The International Assembly for Netzarim Judaism (formerly the Netzarim Rabbinical Assembly) is here to function as a practical resource to support the existing and future rabbis who practice Netzarim Judaism and to uphold the principles of authentic Torah-based Judaism. As an organization we believe in an adherence to the authentic meaning of the Torah; to the rejection of any philosophies which run contrary to the Torah; and to the rejection of the idea that Talmud is equivalent to Torah or that Rabbis should be the sole interpreters of Halacha. Rather, it is the basic premise of Netzarim Judaism and the IANJ that every person should be their own halachic decisor and that each individual is ultimately responsible for their personal interpretation of Torah. To that end, we offer all of our services completely free of charge, believing that no one should profit from the Torah – a practice that almost inevitably leads to corruption.
We provide a forum for education, disseminating ideas and facilitating discussion, for our membership to examine and adapt to a changing world within the Torah-based framework that is Netzarim Judaism. We do not dictate individual or community beliefs in any way. Rather, we encourage the autonomy of every rabbi and community, while encouraging communication and inter-communion.
Our members stay connected with colleagues worldwide through private social media groups, newsletters, interactive online streaming sessions, and in-person seminars.
Services
- We offer rabbinical training and ordination for individuals who wish to study and become Netzarim rabbis.
- We offer continuing support, community, and education for our existing rabbis.
- We offer support and encouragement for the development and growth of Netzarim Judaism.
- We run our own Netzarim Jewish Beit Din which any Netzarim rabbi may volunteer for at various times.
- We facilitate conversions for people who wish to become Jewish.
A Brief History of Netzarim Judaism
Netzarim Judaism is a contemporary Jewish movement that grew out of Karaite Judaism, emphasizing the primacy of the written Torah while rejecting the binding authority of the Talmud. Its roots trace back to the Jewish countercultural movements of the 1970s, where a small group of Jews—disillusioned by the limitations of Talmudic halakha, especially concerning women’s rights—began to explore more egalitarian and scripture-focused forms of Judaism. The inclusive and decentralized ethos of Karaite Judaism offered a compelling alternative.
With the rise of the internet in the 1990s, several independent-minded rabbis from the U.S. and Israel connected and formally established the Netzarim Rabbinical Assembly. This informal yet deeply committed network sought to reclaim a Torah-centered Judaism free of excessive legalism and hierarchical control. In 2017, in order to reach a broader audience and reflect its evolving mission, the group restructured and adopted a new name: the International Assembly for Netzarim Judaism (IANJ).
While the NRM never exceeded twenty rabbinical members at its peak in 2011, it served as a vital think tank and community hub for developing and articulating Netzarim thought. Today, Netzarim Judaism continues to promote a spiritual, egalitarian, and Torah-driven path that encourages personal conscience and scriptural integrity as central to Jewish life.
We support the right of Israel to exist, and to exist as a Jewish state.
We oppose Israeli bureaucracies dictating Judaism to the world.