The Jewish Department was a hallmark distinctive of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles since the days of the founders. Jewish Ministries ranked among the top priorities for evangelism and outreach.
Jewish Work was the deliberate project of evangelizing Jews, overseen by the Jewish Department from the earliest period at Biola. It was deeply connected with Biola's dispensationalist commitments. http://www2.biola.edu/kingsbusiness/view/1/2/16
William Blackstone was known internationally as a Christian Zionist, and he played an integral role in funding Biola per a mutual agreement that the Jewish Department would never cease to exist. A plaque in Rosemead testifies to Biola's commitment to Jewish studies and evangelism as well as to Blackstone's generosity and desire that the people of Israel might be saved.
The "primary object" of the Jewish Department was "twofold: first, to give special training to the students assigned to it in presenting the Gospel message to the Hebrew people; second, to strive by the help of God while receiving the training to win as many souls to Christ as possible." Aspects of training included "public meetings, visitation work in homes and hospitals, distribution of tracts, Gospel, and Scripture portions, children's clubs, lantern lectures in Jewish homes, mothers' club, street and vacant lot meetings," as well as "instruction in Jewish religion, customs, manners and ideals." Students also examined Messianic prophecies "from the Jewish point of view in order that the student may present the Gospel message to the Hebrew in the most efficient and least offensive manner."The Biolan 1928, p 87.
The first leader of the department was Mrs. Lillie (Meyer) Manson.
In the 1920's David L. Cooper served as the Superintendent of the Jewish Department. The department focused on three aspects of Jewish ministry: 1) training in using and understanding the Scriptures; 2) instruction in Jewish religion, customs, manners and ideals; and 3) evangelism to the Jewish people.
As you can see below, the Jewish Department was vibrant and lively through Biola's history. This popular field integrated academics with ministry, theology with biography, and grafts with the olive tree.
Department Publications
In May 1910, "An interesting meeting was held in the Auditorium last month. Some twenty-five Jewish Christians, together with Jewish friends, and others, were present. Short addresses were made by Messrs. Sammis, Pratt and Lev, and a number of the converts bore testimony to the blessedness of the faith in Christ. Light refreshments were served, and an enjoyable season of Christian social fellowship followed. The Jewish work is being wonderfully blessed, and Mrs. Manson and Mr. Friedman are having many open doors to Jewish homes."
Report from the Jewish Department in 1909
Report from the Jewish Department in 1911
Report from the Jewish Department in 1912
Report from the Jewish Department in 1914
Report from the Jewish Department in 1927
Report from the Jewish Department in 1938
Report on the Jewish Department in 1940
Report from the Jewish Department in 1942