrew Rooters claim that modern Jews are "fake" or "lost" while positioning themselves as the true Israelites. This is an outright rejection of Klal Yisrael and a modern expression of replacement theology.

The Hebrew Roots movement is not an ally to Judaism—it is a competitor attempting to overwrite Jewish identity.

This is why it is fundamentally dangerous.

4. The Role of Jesus and Torah Observance

A key theological distinction is how Hebrew Rooters use Yeshua (Jesus) to attack rabbinic authority.

• Judaism Is Orthopraxic: Jewish identity is based on practice, not personal theology. A Jew can technically believe Yeshua is Mashiach and remain a Jew as long as they follow Torah and Halacha (Rabbinic Law).

• Hebrew Rooters Weaponize Yeshua Against Torah Shebe’al Peh: Their primary issue is not that they believe in Yeshua—it is that they use Yeshua’s words to argue against rabbinic authority. They claim he rejected the Torah Shebe’al Peh, despite overwhelming evidence that Yeshua followed and upheld Jewish law.

• Halacha Defines the Jewish People: A Jewish community can contain diverse theological views, but it must adhere to halacha. Hebrew Rooters, by contrast, reject halacha and create their own versions of Torah observance.

Thus, the problem is not their belief in Yeshua, but their distortion of Torah law.

5. The Unfinished Journey: Hebrew Roots and the Potential for Transformation

With everything stated, there is hope and it can be a radical future; we have to consider The Hebrew Roots Movement is often dismissed by both mainstream Judaism and Messianic groups, yet it represents something unique—a raw, untamed potential that, if fully realized through Halakha, could be revolutionary. This is not about rejection but about recognition. The individuals in this movement are doers. They embody a work ethic and a level of self-sufficiency that is rare among those seeking to live a Torah-centered life outside of traditional Judaism.

Many are already engaged in practices that mirror Jewish tradition—they grow their own food, raise livestock, slaughter their own chickens, make their own Shabbat candles, and even tie their own tzitzit. And yet, the one thing they resist—the very thing that would elevate them—is Halakha (Rabbinic Law).

If they were to embrace Halakha in its entirety, undergo a Halachic conversion, and integrate themselves into the Jewish world, their impact would be immeasurable.

Unlike many in the organized Messianic movement (FFOZ,MJAA,UMJC and many others)—who often remain in the realm of academic theology and discussion as one Rabbi taught me we don’t have time to be a Rabbi Akiva entangled in scholastics….

Hebrew Roots adherents focus on action.

They have the skills and dedication to build truly self-sufficient Jewish communities. And yet, they remain at the threshold, unwilling to take that final step. This is not just an ideological issue but a psychological one—many in the Hebrew Roots movement have been conditioned to see Halacha (rabbinic law) as an obstacle rather than the very structure that gives Torah its continuity and vitality.

This hesitation is understandable. The movement itself is a byproduct of a larger historical and theological struggle. Caught between the constraints of mainstream Christianity (which they left) and the boundaries of mainstream Judaism (that put up walls towards them), Hebrew Roots adherents often attempt to reconstruct an imagined pre-rabbinic, "pure Torah" observance.

However, this leads to a paradox: they seek to live a Torah-observant life while rejecting Halacha, this is the very system that has preserved Torah observance for thousands of years. It is like trying to build a house while refusing to use blueprints.

Yet, people do change. Many Hebrew Roots adherents, as they mature in their journey, eventually realize that without Halacha (Jewish law), Torah is not properly observed. They recognize that the only true way to live as a Israelite is to become a Jew—not just in spirit, but in action, through proper halakhic conversion and commitment to a Jewish life. Some do take that step, and those who do often express regret that they didn’t take it sooner.

The probability of large-scale movement-wide transformation is low—at least in the short term. However, the probability of individuals within Hebrew Roots reaching this conclusion and fully embracing Halachic life is much higher than many might think. As history has shown, religious movements evolve. Under the right leadership, with the right conditions, it is not impossible that a significant faction of Hebrew Roots adherents could become a bridge back to traditional Judaism.

The question remains: What is Judaism? The answer is clear. Judaism is Torah and Halacha (Jewish law). The two cannot be separated.

If Hebrew Roots adherents accept this, they could transform not only their own lives but the entire landscape of Torah observance in the modern era.

In this message of love……

The potential is there—the sparks are waiting to be gathered.

The only question is: Are they willing to take the final step?