More than just an antisemitic trigger, the Passion film is a spiritual onslaught. Passion is fueling the evangelical search for converts, Jews in particular. Churches are mailing invitations to Jewish neighborhoods, urging us to find out how “this man who changed the world can change your life.” Some churches are buying up blocks of giveaway tickets for the unconverted, and training church members how to lead these attendees to their faith.

What is our response? Insipidly crying “anti-Semitism” just reinforces their view that Jews are obstinate and intractable vis-a-vis turn-the-other-cheek forgiveness.

The simple reply “Jews don't believe in him” is a curt dismissal to get them off your back and avoid long debates. But the most effective antidote is being a proud and knowledgeable Jew who knows that s/he knows the truth. Education is our best defense. Passionate about the Bible, Christians are highly proficient at citing chapter and verse. We should inspire our selves and our youth to learn the truth about these texts. The ignorant are vulnerable, and are at the missionaries' mercy.

Judaism is not based on emotional hype, blind faith, or superficial assumptions. Judaism rests solidly on the Revelation at Sinai to millions of eyewitnesses. We have intellectually grasped G-d's gift of the Law utilizing an orderly and analytical Talmudic system of study and research.

The average Jew must be better equipped to respond to “You must accept him as the messiah.” The “Messiah” concept is not a Christian invention. “Moshiach” is originally promised in the Torah, and his criteria are codified in the Talmud and Maimonides (Book of Judges, Kings chapters 12 and 13). Indeed, our belief in the coming of the Righteous Moshiach, may it be soon, is one of our basic Thirteen Principles of Faith. But dry facts are not enough; we must fight fire with fire. We need more Jewish passion! Judaism emphasizes Torah study, but we also have to improve our level of inspirational prayer and observance.

Deep into personal and collective prayer, Christians would regard our speedy prayers as an affront to the divine presence, and it is. They'd scan our faces for a hint of devotion and engrossed reflection, searching for a tear of repentance, a sigh of supplication, a handclap of rejoicing, and a collective voice of exaltation and find none.

They use our Psalms to compose soul stirring choruses and melodies. Shouldn't we tap more into our own fountains and vast reservoirs of Jewish energy? Evangelicals are deeply moved, heart, soul and wallet, to win the world to their faith. After the Passion fades from theaters it will continue circulating through church mailings, office and campus bible study classes, airports and bus stations, and door-to-door distribution. This is not going away easily.

We need Jewish passion infused by Torah study and observance. We must fan the fires that radiate the warmth of Judaism. This film is a wake up call, not about classic anti-Semitism, but for our spiritual and communal existence. It presents an enormous challenge and opportunity to deepen ourselves, our convictions, our knowledge, our observance and our outreach. Let us utilize the energy being generated to boost our own wattage, so that the light of Judaism will truly be the Light onto the Nations.