In the past few years there have emerged some very new and trailblazing studies on Jesus and his relationship to Judaism. Pope Bendict in his newly published book, "Jesus of Nazareth", spent 18 pages addressing Jewish scholar Jacob Nuesner’s opposition to Jesus’ teachings and his interpretation of the Jewish tradition. The Pope’s words, like Neusner’s are written in the most respectful and thoughtful manner. Rabbi Waxman in his post goes further than Neusner arguing why Jews don’t need Jesus. The problem however, with Rabbi Waxman’s post is that he forgets just how much Jews in the first century did need Jesus. Yes, Neusner is correct that Jesus’ answer was wrong, but the rabbinic critique of Temple-based Judaism and Jesus’ critique of Judaism are both very similar and show how Judaism did, in some ways, need Jesus.
Both Christianity and rabbinic Judaism are outgrowths of a biblical world view that had ceased to make sense. Rabbinic Jews "heard" Jesus’ critique when they made interpersonal relationships the central aspect of religious life. There is a striking similarity between the way the Talmud argues that "Sinat Chinam" (gratuitous hatred) was the cause for the destruction of the Second Temple and the charges made by Jesus against Jewish leaders. Rabbinic Judaism moved away from the Bible’s theocentricism to a more anthropocenrtic worldview in turn mirroring much of Jesus’ challenge.
Judaism and Christianity are two very different systems of meaning. However, in order to understand one, the other is most certainly needed. Both emanate from the same roots.
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Author, radio and TV talk show host, and President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Brad Hirschfield is the author of 
Mr. Scott R.,
"The more they push their faith, the more we are forced to shred it."
Hmmm, where have I heard something like that "before?"
Wellllll, the "NT" of course.
My, my, there really is nothing new under the sun.
Now if you would please, how does the DNA/genetics "change" in an Israelite/Judahite/Jew, when they become an apostate of Judaism? (Which - by the way - is NOT something Moses implemented.)
Science if you would please? Bigotry does nothing for debate, but show your position as such.
Hi Renee, this is from Chana- I enjoyed reading your post and i can see where we share a common bond - that is very meaningful.
Thank you. I appreciate you and your sensitive sharing.
It would truly be wonderful if the world was overcome with peace!
Yes, the Chabad Orthodox believe souls are "recycled". It is a branch of Orthodox Jews who are very loving and accepting of all people and do not try to force their beliefs on anyone.
They have a fire and passion for G-d and unlike some of the other Orthodox Jews welcome any Jew into their midst regardless of level of observance or lack thereof.
I have a half brother who is a Christian and he thinks the Chabadnics are the "pentecostals"(sp?) of Judaism!
Well, they certainly are the happiest and make the most noise. I love their services, their loving kindness and their zeal for Hashem.
"HaShem means "The Name" in a very reverent and respectful way and also shares a meaning referring to G-d's mercy. Like "The Name of the Merciful One".
Please remember, as you practice your beliefs, there are Jews who honor your faith even with the really obvious differences of dogma/beliefs. We will not want to go where you go but we will be thankful for you and see you as a righteous Gentile - and please overlook it if that sounds kind of religiously "snobbish". Shalom dear heart!
If Jesus's disciples had only written down his teachings, rather than start a new religion after his crucifixion, would there be so much controversy surrounding him?
Rachel: Yes, The film *the Da Vinci Code/Dan Brown's book was on to
something* There is another book called *The Gnostic Gospels by
Elaine Pagels* that tells all about the Gospels that were written and
gotten rid of by the Council Of Nycia~There was the Gospel of Phillip,
The Gospel of Thomas,The Gospel of Mary,also the Gospels of Judas(which
has been found in Israel)which were deemed to be too controversial!
The Council got rid of these so that they could "Set the Chruch up
the way they wanted it~Woman are a major threat to them/still are"
I beleive in what the DaVinci Code had to say~ For all we do know
Jesus was married~Look at the film "The Last Temptation of Christ~
it shows that Jesus and Mary Magadelane had a relationship and that
she was with child* We will never really know but we can feel free to
question this in our minds and hearts!
Dear Chana, thank you for all that you said in response... I am most grateful and am happy to be thought of as a "righteous gentile!" That makes me smile! I guess people have moved on from this post, but I wanted to say, if you do check this out again, that "salvation comes from the Jews." You always are and forever will be God's chosen people... I can only be "grafted" into salvation, but you have it from the start! Think of that! It says somewhere that "in His name the Gentiles shall hope..." (Paraphrase) Shalom and thanks also for explaning more about Hashem and also about the Chabad Orthodox. Religion is really fascinating is it not? And then, its abuse can also cause the most horrific evils... But yipes I want to end on a positive note... God bless you! "Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself" The two greatest commandments!