December ’07 Review
The Art of Jewish Prayer by RabbiYitzchok Kirzner
In “The Art of Jewish Prayer”, Rabbi Yitzchok Kirzner provides the reader with an inspiring and informative journey through the 18 benedictions of the Shemonei Esrei (Amidah prayer).
Kirzner prepares the reader for this refreshing journey through two introductory chapters regarding the Relevance of Jewish Prayer and Prayer as Intimate Communication. After instruction regarding the theme and structure of the Amidah, the author dedicates one chapter to each of the benedictions found in the prayer.
Each chapter is arranged in similar fashion, beginning first with the the “theme” of each benediction and then explaining the historical background, after which meanings of the words and ideas are given. Each chapter concludes with “implications” for the reader regarding applying the theme to human relationships.
This book has broadened my understanding of the Amidah prayer greatly. In reading this volume I quickly realized the great personal error of praying the 18 benedictions (especially in English) and assigning to them a 21st century understanding and Western perspective they were never meant to have.
Through Rabbi Kirzner I have been introduced to the actual Biblical events upon which each of the 18 benedictions are formulated, and have a broader and deeper understanding of the themes and meanings behind each one.
The only drawback of this book is its deep and introspective content, which makes it impossible to read more than one chapter at a time. This is the type of book you have to “chew on” for a while in order to really digest all the richness of each chapter. Trying to read multiple chapters in one sitting is like trying to eat an entire cheesecake at one time!
For this reason, I’ll admit that even though I am giving this review, I haven’t yet finished the book. I’m making my way slowly through it, one chapter at a time, and enjoying every moment of it!
In a nutshell: Rich and inspiring instruction and insights regarding the Amidah prayer, in a devotional format that makes reading multiple chapters difficult. Take this one slow and enjoy!
November ’07 Review
Meet The Rabbis; Rabbinic Thought and the Teachings of Jesus by Brad H. Young
I saw this book recommended on one of the Messianic forums I participate in, and thought it sounded interesting. Author Brad Young presents the topic of rabbinic thought and the teachings of Jesus in a three part format. Part I “An Introduction to Rabbinic Thought” contains teachings and ideas that anyone who has spent any time studying from a Messianic perspective will be familiar with, including the fact that the Torah is more than “law” and comparisons between the Sermon on the Mount and rabbinic teachings found int he Talmud.
In part two “Introduction to Rabbinic Literature” Young does an excellent job of presenting and explaining the composition of the Talmud and its history. Young also provides clear teaching regarding the midrashic literature and explains the difference between the Tannaitic and Amoraic midrashim. Part two includes a “sampler” of rabbinic thought for the reader to consider including the Pirkei Avot, the Amidah Prayer, and Maimonides Thirteen Principles of Jewish Faith.
Part three “Introduction to the Rabbis”, begins with a delightful chapter in which biographical snippets of the major rabbis in Talmudic literature are presented. Working backward in time, brief biographies of the Amoraic and Tannaitic masters are presented, ending with a lengthier biographical section on Hillel the Elder.
Young concludes this work by revisiting the teachings of the greatest of rabbi’s, Jesus, and his Sermon on the Mount. Young compares historic Christian viewpoints of this sermon as being a utopian standard (Kingdom of Heaven) that cannot be acheived, to the rabbinic perspective that the Kingdom of Heaven involves performance of the commandments and acting on faith, which is to be the goal and lifestyle of those truly “in the Kingdom”.
With the rabbinic understanding that “commandments” not “creeds” is the focus of Jesus’ teachings, Young expounds further on major themes found in the Sermon on the Mount, including “turning the other cheek” and “feeding one’s enemies”. Young ends with thoughts from the rabbis regarding the balance between Torah learning and action.
Though I was skeptical after reading the first few chapters of this book , that I had come across yet another volume of Messianic basics filled with the well-worn teachings that the Torah is not “law”, that Jesus did not abolish the Torah, and would prove it with Talmudic quotes that parallel the Sermon on the Mount, I found my skepticism soon proven wrong.
Young’s teaching on the Talmud and especially his explanation of the Midrashic literature is the clearest and most concise that I have come across so far. His message is not one that attempts to merely “interest” the average Christian reader with rabbinic thought that is “close” to Jesus’ teachings, but one that warns against the most serious flaw in orthodox Christianity which focuses on creeds instead of commandments.
My only criticism in Young’s presentation involves a short chapter entitled “Both Torahs were Revealed on Mt. Sinai” in which he briefly explains the role and importance of the Oral and Written Torahs in Judaism, but blantantly avoids affirming the Oral Torah even though accounts of Jesus own lifestyle in the gospels clearly prove the legitimacy of the oral instructions as handed down from Moses.
In a nutshell: A valuable resource for understanding not only the content, but also the context and history of rabbinic thought. The most clear and concise instruction regarding the Talmud and Midrashic literature I have come across so far.
October ’07 Review
Everyday Holiness (The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar) by Alan Morinis
After completing Chesbon Ha’Nefesh I was ready to begin the first step of “Accounting of the Soul” through further study of Mussar (positive soul characteristic) traits as written and expounded upon by others. In considering a plethora of Mussar writings both classic and current, this book caught my attention.
The fact that the author is a television and film producer, raised an immediate red-flag in considering the credibility of someone from “Hollywood” to expound upon issues of the soul and holiness. Yet, after reading numerous previews of the book online, I found myself drawn to its clear and simple style in explaining Mussar and highlighting of 17 positive character traits. So I took a chance and got the book on loan through the library.
I’m happy to say I have not been dissapointed. Everyday Holiness is just as its name describes, a clear and inspiring introduction to the Jewish spiritual path known as Mussar.
Morinis begins by explaining his own spiritual journey and “accounting of his soul” that came after huge dissapointments and disillusionments in the midst of tremendous success in the realm of Hollywood. After studying with a Mussar master rabbi for several years, Morinis desired to write this book in an effort to introduce the “lay person” to the benefits of Mussar.
Morinis does a wonderful job in defining and explaining the practice and history of mussar, as well as, giving introductory (and necessary) teaching regarding the make-up of man (nefesh, neshamah, yetzer ra, yetzer tov). Morinis then expounds upon 17 positive soul traits drawing from classic as well as contemporary mussar sources.
The final section of the book encompasses “the route” of Mussar and Morinis’ own plan for incorporating practice into everyday life. Morinis draws heavily from the original plan of practice given by Rabbi Mendel in Chesbon HaNefesh, using a system of 13 weekly, as well as monthy, and yearly “accountings”.
However, Morinis’ differs from Mendel in how to get started. Chesbon HaNefesh encourages the reader to thoroughly study mussar in order to know “inside and out” the characteristics of each soul trait (in order to identify one’s own characteristics that are lacking). Morinis instead suggests that individual soul traits that need to be developed can be discovered through nightly journaling and reflection on daily events in comparison with soul traits listed in the book.
Once 13 traits that need developing have been identified, the student is then encouraged to focus or “work on” one trait per week, and to read further mussar literature regarding that individual trait, during the week it is being considered. The appendix of the book includes a “soul trait inventory” which lists and define in one sentence, over 50 various characteristics of the soul.
In a nutshell: Don’t let the Hollywood status of the author scare you away! A helpful introduction to daily holy living through a somewhat modernized interpretation of Mussar. A valuable resource for the layman.
September ’07 Review
Chesbon Ha-Nefesh by Rabbi Mendel of Sanatov
Written in 1812, Chesbon Ha-Nefesh (Accounting of the Soul), is a classic work regarding the Jewish discipline of Mussar (character development). Rabbi Mendel introduces his system for self-improvement by explaining the relationship between the human “animal spirit” (nephesh ha-behamis) and the human “intellectual spirit”. Just as a human master can tame, train and condition an animal, so Mendel conjectures that in like manner man can train and condition the “animal spirit” within.
After giving teachings regarding the workings of the “animal spirit” vs. the workings of the “intellectual spirit” and admonitions against being too lax or too cruel in the process, Mendel then goes into detail regarding his step by step process of character development, which he unabashedly believes will be as revolutionary as “the printing press”.
After studying and selecting 13 middos (character traits) that need to be developed and strengthened, the reader is instructed on the making of weekly, seasonal and yearly charts in order to keep an accounting of one’s progress step by step. Mendel also makes suggestions regarding potential pitfalls and stumbling blocks that one may encounter along the way.
The final section of the book contains 13 suggested character traits and short essays regarding the essence of each trait. An additional five middos are included in an addendum to the book, as well as sample charts.
Because this book is translated from the Hebrew and was written in the early 1800′s, the English at times seems antiquated and unfamiliar. In explaining the preparation for the various charts used in the system, the translator neglected to take into consideration that English readers would construct a chart from left to right, rather than right to left, which can get somewhat confusing. I could only find this book available for sale in a “pocket size” version which made reading the tiny font a strain on my middle-age eyes, even with glasses on.
All in all, this book is a classic system that I hope to incorporate into my own life, after reading other sources and becoming more familiar with the system of Mussar. This book requires a general knowledge of Rabbinic teachings regarding human nature and the roles of the nephesh, neshamah, yetzer ra,and yetzer tov. Those who have not had at least a basic introduction to these concepts will find themselves in unfamiliar and confusing territory.
In a nutshell: A classic and concise method of character development in the Mussar style. Not for those unfamiliar with traditional Rabbinic teachings regarding the make-up of man.
August ’07 Review
A Code of Jewish Ethics, You Shall Be Holy, by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
In this 550+ page volume, Rabbi Telushkin presents the first of a three volume series involving the major code of Jewish ethics to be written in the English language. With a heart’s desire to restore ethics to its central role in Judaism, Telushkin provides the reader with an amazingly clear and concise work incorporating more than 3000 years of Jewish laws and suggestions on how to improve one’s character and become more honest, decent and just.
The book is written in an outline style in which the five major topics (TheTask of a Lifetime, Basic Virtues and Vices, Fair Speech, Leading a Holy Life, God and Ethics) are broken down into subtopic chapters. Each chapter contains enumerated details regarding teachings and practical suggestions for living out what is taught. Interspersed among the enumerations are plentiful illustrations from modern examples as well as historical sources (such as the Torah and Talmud).
This is by far the best book I have read the entire year, and has opened my eyes to the demands and details of living a truly ethical life. The only drawback is that this book is so jam packed with wisdom and insights that it is impossible to read only once.
After marking important points on just about every one of the 500 pages I plan to review and consider those points again, on a month to month basis over the next 12 months. This will be a good way to keep my mind focused as I await the release of the second volume in this series “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”.
This was the second of Telushkin’s book that I initially got on loan through my local library and inevitably ended up purchasing for myself!
In a nutshell: An invaluably clear and concise resource regarding the demands and challenges of ethical living. Best book I have read all year!!
July ’07 Review
Who Do You Say That I Am? Defending a Messianic Christology
Because I am in the midst of reading a 550 page volume on Jewish Ethics, this month I will review an audio series I recently purchased from First Fruits of Zion. “Who Do You Say That I am?” is part one of the “To Whom Shall We Go?” audio series that addresses topics which involve the growing phenomenon of Messianic believers converting to mainstream Judaism.
In this two CD set, speaker Daniel Lancaster begins with a discussion regarding why conversion to mainstream Judaism is not a good option for believers in Yeshua. Lancaster explores psychological issues such as longing to be identified with the people of G-d, and a desire to find permission to keep the whole Torah, as being the impetus behind Gentile believers converting to Judaism.
Despite the psychological issues and tensions of being part of a movement that is not welcomed by Judaism or mainstream Christianity, Lancaster frankly states that Messianic believers who convert are practicing dishonesty, and that renunciation of Yeshua (even by those who inwardly believe in him as Messiah but rationalize that they are simply renouncing the “Christian” Jesus), is an outright rejection of the gospel. Using the book of Galatians, Lancaster goes on to define the motivation of a believer who converts as “seeking approval in the eyes of men”.
Amidst this first lecture, Lancaster throws in some unusual Christological thoughts regarding the mass exodus of disciples found in John 6, by proposing that Yeshua’s audience understood his words that he “came down from heaven” as meaning that he (personally) descended mysteriously directly out of heaven.
In the second teaching set Lancaster attempts to tackle the anti-missionary rejection of the divinity of Yeshua by presenting Yeshua’s divine nature within the context of “traditional” Judaism. Lancaster suggests that the Apostolic Scriptural understanding of Yeshua is within the classical norms of Judaism, even though it is a “deal-breaker” within modern Judaism today. Lancaster then presents teachings on the meaning of “son of G-d” as expressing that Yeshua’s “oneness” with G-d does not equal “sameness” with G-d. Followed by a teaching on “Logos” as a word used to express Yeshua as an “extension of G-d’s being and purpose”, “a seperate entity”, yet “not disconnect from G-d”.
Unfortunately at the end of all his efforts in this second lecture, Lancaster admits that despite his explanations things are not “any clearer to us” regarding the divine nature of Yeshua, which will always remain a “deal-breaker” in the eyes of practicing Jews, and an unsearchable mystery in the eyes of beleivers themselves.
The the final session of the CD emphasizes the importance of using “biblical language” rather than formulated creeds in describing the nature and person of Yeshua. This statement is followed by Lancaster reading verbatim numerous Apostolic scripture passages that speak of Yeshua’s role and person.
I found this CD set to be both an inspiring and incomplete. Lancaster’s first lecture on the tensions and motivation involved in Gentile conversions to Judaism hit some issues and emotions that I have personally dealt with in a journey that is often lonely and tense as one who believes in Yeshua and is attempting to live by Torah. Lancaster’s concluding point in the first lecture that “I have no interest or preference for Judaism beyond Yeshua of Nazareth”, summed up some of my own struggles and thoughts perfectly, and left me inspired.
However, the main goal of this CD set to, “defend a Messianic Christology”, fell very short, in my opinion. Using “biblical language only” in considering the nature and person of Yeshua is a noble goal. However, when one’s viewpoint is informed by Orthodox Christian credal beliefs regarding Yeshua as divine, inevitably the biblical language will be interpreted and understood in that framework even if credal language is not employed. This will always be a “deal-breaker” in the eyes of devout Jews, as well as those who define their understanding of Yeshua based on literal, plain meaning of scripture alone, including myself.
In a nutshell: Inspiring teaching regarding the psychological and scriptural realities of believers converting to Judaism. An incomplete attempt to show that the Orthodox Christian understanding of Yeshua as divine is within the corpus of “traditional” Judaism.
June ’07 Book Review
Is There Death after Life? by Graeser, Lynn, Schoenheit
After seeing the subject of immortality of the soul vs. mortality of the soul bantered about on Messianic forums I participate in, I found myself curious to read and study further regarding the view that the soul is not immortal. I started with this book because of familiarity with the style of Graeser, Lynn and Schoenheit and their focus on Scripture alone in investigating issues/doctrines (as with their book One God & One Lord).
The authors do an excellent job of showing from Scripture the error of beleiving that there is a conscious existence in the presence of G’d/Jesus in “paradise” after death. If such were true, then there would be no need for the resurrection of the dead or reuniting of the soul with a perfected body because the goal of the resurrection would already have been attained through death. The authors connect the belief in a conscious post-death existence with the original lie of HaSatan that ”you will not surely die”.
A clear exegesis regarding “sheol” as the state of being dead, or “gravedom” was very helpful in understanding the error of translating “sheol” as “hell” in English. The authors explain that the modern concept of going to “heaven” or “hell” upon death is rooted in the teachings of Philo and Greek mythological understanding regarding the underworld rather than plain scriptural meaning of “sheol”.
However, the book is not without it’s errors and confusions mainly due to ignorance regarding the Rabbinic definition of the soul of man. The author’s state that “the Hebraic understanding of the human being was that his body and soul were totally integrated and neither could exist without the other”.
This shows a complete misunderstanding regarding the fundamental Jewish/Hebraic belief of nephesh and neshamah (scripturally based in the Genesis account) and that man is a biunity. Because the authors define man as an inseparable integration of body and spirit they argue that when a person dies both body and soul cease to exist.
By strict definition this viewpoint could be classified as annihilationism even though the authors prefer to call it “conditional immortality” based on the fact that at the resurrection of the dead only those who are “in Messiah” will be granted eternal life.
According to the authors, all people will experience the resurrection from the dead, yet, those who are not “in Messiah” will not be resurrected in a perfected/glorified body. Instead, those who are not found to be in the Lamb’s book of Life will experience “Gehennah” which is equivalent to the “Lake of Fire” in which both their body and their soul will be completely annihilated in unquenchable fire and they will cease to exist.
This is confusing and irrational thinking. If the body and soul cease to exist at death, isn’t the punishment of Gehennah accomplished in death? Why would G’d raise the wicked dead who are already annihilated in order to just annihilate them again?
The final chapter of the book expounds on difficult passages of Scripture that are used to defend the immortality of the soul. The author’s well intentioned exegesis is hindered by a limited, woodenly literal view of what scripture says about the soul and death that does not understand Rabbinic thought.
The main error of the book is the belief that immortality of the soul and conscious existence go hand in hand, which they do not when understanding the biunity of man and the proper role of the nephesh and neshamah.
In a nutshell: A sincere effort to understand the state of the dead based on scripture alone that is severely hindered by an ignorance of Hebraic understanding regarding the soul of man.
May ’07 Book Review
Fellow Heirs; Jew & Gentiles Together in the Family of God by Tim Hegg
Fellow Heirs is a careful and scholarly exegisis regarding the role and place of non-Jewish believers in relation to the people or “nation” of Israel. In the first two chapters Hegg begins by exploring the understanding of “foreigner” or “ger” in the Tanach, and the concept of the “proselyte” in Rabbinic literature. I found these two chapters to be quite heavy and scholarly for those who are not adept in linguistical studies. Personally, it was the heaviness of the first chapter that caused me to put the book aside and not pick it up again for over a year. It seemed too much for me at the time. I know now that was a mistake!
Beginning in chapter 3 Hegg takes on less of a linguistical approach and uses scripture brilliantly to explain and define topics such as ”covenant people”, Torah instructions regarding the “foreigner”, Gentile’s in the gospels, book of Acts, and Pauline Epistles, as well as Gentiles and circumcision.
Hegg in his presentation shows overwhelmingly that Gentiles are part of the Nation of Israel, but are not ethnic Jews. In other words, Gentiles remain distinct in identity, yet privileged to submit to the Torah in totality, through belief in the G’d of Israel.
This book is an essential read for understanding how Gentiles fit in when it comes to Torah observance and the people of Israel in general. I found it a breath of fresh and clear air amid the smog of ideas and misconceptions that are circulating in Messianic circles today regarding the role and place of non-Jewish beleivers. This book has provided me with clear and sound answers regarding “where in the Bible are Gentile’s commanded to obey Torah” and has laid to rest the endless speculation that the only way to be part of the people of Israel is to convert to Orthodox Judaism. Hegg shows that both concepts are wrong and fall flat, in the face of G’d's word.
In a nutshell: Persevere through the heavy scholarship of the first two chapters and discover a brilliant and clear gem of scriptural understanding regarding non-Jews and their role in the family of G’d.
April ’07 Book Review
The Gift of Holy Spirit, The Power to be Like Christ by Graeser,Lynn & Schoenheit
I purchased this book anticipating a treatise of the Holy Spirit based on scripture and logic alone in keeping with the scholarly style the authors used in their book “One God & One Lord”. The authors begin by pointing out the different Greek uses of “pneuma” in the Apostolic writings, and the erroneous insertion of the definite article “the” often used in conjunction with “pneuma hagion” in our English translations.
After explaining that “holy spirit” can be used to describe G’d's creative power (the Holy Spirit, capitalized) or the gift of G’d given to believers (holy spirit, lower case and with no definite article) the book quickly shifts from a scholarly work into a teaching of the authors doctrinal beliefs regarding holy spirit.
A significant percentage of the book stresses that the holy spirit is not about “gifts” but rather “manifestations”, and that every believer has the ability to display or evidence any or all of the nine manifestations of the spirit as G’d “energizes” him to do so, based on the needs of the body to be edified.
The final chapters are dedicated solely to speaking in tongues which the authors teach is necessary to prove that one is saved, and is the “witness of the resurrection of Christ to the believer”. In this final section many outrageously broad and sweeping claims are made without any effort to substantiate them with scripture or with reason.
The book quickly disintegrates into a “how to” manual regarding speaking in tongues in which the authors encourage readers to relax and simply speak out sounds as if they were speaking a foreign language. According to the authors G’d will give the willing believer the tongue of His choosing for them, which may include one of the 6000 dialects currently known to mankind, or may be a “tongue of angels” which is unknown to man and will not have an interpretation in this lifetime.
A book I anticipated would be an aid in helping me to understand holy spirit in light of scripture alone, turned out to be a book with a charismatic/dispensationalist agenda. Needless to say I was sorely disappointed.
In a nutshell: Instruction regarding the holy spirit based on a strange mix of charismatic and dispensational doctrine, rather than objective use of scripture and reason. An appalling shift from the scholarly style presented in “One God & One Lord”.
March ’07 Book Review
New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus by David Bivin
This book is a collection of articles written by Bivin for the Jerusalem Perspective (a magazine that explores the Jewish context of the gospels). The book is divided into four sections. The first, “A Jewish Rabbi named Jesus” contains articles regarding Yeshua’s education in a first century Jewish context, as well as details regarding the demands of discipleship upon a teacher and his disciples. The second section “Jesus’ First Century Jewish Context” focuses on details of 1st Century Jewish religious practice including Oral Torah, Phylacteries, The Unutterable Name of God, Jewish Prayer, and an intriquing article on “Why didn’t Jesus get Married?”. The third section “New Light on Jesus Teaching” covers many topics including “Jesus view of Pacifism” and teachings on divorce. The final section “The Kingdom in Here” covers topics ranging from “Prophet as a Messianic Title” and “The Root of the Olive Tree”.
I found Bivin’s collection in this book to be interesting and enlightening teaching. New insights regarding “binding and loosing”, the cost of discipleship, and Jesus teaching regarding divorce were real eye openers. Bivin’s interpretation of Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council’s requirements for Christians based on the most ancient manuscripts provided clarity and simplicity to the text in light of the continual bickering and confusion among Messianics regarding these requirements and what they mean. I found Bivin’s new translation on the Amidah prayer to be a wonderful addition to my personal prayer time.
Bivin writes in a clear and easy to read style with plentiful footnotes and additional comments from outside sources at the end of each chapter. My only criticism would be that the articles themselves are too short and many times I was left feeling as if the author could have commented more on the topic at hand. ”Just the facts m’aam” would describe the feel of each chapter, almost as if reading a news article, the facts are presented and then the chapter comes to a close.
In a nutshell: An informative and enlightening collection of articles regarding Jesus life and teaching from a Jewish context, by the editor of the Jerusalem Perspective.
February ’07 Book Review
Holy Cow! Does God Care About What We Eat? by Hope Egan
“Lunch with a nice Jewish girl”, the prologue of this book describes its general flavor and feel. Like having a conversation with a best friend over lunch, Hope Egan takes the reader through her own personal journey regarding a kosher and healthy eating style, in a friendly and fun manner.
Peppered among the generalities regarding what the Bible says about eating are subtle suggestions and personal testimony regarding Torah observance in general. Egan also gets into details regarding the definition of “kosher” (i.e. proper slaughter and removal of fat) and the difference between “biblically kosher” and “rabinically kosher” (i.e. seperation of milk and dairy).
The book promotes a whole foods/organic lifestyle and makes reference to several books which promote a “biblical diet” including “The Genesis Diet”, “The Maker’s Diet” and “What the Bible says about Healthy Living”.
The most eye-opening fact presented from this “nice Jewish girl” was that meats that are kosher by today’s standards are not necessarily healthy. Egan points out that “kosher” merely involves the slaughter and processing of the meat and that the majority of “kosher meats” are from animals that are raised in inhumane conditions and pumped full of steriods and antibiotics, albeit USDA certified. Unfortunately, according to the author, it is near impossible to find meat that is organic (free range and free of antibiotics/steroids) and processed in a kosher fashion.
The second half of the book is another book in itself, authored by D. Thomas Lancaster, and addressing the most common “New Testament” verses used to nullify kosher eating for today. This section of the book is a wonderful reference in itself, as Lancaster expounds scripture with the simple and friendly style that Egan began.
In a nutshell: An easy read and good reference regarding kosher and healthy eating.
January ’07 Book Review
King of the Jews by D. Thomas Lancaster
The purpose of this book is to “Resurrect the Jewish Jesus” by presenting 19 “sermonette” style chapters regarding teachings about Yeshua and by Yeshua from a Judaic perspective.
Lancaster does an excellent job of clarifying various teachings of Messiah that are generally misunderstood in modern Westernized Christian thought by presenting them in light of first century Jewish understanding and culture.
Have you ever wondered what the “new and old wine skins” that Yeshua spoke about really are? What about the passages in which Yeshua says that “the least in the Kingdom of Heaven” is greater than John the Baptist, but yet John is the “greatest born among women”? Does it seem harsh and strange that Yeshua would respond to a man who wanted to follow him but first had to bury his father by saying “let the dead bury the dead”? What about the story of the rich man and Lazarus, ever wonder what Abraham’s bosom is? These teachings of Yeshua as well as other facets of his life and ministry take on new meaning and clarity through the scholarly presentation of Lancaster.
My only criticism of this book is that it was released in conjunction with the DaVinci Code movie and supposed re-discovery of the Gospel of Jude. Two of the later chapters of the book get tied up in defending the Biblical view of Yeshua vs. the gnostic approach used in the DaVinci Code and Gospel of Judas, including extensive teaching on Mary of Magdala. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this gives the book a “sensationalized” feel and detracts somewhat from the merit of clear and sound Biblical teaching alone.
All in all this book accomplishes it’s goal to introduce the reader to the “Jewish Jesus” and ends with a Yiddush Proverb that is quite thought provoking:
The Messiah you are expecting will never come; the Messiah that is coming you never expected.
In a nutshell: Clear and sound teaching on the Messiah from a Judaic perspective. Confirming sermonettes for those familiar with Messianic thought. Convicting “eye-openers” for those who are less familiar.
December ‘ 06 Book Review
Words That Hurt, Words That Heal by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
This book is all about “how to choose words wisely and well” from a Jewish perspective. A great introduction to the concepts of Lashon Ha-Ra (negative truths) and Motzi Shem Ra (rumors and lies).
The author writes the book with the understanding that speaking unkind words and losing control of the tongue is just as serious of a condition as alcoholism or cigarette smoking, causing just as much harm and damage as other vices of excess and lack of control.
Telushkin begins by explaining that ancient Jewish thought has always related the tongue to an arrow and not a sword (or other deadly weapon) because “a sword can be withdrawn from the opponent and put back in it’s scabbard . . .but an arrow once shot can never be retrieved . . the same is true of unkind and hateful words . . .once they are spoken the damage is done and they can never be taken back.”
With these serious thoughts in mind the author does an excellent job of defining and explaining various categories of unkind speech as well as exploring the motivation behind hurtful words. He also provides practical suggestions regarding avoiding gossip, how to accept criticsm and rebuke, and how to incorporate ethical principles of speech into daily life.
The biggest eye opener for me was to understand that Lashon Ha-Ra is by definition “truths” that are told in such a way as to defame a person. Lies and exaggerations fall under a different category of hurtful words called “Motzi Shem-Ra” (or slander).
Telushkin also explains that truths about others that are not negative or defaming should be used cautiously because they too can cause hurt to others. For example, if a person has attended a party at a co-worker’s house over the weekend and talks about how beautiful a home the co-worker has at work on Monday, there may be others who become jealous or offended because their homes do not match up or perhaps they were not invited to the party. In this way a positive truth is uttered resulting in negative outcomes and hurt to others.
One thing that seemed odd about this book was that Telushkin uses a multitude of real-life examples, complete with names of (mostly famous) individuals to illustrate his points. In doing this wasn’t the author himself guilty of “giving information that would lower the esteem of others ” (the very definition of Lashon Ha-Ra itself)?
Apart from the multitude of “name dropping” examples, this book is a great primer and necessary reading especially in the Messianic movement where Lashon Ha-Ra is for the most part self-defined and generally misunderstood.
In a nutshell: A must read for understanding the basics of unkind speech, and how to avoid it.
November ’06 Book Review
One God & One Lord by Graeser, Lynn & Schoenheit
This 642 page volume is written by the founders of Christian Educational Services, Inc., an Indiana-based ministry that defines itself as “Biblical Unitarians”. The book considers the orthodox Christian doctrine of the Trinity based on scripture and reason alone. The authors do a superb job of unraveling the confusion and errors surrounding the doctrine of the Trinity and divinity of Yeshua. The historical perspective section reveals how the concept of the Trinity was formulated and points out that it is rooted in Gnosticism and mythology. The book includes 15 appendices which are invaluable sources of information, and are worth the cost of the book alone.
This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to consider the nature and person of Yeshua based on what the scriptural record alone says about him. I believe it is important reading for those in the “Messianic” movement to consider because the Trinity is the one Christian doctrine that many Messianic’s seem unable or unwilling to reconsider or part with. This, as explained in the book, is due to thousands of years of erroneous teaching that to deny Yeshua is God is to deny the faith. The author’s point out from the beginning that the Apostolic scriptures never define “faith” or “salvation” as believing that Yeshua is God. Rather belief in the resurrection of Yeshua (as proof of his sacrifice for sin being perfect and accepted by God) is the focus of faith and salvation.
The one drawback of this volume is that the authors are strict dispensationalists in their theological viewpoint. It seemed ironic to me that they would scrutinize the doctrine of the Trinity and reveal it as false based on scripture alone, but yet hold to theological perspectives that would never hold up under the same scrutiny.
In a nutshell: A must read for anyone who is ready to venture into what scripture alone says about the nature and person of Yeshua with some dispensationalist baggage to step around in the process.
October ’06 Book Review:
The Watchmen’s Cry by Obadiah Frank
This book presents a pre-wrath rapture eschatology mixed with the author’s personal views regarding Torah observance (including two-house and sacred name influences). The author’s attempt to interconnect biblical passages (old and new testament) in order to bring the “puzzle pieces” together regarding the timeline of Daniel’s 70th week, is hindered by numerous sidetracks and typos amidst a writing style that seems rushed and overly excited. This book contains valuable insights for those willing to sort through a patchwork of ideas. The correlation of Matthew 24 and the seals of Revelation is particularly fascinating.
In a Nutshell: Thought provoking but poorly edited.
