Ephraim

See also:
Brit-Am Answers to Queries: Brit-Am

Joseph and the Law. Do Ephraimites have to Keep the Law of Moses in our time as distinct from the End Times?

Contents:
1. What are "Ephraimites"?
2. What is the connection between Brit-Am and "Ephraimites"?
3. What criticisms are made against "Ephraimites" and how does that concern Brit-Am? The criticisms are listed below and then answered. It is to be stressed that any negative points refer ONLY to a small minority of Ephraimites.
(1. Ephraimites claim they are physical descendents of Israelites.
(2. Ephraimites adopt Jewish practices in their worship and call each other "Rabbi" etc.
(3. Ephraimites make statements as if they have an equal claim to the Land of Israel as the Jews.
(4. Ephraimites on rare but noted occasions have given the impression that it is the Jews (especially the Orthodox) who are preventing their dwelling in the land.
(5. A few Ephraimites sometimes make Anti-Jewish remarks or have anti-Jewish attitudes.
(6. Ephraimites have a missionary attitude as if they want Jews to leave Judaism and join them since they have the same thing or a combination that is even better.
(7. Ephraimites sometimes, it is implied, appear to take an "Identity" type approach as if they are the "True Israelites" and the Jews are not.
OR Ephraimites could give legitimacy to groups who already make such claims.

4. What is the Brit-Am "Ephraimite" Tour of Israel?

1. Question: What are "Ephraimites "?

Answer: "Ephraimites" are non-Jewish Gentiles who consider themselves descended from the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Ephraimites often (but not always) belong to the "Messianic" Christian movement that strives to return to the "Hebrew Roots" of Christianity. "Ephraimites" usually support the State of Israel and are generally pro-Jewish in attitiude. "Ephraim" in the Bible was the name of the Leading Tribe of the Northern Kingdom and also the term given to the Northern Ten Tribes that became lost in general. The term "Ephraim" is mentioned by the Prophet Jeremiah and other Prophets as representative of all the Ten Tribes who are destined to return.

"THEY SHALL COME WITH WEEPING, AND WITH SUPPLICATIONS WILL I LEAD THEM: I WILL CAUSE THEM TO WALK BY THE RIVERS OF WATERS IN A STRAIGHT WAY, WHEREIN THEY SHALL NOT STUMBLE: FOR I AM A FATHER TO ISRAEL, AND EPHRAIM IS MY FIRSTBORN" [Jeremiah 31:9] .

"IS EPHRAIM MY DEAR SON? IS HE A PLEASANT CHILD? FOR SINCE I SPAKE AGAINST HIM, I DO EARNESTLY REMEMBER HIM STILL: THEREFORE MY BOWELS ARE TROUBLED FOR HIM; I WILL SURELY HAVE MERCY UPON HIM, SAITH THE LORD.
"SET THEE UP WAYMARKS, MAKE THEE HIGH HEAPS: SET THINE HEART TOWARD THE HIGHWAY, EVEN THE WAY WHICH THOU WENTEST: TURN AGAIN, O VIRGIN OF ISRAEL, TURN AGAIN TO THESE THY CITIES [Jeremiah 31:20-21]

In the answer above we have in effect classified all Christians who hold Brit-Am type beliefs finding descendants of Israelites amongst Western peoples as "Ephraimites".
There are however Christian Churches that hold such beliefs but may be reserved about having the term applied to their members, whereas other congregations emphasize it. In some bodies the "Ephraimite" belief is a major element but elsewhere it is a matter often only incidentally referred to.

2. Question: What is the connection between Brit-Am and "Ephraimites"?

Brit-Am is an organization headed from Jerusalem that traces descendants of the Lost Ten Tribes to Western Peoples.
The three Rs of Brit-Am:
a. Research: Proving where descendants of the Lost Ten Tribes are today.
b. Revelation: Revealing Research findings to others especially to those who are identifiable as "Lost Israelites" and to the Jews of "Judah".
c. Reconciliation: Working for the Recognition that the Lost Tribes and Judah have a mutual destiny and common origin and interest and therefore need to accept Israelite identification and the unique role of each other.

Brit-Am tries to avoid theological discussions and direct questions concerning religion. The heads of Brit-Am however are Orthodox Jews and Brit-Am encourages Bible Study and the adoption of Bible values.

Brit-Am and the "Ephraimites".
"Ephraimites" are usually Christians who believe they are physically descended from the Lost Ten Tribes. They tend to adopt "Jewish" Rabbinical type practices (such as tallitoth, shofars, etc) in their worship and aim for a synthesis between their Christian beliefs and Judaism as they understand it. They tend to search to return to their "Hebrew Roots" while retaining much traditional Fundamental Christian doctrines and practice.

There is an overlap between "Brit-Am" and the "Ephraimities" in so far as many supporters of "Brit-Am" consider themselves "Ephraimities". It may be said that Ephraimites agree with Brit-Am goals though some (especially amongst the leaders) in some cases would perhaps prefer to see them in a Christian setting.

Brit-Am sees the "Ephraimite" phenomenon as a positive one though Brit-Am has also on occasion published criticism of certain "Ephraimite" tendencies of thought it considered inadvertent, e.g.
"The Two House Doctrine and Ephraimites"

"Queries on Christianity"
#4. Do you think that the present "Evangelical" and Fundamentalist regard for Israel indicates an arousal of "Joseph"?
#5. "Brit-Am, The Jewish Aspect, and Eddie Chumney"
Brit-Am and Brit-Am type beliefs have been unjustly attacked by elements associated with the so-called "Messianic Jews". Are "Ephraimites" preferable?

General Queries
#4. Do you think that members of the Lost Tribes should move to Israel at present?
#5. Should they who accept Brit-Am belief concerning their descent from the Lost Ten Tribes convert to Judaism?
#6. What obligations do non-Jewish descendants of Israel have today?
#7. Should Descendants of the Lost Ten Tribes keep the Law of Moses?

3. Question: What criticisms are made against "Ephraimites" and how does that concern Brit-Am?

Answer: Below is an article that will answer this question.

Ephraimites. Some Ideological and Situational Considerations.
Brit-Am Considers Negative and Positive Points in Criticisms of "Ephraimites

Criticisms were made against Ephraimites and some of these criticisms involve Brit-Am.

We will begin from the top with what may be the least important point but worth noticing. Some of those doing the Criticizing also include Brit-Am by implication as it involves us. In addition some of those doing the Criticizing have agendas of their own or are in danger of being used by other forces. This last phenomenon has been uncovered by Rabbi Avraham Feld... Some of those criticizing Brit-Am and Ephraimites want an alternative Ten Tribes candidate such as peoples from the East, etc. Rabbi Feld points out that there exist secularist elements that wish to see people from the East accepted as Ten Tribes people in order to undermine Orthodox Judaism. They want the principle of physical descent and religious observance replaced with a historical sentimental cultural and "citizenship" approach. Their attitude is basically against Judaism and the Bible. Such people are against Brit-Am and against "Ephraimites" in general. In one case an apparently Orthodox Jewish writer against Ephraimites was actually being egged on by a Messianic Jewish Christian whose group (as Christians) have their own quarrel with "Ephraimites".

We will now consider criticisms against Ephraimites and look at the correct and incorrect aspects of this criticism from a Brit-Am perspective.

A presentation of most of these criticisms may be seen in the Article:
"Ephraimites or Ephra I am nots?" by STEPHANIE GARBER
For a summary of this article and a Brit-Am reply to major points see:
Queries Concerning Religious Matters
#Question 5.

The Criticisms Against Ephraimites Include:

(1. Ephraimites claim they are physical descendents of Israelites.
(2. Ephraimites adopt Jewish practices in their worship and call each other "Rabbi" etc.
(3. Ephraimites make statements as if they have an equal claim to the Land as the Jews.
(4. Ephraimites give the impression that it is the Jews (especially the Orthodox) who are preventing their dwelling in the land.
(5. Ephraimites sometimes make anti-Jewish remarks or have anti-Jewish attitudes.
(6. Ephraimites have a missionary attitude as if they want Jews to leave Judaism and join them since they have the same thing or a combination that is even better.
(7. Ephraimites sometimes, it is implied, appear to take an "Identity" type approach as if they are the "True Israelites" and the Jews are not.
OR Ephraimites could give legitimacy to groups who already make such claims.

We have answered these criticisms before but not systematically so we will do again here. Each answer has a positive and negative aspect to consider.
Answers:
(1. Claims to Physical Descent. (a) The fact is that Ephraimite ARE descended from the Lost Ten Tribes on the whole. Biblical, Rabbinical, and Secular proofs exist. Someone who disagrees should cope with the evidence and refute it if they can. If the evidence cannot be refuted then conclusions must be drawn and it be realized that a new situation exists.
(b) Ephraimites themselves are partly to blame for their lack of credibility in the eyes of others in so far as they do not always rely on the evidence or refer to it. They do not always provide sufficient assistance to Brit-Am that works to spread knowledge of the evidence and enhance its substance and presentation. Some Ephraimites tend to depend too much on their own emotional feeling and instinctive belief while not realizing that others are not so minded. Alternately the evidence Ephraimites do use is not that of Brit-Am and similar bodies but from questionable unreliable or disreputable elements.

If Ephraimites want others to belief (and they should want them to) in "Ephraim" then Brit-Am must be supported. This is reality and Biblical Necessity. Brit-Am is the Answer!

(2. Jewish Customs. Adopting Jewish practices etc is an internal matter for Christians to decide. The felt need to do so is a reflection of this era and a want for "Ephraim" to return to his source. We see this as positive as long as they who copy the Jews do not claim to be Jews but there is little chance of this happening on a large scale though individual cases may occur.

(3. A Return to the Land of Israel? (a) The Land of Israel belongs to Israel. Ephraimites do have an equal claim as the Jews to the Land as far as they are descended from Israel BUT observing the Law and an anthropological association with Israel is needed. These are questions that will be resolved in the future and are not for the present.
Polarization: These days the world is more and divided between opposing forces. The Jews and the State of Israel are being pushed into the center of international and national conflict and made the focus of contention. Most peoples tend to be against Israel and the Jews. Those who support Israel intensively will naturally have a tendency to identify with Israel and want to be a part of it. This is positive.
(b) Ephraimites should realize that as "Joseph" they fulfilled part of their historical role in their places of exile, in lands that have become their own. The Jews by keeping the law only partly did so. The Jews have to regain the Land and develop it and keep the law in doing so. This is their historical mission. The Jews in a sense (as indicated by the Prophets) are preparing the way for all the tribes of Israel in the future.

See our article on Judah
(References: Zephaniah ch. 2 Micah 4:8 Hosea 6:11 ).

see also "Ephraim"

Reply to Queries: General
"Do you think that members of the Lost Tribes should move to Israel at present?

Ephraimites (i.e. the forces of "Joseph") should assist Judah to fulfill his mission. Helping Judah return to the Land, settle, and control it is in fact part of the task of Joseph. Ezekiel chapter 37 predicted an eventual reunion between Judah and Joseph with each Tribe receiving its own Tibal Inheritance within the Land of Israel.

(4. Religious Differences with the "Jews" of Judah: Belief in Christianity may be a preventive factor against Ephraimites dwelling in the land and being accepted as the full-fledged equals in this matter as Judah. It is not however the only impediment. Despite what they may say some Ephraimite leaders would not really want any of their flock going to the Land of Israel.
There are differences between Ephraim and Judah. The Prophet Isaiah predicted that tensions would exist between Judah and Ephraim until the End Times.
THE JEALOUSY OF EPHRAIM SHALL DEPART, AND THOSE WHO HARASS JUDAH SHALL BE CUT OFF; EPHRAIM SHALL NOT BE JEALOUS OF JUDAH, AND JUDAH SHALL NOT HARASS EPHRAIM [Isaiah 11:13].
We should work to alleviate these differences through right knowledge. On the other hand we should recognize that differences exist. We do not need to emphasize them, nor do we need to let them interfere with either us doing as well as we can in our separate spheres and assisting each other where required and possible.

Converting to Judaism

Brit-Am does not encourage Ephraimites to convert to Judaism but those Ephraimites who decide to do so should be assisted by Judah and not interfered with by their fellow Ephraimites. It should be realised that such individuals when genuinely motivated are fulfilling their individual destiny and re-uniting with Judah. Their actions can only help all Ephraimites in general. It was due to the willingness to convert of groups such as the Burmese that their case received a sympathetic reception by the authorities in Judah.

(5. Anti-Jewish Statements? Ephraimites should not make anti-Jewish remarks etc. First of all the reported anti-Jewish remarks are usually relatively mild especially when compared with what prevails elsewhere. Regrettable exceptions however have occurred.
I was once working on a project with an Ephraimite activist. He wished to involve us in cooperation with people who had made anti-Jewish statements. I objected so he pointed out that I myself had on occasion said things against Ephraimites and Christians etc and that criticism should also be allowed against Judah. My reply was that (a) Perhaps I should be more careful when speaking and (b) Judah is vulnerable. Remarks against Judah receive a different dimension than remarks against others since nearly all the world is against Judah and always has been whether Judah deserves it or not. Anything negative can be damaging. This is a fact and must be acknowledged.
For example,
In a bad mood after an unpleasant experience someone could (theoretically) say something critical against members of a certain nation. The next day the same person could say something different and positive. It would not always necessarily expected for anyone from the said nation to take too much notice of whatever was said one way or the other since on a person-to-person basis it should not matter. Nevertheless, Judah is more vulnerable and therefore considerations must be made especially since the enemies of Judah can always be counted upon to make counter-"considerations" of their own.
One also finds Jews who are more critical of their own people and of the State of Israel than anyone else but leave them alone since every people has its own "Quislings". The Almighty will judge each one of us according to what we did and not what we saw others do.

(6. The Missionary Threat: (a) Ephraimites do not have a missionary attitude anymore than Christians in general. The "Ephraimite" belief is not a ploy to trap Jews nor are Jews enticed by it. On the contrary, the "Ephraimite" Movement could encourage assimilated Jews to be more conscious of their own unqiueness and Tribal Obligation as Judah. Rabbi Avraham Feld in his field word for the Maccabee Institute often gives the Brit-Am Hebrew-language publication "Achim Acharim" to secular Israelis since he finds that the Brit-Am message helps bring Jews closer to Judaism.
(b) Missionizing Jews is extremely negative. Ephraimites should forego preaching about their Christian belief to Jews or trying to make Jews understand their theological approach.
Judah has his role to play and let him do it. Help if you can and if not there is no need to introduce superfluous issues.
Let each one of us get on with their own task in this world according to our abilities and understanding.

(7. The False Identity Impostors: Nasty degenerated types exist who claim they are the "true" Israelites whereas the Jews are not. They are disqualifying themselves more than anything else. They who make such claims are evil and often also bad eggs in their private existence. Here and there people who do not know very much and are overly gullible can be lead astray by such impostors. There are cases in which distinctions have become confused and Ephraimites have used questionable sources or drawn close to bad-intentioned interlopers.
Nevertheless, Ephraimites on the whole have managed very well to keep well away from such unsavory "Identity" reprobates and their evil doctrines. Ephraimites are in effect a counter to it. There is a need, a growing impulse, amongst the peoples of Joseph to return to their roots. The Ephraimite movement is in effect a positive and welcome channel for this tendency. Ephraimites usually support the State of Israel, are pro-Jewish, and good people. The Ephraimite movement fills a vacuum and is on the whole a very positive answer to a definite need in this troubled yet promising era that is part of or at least appears to be leading to the Messianic Period.

[Deuteronomy 6:4] HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD:

[Deuteronomy 6:5] AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THINE HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIGHT.

[Deuteronomy 6:6] AND THESE WORDS, WHICH I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY, SHALL BE IN THINE HEART:

[Deuteronomy 6:7] AND THOU SHALT TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY UNTO THY CHILDREN, AND SHALT TALK OF THEM WHEN THOU SITTEST IN THINE HOUSE, AND WHEN THOU WALKEST BY THE WAY, AND WHEN THOU LIEST DOWN, AND WHEN THOU RISEST UP.

[Deuteronomy 6:8] AND THOU SHALT BIND THEM FOR A SIGN UPON THINE HAND, AND THEY SHALL BE AS FRONTLETS BETWEEN THINE EYES.

[Deuteronomy 6:9] AND THOU SHALT WRITE THEM UPON THE POSTS OF THY HOUSE, AND ON THY GATES

What are "Ephraimites"? Are they really part of Israel? What are the Two Houses? What is the Two house Doctrine? How should one relate to this phenomenon? For that matter, what should be the attitude of Gentiles?

4. What is the Brit-Am "Ephraimite" Tour of Israel?

1. Question: What are "Ephraimites "?

2. Question: What is the connection between Brit-Am and "Ephraimites"?

3. Question: What criticisms are made against "Ephraimites" and how does that concern Brit-Am?

Answer: Below is an article that will answer this question.

Ephraimites. Some Ideological and Situational Considerations.
Brit-Am Considers Negative and Positive Points in Criticisms of "Ephraimites

A presentation of most of these criticisms may be seen in the Article:
"Ephraimites or Ephra I am nots?" by STEPHANIE GARBER
For a summary of this article and a Brit-Am reply to major points see:
Queries Concerning Religious Matters
#Question 5.

If Ephraimites want others to belief (and they should want them to) in "Ephraim" then Brit-Am must be supported. This is reality and Biblical Necessity. Brit-Am is the Answer!

See our article on Judah
(References: Zephaniah ch. 2 Micah 4:8 Hosea 6:11 ).

Converting to Judaism

See also:
WHY THE JEWS ARE "JUDAH"
by Stephen M. Collins
and
THE JEWS ARE JUDAH
by Yair Davidiy

4. Question: What is the Brit-Am "Ephraimite" Tour of Israel?

Answer:
This is the name of a future tour still in the planning stage that will be put into operation if and when there will be a minimum number of participants.

Sources

What are "Ephraimites"? Are they really part of Israel? What are the Two Houses? What is the Two house Doctrine? How should one relate to this phenomenon? For that matter, what should be the attitude of Gentiles?

4. What is the Brit-Am "Ephraimite" Tour of Israel?

1. Question: What are "Ephraimites"?

2. Question: What is the connection between Brit-Am and "Ephraimites"?

3. Question: What criticisms are made against "Ephraimites" and how does that concern Brit-Am?

Answer: Below is an article that will answer this question.

Ephraimites. Some Ideological and Situational Considerations. Brit-Am Considers Negative and Positive Points in Criticisms of "Ephraimites

A presentation of most of these criticisms may be seen in the Article: "Ephraimites or Ephra I am nots?" by STEPHANIE GARBER For a summary of this article and a Brit-Am reply to major points see: Queries Concerning Religious Matters #Question 5.

If Ephraimites want others to belief (and they should want them to) in "Ephraim" then Brit-Am must be supported. This is reality and Biblical Necessity. Brit-Am is the Answer!

See our article on Judah (References: Zephaniah ch. 2 Micah 4:8 Hosea 6:11 ).

Converting to Judaism

See also: WHY THE JEWS ARE "JUDAH" by Stephen M. Collins and THE JEWS ARE JUDAH by Yair Davidiy

4. Question: What is the Brit-Am "Ephraimite" Tour of Israel?

Answer: This is the name of a future tour still in the planning stage that will be put into operation if and when there will be a minimum number of participants.

Sources

1. Question: What are "Ephraimites "?

Ephraimites. Some Ideological and Situational Considerations.
Brit-Am Considers Negative and Positive Points in Criticisms of "Ephraimites

A presentation of most of these criticisms may be seen in the Article:
"Ephraimites or Ephra I am nots?" by STEPHANIE GARBER
For a summary of this article and a Brit-Am reply to major points see:
Queries Concerning Religious Matters
#Question 5.

See our article on Judah
(References: Zephaniah ch. 2 Micah 4:8 Hosea 6:11 ).

See also:
WHY THE JEWS ARE "JUDAH"
by Stephen M. Collins
and
THE JEWS ARE JUDAH
by Yair Davidiy

Answer:
This is the name of a future tour still in the planning stage that will be put into operation if and when there will be a minimum number of participants.