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Tel Aviv is known for many things. It’s the artsy Euro-esque enclave amidst Israel’s raw desert machismo, the gay capital of the Middle East, and a firm mix of modern yuppie chutzpah, old time goodness, and laid back beach life. What one might not anticipate to find tucked away in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods is a newly renovated, open urban space dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus.

This week, I sat down with Eli Birnbaum, the youth and young adult ministry director for Jews for Jesus Tel Aviv. We talk about his organization’s mission, their methods, and what it means to him to be both a Jew and a follower of Christ. You can right click this link and click “Save as” to download the mp3.

Whenever I tell someone I was raised as a Messianic Jew, they usually have a whole spectrum of questions, and I’m happy to answer. Yes, Messianic Jews are Jews who believe in Jesus. No, it’s not the same thing as Jews for Jesus. Yes, I was circumcized. No, my family didn’t celebrate Christmas…

Now I’m secular. I no longer hold to the religious doctrines my parents taught me, but I still really enjoy dialoguing about it. For me my talk with Eli was like rehashing old times and getting to hear how the faith has been managing without me

Kipp Adler