May: Who is a Jew?

Patrice Fischer, D.Min. – Dr. Patrice Fischer was born near Rochester, NY. She has degrees from Northwestern University, Trinity International University, and the University of South Florida, including post-graduate study both in the US and Israel. She has helped establish two Messianic synagogues and has taught at both the university and seminary level. Patrice presently serves as Professor of Hebrew Language and Literature at St. Petersburg Seminary and Yeshiva, where she has taught since 1984. Patrice also functions as a zaken at Congregation Ohr Chadash in Clearwater, FL. She is the Chair of the Theology Committee of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. Among other written contributions, Patrice co-authored THE DISTORTION and wrote chapters for two books, VOICES OF MESSIANIC JUDAISM and THE ENDURING PARADOX.

Patrice has been married to John since 1972; they have two adult children and four grandchildren.

John Fischer PhD – Born in Budapest, Hungary, Rabbi Dr. John Fischer is part of a family who miraculously survived the Holocaust.  He has six university degrees, specializing in the areas of Judaic studies and Biblical studies. He serves as Rabbi of Congregation Ohr Chadash, a Messianic synagogue in Florida, Academic Vice President of St. Petersburg Seminary and Yeshiva, and Rosh Yeshiva at Netzer David International Yeshiva. John was one of the UMJC’s original founders, served as its first Vice President, and is the Union’s most recent past president. He is also the author of numerous articles and books, including L’CHAIM, THE ENDURING PARADOX, SIDDUR FOR MESSIANIC JEWS, among others.

Drs. Patrice and John have spoken and taught repeatedly throughout the United States and around the world, including Israel, Russia, France, Germany, Hungary, Canada, Brazil, Holland, South Africa, the Philippines, and the Ukraine.