Jesus Was a Jew

While this was quiet an indepth look at the Jewishness of Jesus, it is a must read for serious bible scholars. Dr. Fruchtenbaum is a leader in this area of biblical exergesis. It is not a big book, but certainly not a bedtime read. There are a lot of quotes from the Rabbi's and Rabbinical writings which at times can get monotonous, but are essential. It certainly gave me a better understanding of Israels place in theology.

This excellent book is recommended reading for both Jews and Christians alike. Indeed, people of all religions would do well to access the information detailed here.The author, Arnold Fruchtenbaum, himself a Jew & having received Orthodox Jewish training, addresses the apparent `controversy' surrounding the person of Jesus. The writer addresses the many questions pertaining to the characterization of Jesus of being either just a `good teacher', a `prophet', a `well-meaning but confused religionist', or whether in fact Jesus was/is the Son of God, the Hebrew Messiah prophesied in Scripture.At the beginning of this superb book, the learned writer acknowledges that Jesus of Nazareth effectively stands as an enigma in Jewish history. Whilst being hailed by countless millions as their Saviour/Messiah, the name of Jesus has also been used by some in relation to the condemning of innumerable Jews and as an excuse to take countless Jewish lives.Subsequently, Jesus has been largely ignored by Jews except for a few references in the Talmud and in some Jewish legends. The author illustrates that there is no uniform Jewish opinion concerning the person of Jesus, with views ranging from 'he never existed' to him being 'a great Jewish prophet'.The book analyses the life of Jesus including his birth in Bethlehem of Judea and how he taught his small group of disciples who were all as Jewish as himself. The author states that anyone who sets themselves the task of studying what the Old Testament has to say about the coming, prophesied Jewish Messiah will find in the Book of Isaiah numerous predictions that portray the Messiah as one who is going to suffer humiliation, physical harm and finally death in a violent manner, with the death being stated as a substitutionary death for the sins of the Jewish people.On the other hand the author also states that one will likewise find the Jewish prophets also speaking of the Messiah coming as a conquering King who will destroy the enemies of Israel and set up the Messianic Kingdom of peace and prosperity. A seeming paradox and a stumbling stone to many Jews, but which Christians interpret as the first and second coming of the Messiah....Jesus. This issue is studied in depth in this book and is excellent reading, with reference also made to sections of the New Testament.The Jewish 'objections' to Jesus are also examined in detail as are the 'definitions' of what exactly is a 'Jew', a 'Gentile', a 'Christian' and a 'Hebrew Christian' and how they relate to each other. A classic study.The book also includes interviews on this subject with almost 40 Jews concerning what they each believe about Jesus. These embrace Rabbis, actors, homemakers, hairdressers, indeed people from all walks of Jewish life.The book contains a wealth of information and a variety of differing opinions, which are studied in light of Scripture.As a Christian my own beliefs are self evident, but no matter how you view this subject, the Jewishness of Jesu

This small but complte book details you through a jewish perspective of Jesus, what the old testament says and the new testament also. If you want to have a good overview of how the jews see Jesus, read this book.Sorry for the mistakes, i'm french canadian, and the book is just as good in french