Baruch Goldstein
(1948 - 2008)

" I only learned of Baruch's passing this evening, in an email from another old friend of mine who's been "catching me up" on news of my past JFJ colleagues & co-workers. I am deeply shocked, as I had really not kept in touch, so I knew nothing of his illness, either. It hurts that I got no chance to express my gratitude to Baruch, or even be helpful in any way during his last days and years on earth. But I rejoice as I picture him in heaven, happily making jokes, playing gentle pranks, and looking down on the rest of us with love. And laughing at the knowledge that he's gotten to a perfect place while we're all just running around, living our less-than-perfect lives. I can almost hear the glee in his voice, calling down to friends and family, that we don't know what we're missing...
I cannot begin to express the ways in which Baruch touched my life, and my walk with the Lord, but it is enough to say that his memory is indelibly imprinted, almost since the moment of my salvation. This world and I shall miss his presence immensely, and I send my sincerest wishes for comfort to his family and close friends. There is, was, and can only be one Baruch Goldstein, and heaven is, of course, all the richer for it. As we all were for knowing you.

Susan (aka: Shayna) Turner-Lelin
"

"For a dear brother…

Baruch was both a blessing and a catalyst in my life and ministry. The two of us couldn’t be more different. “Your nickname was Gentle Ben,” he once kidded me, adding, “people had other words to describe me.” Well, here are a few words that come to mind when I remember Baruch: dedicated, fiercely loyal, determined, faithful and awfully funny.

During my first assignment in NYC, I saw the incredible focus that allowed him to accomplish goals with single-minded intensity. Like so many, I was in awe of his incredible capacity to motivate and direct the skills and talents of believers. One time during a NYC campaign I heard him speak on Nehemiah3: 20 “Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the angle to the entrance of the house of Eliashib the high priest.” (The KJV says he’s “earnestly” making repairs.) Baruch projected himself into the text, imagining this Baruch, like himself, resolved to do his part; and then urged us to rebuild the spiritual walls of a new Jerusalem.

There’s another story that I think Baruch would want me to tell. In the early 90’s I stepped out of ministry—feeling burned out and deeply aware (as I had once been so sure of my calling) that my time as a congregational planter had ended. I had to stop and regroup. When I shared that decision with him, confidentially saying that I felt this was the best decision for my wife and young child, he replied, “I got that advice years ago…But what would I do for a living?” Looking back, I wonder what would have happened if this man, who knew how to appear so strong and invincible (like too many fallen brothers and sisters) had taken the “time apart” that he needed.
But I also thank God for the impact that he had on my life and on others who seized hold of his courage and vision—and at a later time we had such an assured and loving relationship that when he was lying in a hospital bed he made sure to connect with me by phone to say that I was still in his thoughts and to hear that he was still lovingly in mine.
I’m sure, Baruch, you fully grasp Paul’s words: “I press on to take hold of that for which Messiah Yeshua took hold of me. … Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Messiah Yeshua.” (Phil. 3: 12-14)
That’s your message, “look heavenward.” I know we’ll embrace again on a distant shore. I’ll look into your face and see peace in your eyes along and that sly little smile. Until then, shalom.
"

"One day I was walking out of a bookstore in Greenwich Village in NYC and I heard a voice speaking to me. I turned and there was a gorilla, or rather, Baruch Goldstein disguised as a gorilla. He had rented a gorilla suit like they use in the jungle movies and he was handing out Jews for Jesus tracts in Greenwich Village. He said, "Would you like one, Phil." I said, "Sure, Baruch. You don't fool me. I'd know you anywhere!" I always loved him and always saw him as my friend. Thank God for his salvation and his wonderful ministry that touched countless lives. No one was like him. No one will ever be like him."

"I got to know Baruch through JFJ NY Branch in 1986 and 1987. He was my Summer Campaign and NY Branch Leader. He was very nice and strong like a army himself, each time he was jogging. I love to watch him to confront counter-missionaries & policemen during the sorties. May God bless his ministry to the jews till he will get reward in Heaven!"

"I just came across this page and it caused me to momentary sadness...I worked as a co-laborer at J4J with Baruch in NYC, in the 80's. I was a young Messianic Jew and he was such a blessing to my life. I illustrated some of the tracts at that time...Baruch was so helpful as I studied the Word diligently, desiring more of Yeshua in my life. I will never forget his humor...and I look forward to seeing him in Glory...where my parents and younger brother are now (all Messianic believers). Shalom, mishpochah...Shalom until we meet again...Baruch HaShem!"

"Baruch, thank you for taking me broadsiding with you in down town Phoenix and at the Arizona State University. It won't be long till we see you soon."

"Regardless of weather
you asked to be bold
we served together with faith in Zion.
The ground we stood on may be far away.
You have shown, redeemed, and won
Still your fight has brightened my dawn
Thank you Baruch, simply from Ron
"

"I miss that beard of his, and his fiery passion for the Brit Chadasha and Yeshua."