“This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not learn the ways of the nations” (Jeremiah 10:2).

When Israel finally entered the Promised Land, Adonai instructed them not to follow the ‘abominable practices of the nations.” The Hebrew word ‘nations’ in this verse is goy or gentiles. The Hebrew word goy also means ‘pagan.’ The pagan practices of the nations were considered abominations and Adonai hated them; the practices of pagans disgusted Him.

It is difficult to accept that most Christian holidays have pagan roots. Well-meaning pastors teach say that “God sees our hearts,” forgetting that our hearts are deceitful and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Personal experience or interpretation has become the standard for what is right and wrong, good and evil, rather than infallible the Word of God.

As a gentile who left these pagan practices and suffered through many challenges and spiritual battles, it is discouraging to hear Messianic Jewish ministries in America suggest to new Jewish followers of Yeshua that they should mix the holy and the profane as part of the restoration between Jews and gentiles. This is not supported by Torah or the Prophets; it not supported by Yeshua or Sha’ul (Paul).

We have ‘inherited lies’ and false gods are still worshiped; and defended by Christians under the pretext of “that’s not what it means to me” rather that considering “what it means to Adonai.”