Called to Controversy (by Ruth Rosen) - A book review

Called to Controversy is a book about Moishe Rosen, the founder of Jews for Jesus. The book is an honest look at Moishe from his youth through his leadership of the foremost mission organization to Jewish people. The book detailed Moishe’s early life, conversion, educational journey, early ministry, and then the founding of Jews for Jesus. I really appreciated the authentic approach of this biography. There was no sense in which the book felt like a “rose-colored” eulogy, but conversely, it felt like an honest summary of a man passionate about Jewish evangelism. Moishe was pictured as a man of God committed to the cause, but not without his flaws. This approach to biography was refreshing and offered a more realistic look at ministry and organizational leadership. While there were times that I wish the book gave a clearer picture of what and how Moishe taught the Bible, the book did give a detailed look at the inner workings of Jews for Jesus as an organization. The passion and commitment came through clearly and the book concluded with reflections back across Moishe’s life. The coverage of the time after Moishe’s retirement was especially insightful as the author included many of Moishe’s introspections of his own life and ministry. Ultimately, Moishe’s commitment to preaching the Good News to the Jewish people shined through this book and ministered to me as a significant encouragement. I think this little poem written by Moishe most succinctly summarizes the heart of the book. “Our love cannot preserve itself nor our rightness last. O Lord, love us and we shall be loved and love. Keep us right till we are right with you.”


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.