BS”D
Brian and Judy Wallace are writing to address serious concerns that arose within the Orthodox Jewish community regarding language used on their blog website.
Brian and Judy Wallace state clearly, we are practicing Orthodox Jews. Unequivocally, we are not Christians, we have never been missionaries, and we would never attempt to influence any Jewish person away from Judaism, Heaven forbid. We do not believe in a Trinity, nor Jesus, or “Yeshua,” as missionaries call Jesus. We are clear: We categorically reject and abhor missionary activity and any attempts to influence Jewish people away from their precious faith. We have never engaged in such vile activity and we utterly detest it. The Church’s attempt to convert Jews is a grave transgression, and we stand firmly in opposing it.
Judy Wallace converted to Judaism over twenty years ago through the Star-K beit din. At her tevilah, she affirmed with complete sincerity what she affirms today: belief in Hashem as One, with no Trinity and no intermediary. She joyfully accepted the yoke of Torah and mitzvot and has lived as a committed Orthodox Jew ever since.
Brian Wallace is a baal teshuva who embraced Orthodoxy as a young adult, a story that is well documented within the Orthodox world. He is a well known marketer famous for infographics and business conferences, that champions Jewish and Israel causes. Tragically, there is a growing and worrying split among conservatives on their stance on Israel. Therefore, building bridges between the the USA and Israel is more important than ever. Moreover, Brian served as a mentor for more than a decade on the Advisory Board of The Jewish Entrepreneur. He has pioneered a business conference in the Midwest and is currently working to bring this model to Israel to strengthen Israeli entrepreneurs and help them access markets and investment opportunities in the United States.
The Wallaces maintain a blog for Yehudit Institute, an educational and cultural initiative connected to their registered nonprofit organization, Yad Moshe of Kentucky, Inc. On this website, they used text that is problematic within the Orthodox Jewish community, such as ministry, ordained minister, mission statement, humanitarian mission, complementarian, and evangelist. They see that members of their community were deeply alarmed, and they want to acknowledge this openly and take full responsibility for their word choice.
They now understand with complete clarity that in the Orthodox Jewish context, these terms are associated with Christian missionary activity, which represents one of the most serious threats to Jewish continuity and faith.
Regarding the specific term “ordained minister” that appeared on the website: Brian holds this designation solely for legal and tax purposes related to nonprofit administration under United States law. The IRS recognizes this status for leaders of religious charitable organizations regardless of faith tradition. He is not and has never been a minister of the Gospel or any Christian religious position. This legal designation has no bearing on his Jewish identity or practice, but the Wallaces recognize that using this term on a public website without extensive explanation was confusing and inappropriate for their community context.
The Wallaces take full responsibility for their lack of skillfulness, especially as members of an Orthodox Jewish community that has legitimate historical trauma regarding missionary activity. While these terms are used in humanitarian and nonprofit contexts in certain American regions where they previously worked, the Wallaces deeply regret this confusion within a community they love and are committed to.
They have immediately revised all blog content to remove such terminology, and commit to being more consultative in future public communications.
The Wallaces also hope this situation can serve as a learning opportunity for the entire community. They ask that when concerning information arises about community members in the future, people consider reaching out directly for clarification before conclusions are drawn. Stronger communities are built when people extend the benefit of direct communication alongside appropriate caution which should be consulted with proper halachic guidance.
Brian and Judy Wallace appreciate all of the friends and Rabbis that we have consulted in the writing of this letter. They are also deeply appreciative of the friends and community members who reached out with questions, concerns, and ultimately support as they worked to clarify this situation.
They remain committed to the Orthodox Jewish community and to the principle of achdus that must bind the Jewish people together, especially in these challenging times.
For those who wish to discuss this matter further or who have questions, the Wallaces welcome respectful communication at bdwallace@gmail.com.
B’kavod,
Judy and Brian Wallace