Rabbi Schneider

Kirt A. Schneider
Born (1953-11-18) 18 November 1953
Other namesMessianic Rabbi Schneider
Known forHost of “Discovering the Jewish Jesus”; founder of “Taking the Rainbow Back” movement
TitleRabbi; Evangelist; Author
WebsiteRabbiSchneider.com

Kirt A. Schneider (born 18 November 1953) is an American Messianic Jewish minister, author, and evangelist. He is best known as the founder and host of the television and radio ministry “Discovering the Jewish Jesus” and as founder of the international movement “Taking the Rainbow Back”.

Early life and conversion

Schneider was raised in a Jewish‑American background in Beachwood, Ohio. According to his biography, in 1978 he experienced a vision of Jesus on the cross, which led him to study the New Testament and dedicate his life to evangelism.[1][2]

Ministry and work

In the early 1980s, Schneider founded his ministry “Discovering the Jewish Jesus”, which produces television and radio programs reportedly reaching over one hundred million homes in the United States and in nearly two hundred countries.[3][4] In 2023 he launched the movement “Taking the Rainbow Back”, described as a response to the appropriation of rainbow symbolism by LGBTQ activism and a call for the body of Christ to reclaim the symbol.[5] Schneider has authored multiple books including Awakening to Messiah: A Supernatural Discovery of the Jewish Jesus, Self‑Deliverance, Decoding the Torah, and Do Not Be Afraid.[6] Schneider notes he did not become a rabbi through the traditional route of attending an Orthodox yeshivah, but as a teacher who inspires more than a million people, he considers himself a rabbi to them.[7]

Theological focus

Schneider’s teachings emphasize the Jewish roots of Christianity, the continuity between the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament, spiritual warfare, and end‑times readiness of the church.[8][9][10]

Reception and criticism

While Schneider’s ministry has gained a significant following within evangelical and Messianic Christian circles, it has also attracted critique. Some Jewish commentators and online critics dispute his use of the title “rabbi” and challenge the theological authenticity of his Messianic identity.[11][12][13]

Selected publications

  • Awakening to Messiah: A Supernatural Discovery of the Jewish Jesus (2012)
  • Self‑Deliverance: How to Gain Victory Over the Powers of Darkness
  • Decoding the Torah
  • Called to Breakthrough

References

  1. ^ Tanduyan, Kriza Jo (2024-02-05). "Messianic Rabbi Schneider: 'Miracles Cannot Sustain Our Faith'". Christian Learning & News. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  2. ^ Trivett, Abby (2025-05-08). "Spiritual War Over Gender? Rabbi Schneider Reveals What's Really Happening". Charisma Magazine Online. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  3. ^ "Rabbi Schneider - A Jewish Believer in Jesus". Discovering The Jewish Jesus. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  4. ^ Trivett, Abby (2025-01-13). "Rabbi Kirt Schneider: A Warning for 2025". Charisma Magazine. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  5. ^ "Taking the Rainbow Back". Taking the Rainbow Back. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  6. ^ Trivett, Abby (2023-12-21). "Rabbi Schneider Reveals Supernatural Encounter With Angel". Charisma Magazine Online. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  7. ^ Eichner, Itamar (November 5, 2019). "Kirt Schneider: The Millionaire Trying To Sell Messianic Judaism To The World". Jewish Business News. Ynet News. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  8. ^ Learning, Christian (2021-12-07). "Messianic Rabbi Tells His Riveting Story Of Faith And Triumph". Christian Learning & News. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  9. ^ "Leaving It All Behind for Jesus". CBN. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  10. ^ "Thousands in Nigeria celebrate Hanukkah | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2019-12-15. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  11. ^ Nwafor (2025-07-11). "Rabbi Schneider set to ignite Nsukka with 'Wonder in the City' crusade". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  12. ^ "Nsukka Gears Up for Unprecedented Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Wonder in the City. – THISDAYLIVE". Retrieved 2025-10-25.
  13. ^ Reporter, Our (2024-12-02). "Enduring peace vital for sustainable development, says Oborevwori". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-10-25.