Who is Steve Maltz?

My Background

I’m Steve Maltz, a British author passionate about making complex topics—like the Bible, Jewish roots of Christianity, Israel, and the Hebraic mindset—accessible and engaging. I write with a touch of humour to reach a broad audience.

I come from a non-practising Jewish background but believe in Jesus. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats, from web consultant to tour guide, systems analyst, and author. I co-founded Saltshakers, a Christian ministry, and launched the Foundations conferences, which explore the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith.

Saltshakers

Saltshakers started in the mid-1990s as one of the first Christian ministries on the internet, dedicated to teaching the Jewish roots of Christianity. Over time, we’ve remained committed to this mission, embracing the concept of the "One New Man" (Ephesians 2), where Jews and Gentiles are united in faith.

My journey led me to explore not just the historical connections between Christianity and Judaism but also the Hebraic mindset—a way of thinking that aligns with how Jesus and His disciples saw the world. The key is not just learning about Jewish traditions but reclaiming a biblical way of thinking, which has been lost due to Greek influences in the Church.

Purpose

My mission is simple: to glorify God by helping the Church rediscover its Hebraic heritage. This is not about making everyone follow Jewish customs but about restoring the richness of faith that the early Church had.

Many Christians are skeptical about this. Some fear legalism, while others don’t see the need to re-examine Church history. Meanwhile, some in the Hebrew Roots movement go too far, emphasizing Jewish practices over the message of Jesus. I aim for a balanced approach, which I call Hebraic Church—returning to our biblical foundations without rejecting the Church’s Gentile contributions.

I also believe in sensitivity. Some believers feel comfortable using “Yeshua” instead of “Jesus,” while others celebrate Easter and Christmas despite their pagan roots. My focus isn’t to condemn but to help Christians understand the richness of their faith in ways they can embrace.

What is Hebraic Church?

I first explored this topic in 2008 when I examined how Greek philosophy shaped Christian thought. Over time, I realized that the Church had lost its original biblical mindset, replacing it with rigid doctrines and institutional structures.

Is Hebraic Church a Cult?

Absolutely not! Hebraic faith is about freedom, not legalism. At our Foundations conferences, attendees experience this freedom—worshiping, praying, discussing Scripture, and expressing their faith in ways that feel natural and joyful.

Does it Mean Becoming Jewish?

No, and I want to be clear about this. Some groups focus on outward Jewish customs—wearing prayer shawls, keeping kosher, etc.—but that’s not my emphasis. I’m more concerned with how we think about God and faith. Ephesians 2:11-18 speaks of the “One New Man,” where Jews and Gentiles unite in Christ.

That said, observing the Sabbath, feasts, or Torah isn’t wrong, but it’s a personal choice. Romans 14 teaches us not to judge one another on these matters. My goal is to encourage understanding, not create division.

So, What is Hebraic Church?

Being Hebraic means seeing faith as a journey, not a set of rigid rules. The Greek mindset, which shaped much of Church history, values structure and absolute answers, whereas the Hebraic mindset embraces exploration, questioning, and learning.

In Jewish tradition, faith is lived out dynamically—through discussion, debate, and experience. This is how Jesus taught! Rather than focusing on theology as an intellectual exercise, Hebraic believers seek a real, living relationship with God.

Is There an Israel Connection?

Yes! The Church often overlooks God’s covenant with Israel, but it’s central to the biblical story. Genesis 12:3 declares, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” This promise still stands today.

Many Christians are unaware of Israel’s spiritual significance, and I believe that Hebraic-minded believers should educate the Church about it rather than separating themselves.

It’s All About God

At its heart, being Hebraic means putting God back at the center of the Church by:

  • Seeing Jesus in His Jewish context.

  • Reading the Bible as God’s direct message, rather than through Church traditions.

  • Correcting historical Church errors regarding the Jewish people.

  • Restoring joy, depth, and life to Christian faith.

I believe that faith is about living out biblical truths, not just studying them. Too often, Christianity becomes about following systems and doctrines rather than actually walking with God. My goal is to help believers return to the source—God Himself.

It’s Nothing New

The Hebraic mindset isn’t a new movement—it’s the oldest way of following God. The early Jewish believers worshiped freely, met in homes, and lived out their faith dynamically.

However, when Constantine institutionalized Christianity, it became structured and distant from its Jewish roots. Over time, it lost the spontaneity and intimacy that defined the first-century Church. My goal is not to recreate Judaism but to restore a way of thinking that was always meant to be part of the Christian faith.

Living It Out

A few years ago, someone emailed me, asking why Saltshakers didn’t observe the Sabbath. This question made me realize how important it is to introduce Hebraic faith in a way the wider Church can embrace.

That’s why our Foundations conferences are designed to provide an accessible experience of Hebraic faith. We include:

  • Davidic dance and Messianic worship, but also traditional hymns and modern Christian music.

  • Teachings on Israel and the Jewish people, but also broader themes like holiness and discipleship.

  • A welcoming, open environment, where people can explore faith without pressure.

At its core, Hebraic faith isn’t about rituals or exclusivity—it’s about discovering the richness of Christianity as it was meant to be.

My book Livin’ the Life expands on these ideas, offering practical insights into how believers can restore depth, joy, and authenticity to their faith. I believe this is a critical moment in history—a time for the Church to rediscover its true identity and walk in the fullness of God’s truth.

My message is one of restoration, freedom, and joy—reclaiming what was lost, embracing what God intended, and ultimately bringing a smile to His face.

Steve