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In the Bible, G-d is referred to using many names. One of these names is Elohim. Many individuals look at this name of G-d and become confused. The "im" ending is often (but not exclusively) used to imply something is plural. Does this name of G-d imply that G-d is plural? The Bible chooses it's words carefully, with each of the names which refer to G-d having a special meaning. The root of the word Elohim means "power." When we say Elohim we are literally referring to G-d as "Powers." Why would we refer to G-d as "Powers?" The answer to this question involves a deep concept. When the other nations of the world saw the the sun, the moon, the seas and all of the other manifestations of power in this world, they assumed that each power belonged to a different god. So, the power of the sun was from the sun god. The power of the moon was from the moon god. The Jewish people, on the other hand, saw a totally different picture. Though the other nations of the world mistook each power as belonging to a separate god, the Jewish people knew that all of the powers of the world belonged solely to G-d. By calling G-d "Elohim", "Powers", we are acknowledging that all of the powers of the world reside in G-d. There is no power outside of G-d. So, by using the name Elohim, we are not implying that G-d is plural. Rather, we are reaffirming the all-powerfulness and perfect unity of the One True G-d. There are many reasons why Jews do not accept Jesus, and the links below are some of the better explanations on this topic. Of course, if you have questions that are not covered on the links, you can always e-mail me with your questions. An Answer from Rabbi Stuart Federow Click Here An Answer from Rabbi Shraga Simmons Click Here Ask the Rabbi from Ohr Somayach Click Here An Answer from Rabbi Tovia Singer Click Here
There are a number of groups that provide Countermissionary Counseling. Here are links to a few of them: Alternatively, you can call them at 1-800-4PROOF1 with general questions about missionary claims.
Here are a number of great sites that counter missionaries and explain the differences in belief between Judaism and Christianity, including addressing the Biblical verses that missionaries try to use against the Jews and explaining why the missionaries are incorrect. For the most in-depth analysis of verse by verse questions, go to Messiah Truth (sections on Counter-Missionary: Multi-media training [this can be read without being "multi-media"], Knowing Your Orchard and Judaism's Answer), Jews for Judaism (in their Reference Section (please note that the Isaiah topics tend to be under "Suffering Servant" part of the "Proof Text" section) and the Q & A section of Outreach Judaism. Escape From Counterfeit Judaism Talking to Kids About Missionaries
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