Moishe Rosen, founder of Jews for Jesus and author, died May 19 in San Francisco after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 78.

The son of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who became a Christian in 1953, Rosen launched Jews for Jesus in 1973. Based in the San Francisco area, the organization gained national recognition as Rosen and his staff engaged in high-profile evangelistic activities.

Rosen, who stepped down as executive director of Jews for Jesus in 1996, wrote a number of books, including The Sayings of Chairman Moishe (Creation House); Jews for Jesus (Revell) and Christ in the Passover (Moody Publishers).

Rosen "championed the refreshing realization that one can be a Jew for Jesus while retaining one's cultural heritage," said Mark Bailey, president of Dallas Theological Seminary. "He has inspired and instructed many of us in the rich history of the Hebrew Scriptures and the Jewish foundations of our faith."

Jews for Jesus Executive Director David Brickner added that Rosen had "a tremendous influence on the field of Jewish missions, on the church and on so many who have sought to serve God in making the gospel known. He was an example to me of many things, but particularly of courage, of curiosity and commitment."

Rosen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ceil; brother Don; daughter Lyn and son-in-law, Alan; daughter Ruth; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held June 1 at First Baptist Church in San Francisco.

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