Jesus: First Century Rabbi

A New Edition

by Rabbi David Zaslow, Joseph A. Lieberman

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Pub Date May 12 2015 | Archive Date Aug 26 2015

Paraclete Press

Christian | Religion & Spirituality

Description

This bold, fresh look at the historical Jesus and the Jewish roots of Christianity challenges both Jews and Christians to re-examine their understanding of Jesus’ commitment to his Jewish faith. Instead of emphasizing the differences between the two religions, this groundbreaking text explains how the concepts of vicarious atonement, mediation, incarnation, and Trinity are actually rooted in classical Judaism. Using the cutting edge of scholarly research, Rabbi Zaslow dispels the myths of disparity between Christianity and Judaism without diluting the unique features of each faith. Jesus: First Century Rabbi is a breath of fresh air for Christians and Jews who want to strengthen and deepen their own faith traditions.

This bold, fresh look at the historical Jesus and the Jewish roots of Christianity challenges both Jews and Christians to re-examine their understanding of Jesus’ commitment to his Jewish faith...

A Note From the Publisher

"This is a beautiful book, and when read as an example of how to see what we love most in ourselves as being deeply present even with others, it deserves the attention of all people whose love of God and humanity is as deep as their love of the particular faith they follow.” —Brad Hirschfield, Patheos: Hosting the Conversation on Faith

Advance Praise

Rabbi Zaslow has done a tremendous service to Christians and Jews alike—this book is wonderful! An important contribution to the continuing dialogue and relationship building between these two faith communities. We need to hear more of what brings us together, what we share, not just what sets us apart. Thank you both Rabbi Zaslow and Paraclete for bringing this work to fruition and for creating greater light in our world! —Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, President, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

Theology books are rarely real page-turners but if you yearn to know Rabbi Jesus better, and to understand his parables and sayings, you won't be able to put this book down! Rabbi Zaslow has put the pieces back together for us. Learning more about the roots and branches that Jews and Christians share will bring us closer to the center of God's new community and create a way to peace for people of every faith. —The Rev. Dr. Barbara J. Campbell. Pastor, St. Mark Presbyterian Church

This an important book, for Christians and Jews alike. Rabbi Zaslow has tried to stimulate a conversation and build bridges between the two faiths. This is a critically important task, and this book makes that attempt with broad scholarship and great clarity. —Rev. John M. Salmon, Ph. D., Princeton Theological Seminary

Christian readers will find their faith stirred by reading this book on their own, or as shared reading with Jewish friends. Renewal is coming to faith by learning in the presence of the other...Add to this the restorative power the world has awaited to heal centuries of religious enmity and mistrust and hatred and bloodshed. Jews are discovering ways to love being Jewish in the same room with Christians who are discovering ways to love being Christian. It is as if Jesus has been holding his breath, waiting for this time. —Rev. Dr. Joseph Ward, D.Min., Presbyterian Church USA

Rabbi Jesus seen in his native setting was a he artful teacher of Jewish lore and morals. Rabbi Zaslow has brought him home to us so that we may hear him among his own contemporaries whom we honor and learn from. —Rabbi Dr. Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, author of Jewish With Feeling and Davening

Available Editions

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9781612616445
PRICE	$16.99 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 5 members

Featured Reviews

Rosemarie C, Reviewer

This is an excellent book. The authors cover a variety of areas, putting Jesus as a person in his historical context and his teachings in the correct religious context. Especially useful was the authors' use of comparable texts from Christian and Jewish texts. I also found interesting the explanations of certain words especially when multiple meanings are present in the original word but a single specific word is used in translation. This is a useful book for Jews, Christians and everyone else interested in interfaith understanding, and should reduce the sum total of ignorance in the world just a little bit.

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Charles F, Book Trade Professional

This book really opened my eyes to the power of perspective when dealing with Jesus. As a Christian, I was taught "Replacement Theology", but always had questions about it. I was also taught that Jesus dispensed with the old system and created Christianity. I have (thankfully) moved on from those beliefs, but I didn't really have a deep understanding of Jesus within Judaism. This book answered that for me and serves as continuing education for me on the dynamic personality and teachings of Jesus. (Other books include "Messianic Judaism" by David Stern).

This book, in particular, added a key piece of understanding about the implications of "Replacement Theology" and Gentile "superiority". It has serious implications that have been used to justify horrible crimes! By understanding and thinking through where those beliefs come from, we can (in my belief) come to a closer view of what the Gospel actually instructs to do, instead of what we instruct it to do.