What's a Jewish Blog?

Rabbi,

I was thinking of the previous blog "Virtual Talmud", which was a semi-protected space, where non-Jews could post, but where non-Jewish opinion would not be allowed to monopolize the conversation and basically dictate how how a conversation about Jewish theology would go.

It's an uncomfortable feeling to read a post about a Jewish take on a topic and then discover one is the minority.

Kirk Cameron is a born again, conservative Xian. Whether we like it or not, that brand of Xianity is belligerent, if not outright hostile to Judaism (leaving aside the questionable reasons why they support Israel, which of course is of little actual use to me as an American). If a rabbi starts a topic, shouldn't there be a "safe" place for Jews to discuss the topic? If the topic stays civil, and people respect the Jewish viewpoint, that's fine. But if I suddenly have to read about supercessionism and how we're going to hell, I'm going to leave.

Scott,
I am so pleased that you are still with us. We need your voice, your comments and your perspective. And I pleadge that this will remain a "safe" space, if by safe you mean reasonably respectful and never threatening. But it will not be exclusively Jewish, and will often provide a forum for objectionable views, some from Jews and some from Gentiles.

The Jewishness of this space is not guaranteed by the exclusivity of the Jewish voices found here, or by tha acceptability (to some Jews) of the views offered here. It will be a function of the concern about Jewish ideas, issues, and perspectives that are featured here. And those can, do, and I hope will continue to include a wide range of participants from a variety of backgrounds.

You will read about many things that bother you, because of that range. But I trust that you are strong enough for that and that you will trust that strenth as well.

It's been my observation that when people start becoming defensive of their religion they take their eyes off God. As a Christian I have to say those of my faith are often very bad at that and I apologize for them, if such a thing can be done.

Honest dialogue with respect and without rancor opens doors, and to be honest there are more similarities between our belief structures than differences. It completely puzzles me how Christians can separate themselves - to claim belief in Jesus as the Messiah you have to accept the specialness of the Israelite nation to God and that our place in God's Salvation was secured through His work through that nation - we ride on the coattails, so to speak.

Either way of believing places Israel as God's people - for Christians to argue that point shows a complete ignorance of the God and the teachings they claim to believe in!

Jeremiah Price

Rabbi,
I am a completed Jew, one who now believes Y'shua is the Messiah of Israel. I only wish to receive your e-mails and teachings. Thank you.

Deborah (Debi) Land

Rabbi, thank you! Though many times I don't have comments, I read all your blogs and their comments. You are providing a very welcome and needed forum for Jews and non-Jews alike. Your openness is particularly meaningful to me. Thank you again. I look forward to your next blogging adventures.