Raphael Ahren, writing for the Israeli daily Haaretz, charts the latest effort in the movement to reclaim Jesus to the Jewish people.
Boteach obviously has his own agenda in writing this book, he wants to deal with the “gorilla” in the room that causes unease between Jews and Christians who support Israel.
Boteach admits his book is based on Hyam Maccoby’s research, which was itself following on from former Hebrew Christian missionary to the Jews, Hugh Schonfield.
The basic idea is that the Apostle Paul is really to blame, Jesus never claimed to be what Christians today claim for him. Boteach continues this tradition of reconstructing the story of Jesus to make him more manageable. Some of what Boteach, Maccoby and Schonfield claim are things I can agree with, others are far too agenda driven.
This book is nevertheless part of a very welcome conversation about Jesus between those who are fascinated by this Galilean Rabbi, yet ultimately disagree over the New Testament’s claims for his divine Messiahship.
‘Kosher Jesus,’ the first book by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach to be published in Israel, draws praise from Glenn Beck but raises others’ eyebrows.
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach revels in speaking publicly about topics most Orthodox Jews avoid. In 1999, he gained worldwide popularity with his best seller “Kosher Sex.” He has since written more than 20 books, among them “Kosher Adultery” and “The Kosher Sutra.” And while Boteach’s newest work – due to be released on February 1 – does not take on the issue of sex, it promises to be no less controversial than his previous works.
“Kosher Jesus,” Boteach’s first book published in Israel, asserts that because Christians no longer consider Jews to be their enemies, it is therefore time to recognize Jesus as a Torah-abiding Jewish patriot.
“This book is telling the Jews to reclaim Jesus, the authentic Jesus, the historical Jesus, the Jewish Jesus” and to be inspired by his “beautiful” teachings, the U.S.-born author and TV show host told Anglo File this week in Jerusalem. “It’s asking Christians to make an effort to enrich their Christianity through an understanding of the Jewishness of Jesus.”
“Suddenly we have evangelical Christians emerging as the foremost supporters of the state of Israel,” he said. “We have this political alliance. What is a lacking is a theological bridge.”
“Christians don’t know the Jewish Jesus,” Boteach continued. “They know the Christ-divinity but not the Jewish man Jesus. There’s a need to discover the humanity of Jesus.”
“Kosher Jesus” amalgamates research (mostly by Hyam Maccoby ) which suggests that the gospels give the wrong impression of Jesus. “There was a lot of embellishment and editing,” Boteach said. “We have to remember Paul [the apostle] never met Jesus. He cannot offer us a first-hand account of Jesus’ life.”
Christian scripture “doesn’t add up” when it portray Jesus as a self-hating Jew, or when it lists sins that allegedly led Jews to condemn him, Boteach said. Jesus never declared himself God or meant to abolish Jewish law, he asserts.
And the fact that Jesus thought of himself as the messiah shouldn’t bother Jews, he insists: “I could declare myself the messiah right now. There’s nothing blasphemous about this,” Boteach said. “I even encourage people to have a certain messianic tendency in their lives, a desire to redeem the world.”
Boteach said he regrets that Jews allowed Jesus “to be ripped away from them without even a fight.”
“We just accepted a Christian interpretation of his life and narrative,” he said. “One of the most influential people of all time is seen as a Christian who loved the Romans and said about the Jews that they are all the children of the devil.”
But “Christian ideas of Jesus as divine messiah emerged as a savvy adaptation following the destruction of the Second Temple,” Boteach explained. Once Jews understand that, he writes that they “can take inspiration from Jesus’ often beautiful ethical teachings and appreciate Jesus as a devoted Jewish son who became martyred while trying to lift the Roman yoke of oppression from his beloved people.”
Read full article here
Yippee, I found a rabbi who believes Jesus existed – that’s oodles to celebrate. As for the other thing that Paul started a new religion – YAWN.
Boteach said he regrets that Jews allowed Jesus “to be ripped away from them without even a fight.”
Drivel. The Jewish leaders were the driv(EL)ing force behind the crucifixion of the Son of El.
he published the controversial The Passover Plot, a book whose thesis is that the Crucifixion was part of a larger, conscious attempt by Jesus to fulfill the Messianic expectations rampant in his time, and that the plan went unexpectedly wrong.
“The Convinceme code” by Dan Shmuley Brown
Unless he has changed his tune in the last three years, Shmuely will state in the book that Jesus hated the Romans and wanted to get rid of them, a la Maccoby’s ‘Revolution in Judea’. How that fits in with the ‘beautiful teaching’ of Jesus to turn the other cheek … I’ll have to read the book.
Man, that cover is awful. Doesn’t anyone hire designers anymore? I really can’t think of a more boring way to present this concept. Wouldn’t it be more eye-catching to have “Jesus” wearing a tallit, at least? And, for the love of accuracy, can we stop with the catholic stigmata holes? Crucified men would have been nailed through their wrists. Sorry. This thing just feels unresearched and thrown together. Anyway, I took issue with two of Boteach’s statements right off the bat.
First, he said, “We have to remember Paul [the apostle] never met Jesus.”
Really? I don’t suppose he would familiarize himself with Shaul’s writings before making authoritatively inaccurate statements about him.. Acts 9, anyone? It’s fine if he doesn’t believe Shaul’s writings, but don’t tell us to “remember” the complete opposite of what Shaul claimed happened. It’s embarrassing.
Then he says, “I could declare myself the messiah right now. There’s nothing blasphemous about this.”
Wowsers. He should try that. I’d love to see how quickly his market research comes back.
Don’t get me wrong. I relish the reclamation efforts. And while I agree with this line, “We just accepted a Christian interpretation of his life and narrative. One of the most influential people of all time is seen as a Christian who loved the Romans and said about the Jews that they are all the children of the devil.” I nearly gagged at this one, “…Jesus as divine messiah emerged as a savvy adaptation following the destruction of the Second Temple.”
Boteach really ought to crack open the Gospels at some point – or else just stick to his extremely factual material – the Michael Jackson, Uri Geller and Deepak Chopra books.
Luke,
I tought i was the only one thinking this!! lollol
Haha – good to know that I’m not alone, Rey. Which part, though? The awful cover or his glossing over essential details?
Luke,
All of the above! lollol
I think his error was in giving any credence to Paul or to the NT which is oft cited but is clearly redacted to the point of uncertainty. What one could perhaps hope to do is understand Torah/Judaism of the 1st century and then “un-redact” it to 1st century Torah/Judaic norms. That the man existed is almost beyond doubt when you find his bones and those of his family in the tomb in Talpiot, Jerusalem. For a logical and scientific expose of the history, visit the History Museum at netzarim.co.il Don’t mess up the URL or you will come up with poop.
Eliyahu,
I got the URL right and still came up with poop.
That Netzarim site is pretty atrocious, Sir, and the content, even more so. A few of us here read a bit from your friend, David Branderud, when he dropped in – and I have to say, you guys are pretty imaginative. You might even be the last 7 followers of the “dead Ribi” on the planet. It takes all kinds, I guess.
I wonder what you are calling atrocious as to the content at netzarim.co.il? Please just an example or two.
As for the graphics, the author of the site does ALL the programming and graphics. He is a gentleman in his early 70′s and would have been around and programming since the Commodores and before so there is probably some of that in the site.
Usually when one uses the phrase, “it takes all kinds,” it is in a derogatory manner, so I would like to know why take that tone?
That Yehoshua was a Ribi is a simply deduced from the questions posed to Yehoshua concerning halakha and his making rulings concerning the halakha. Netzarim Hebrew Matityahu chapter 22.
Why do you use the Magan David? That is a Jewish symbol and we Jews understand that the Creator was not now nor ever was a man.
As for me being a student of Ribi Yehoshua, that is correct. Imagination driven by logic.
Hi Eliyahu, see this http://roshpinaproject.com/2011/04/13/did-church-make-thousands-of-changes-in-the-new-testament-for-theological-reasons/
Shalom Eliyahu,
Unfortunately I haven’t as much time now as I would like to get into all the particulars with you (as I have to leave my office soon). Perhaps I’ll have more time later. Just a few things, though:
You asked: “I wonder what you are calling atrocious as to the content at netzarim.co.il?”
To be honest, there is a great deal of material on your site that I agree with. I’m not just saying that, either. I understand many of the views expressed there concerning errors in Christianity, as well as how many people have sought to diminish the importance (and application) of Torah. I’m with you there. What I find atrocious, and again, I don’t have time right now to discuss it, is the ignorance expressed concerning Mashiach Yeshua. If you only understood that He is the Torah made flesh, you’d have a great perspective (incorporating all the things you already know), but as it stands now, you have fallen for the trap – that being how people project the falsehood they see in Christianity onto Mashiach Yeshua. You see the behavior of those who claim to follow Mashiach and ascribe it to Him – which cause you to understand Him falsely. This tendency has kept so many people away from the incredible blessing of knowing Him for so many centuries. People are not perfect – He is. And He’s desperate to reveal Himself to you. Don’t let the thoughtless actions of anyone on earth spoil that discovery for you, brother. It’s not worth it.
You said: “As for the graphics, the author of the site does ALL the programming and graphics. He is a gentleman in his early 70′s and would have been around and programming since the Commodores and before so there is probably some of that in the site.”
That would certainly explain that. Thanks.
You asked: “Usually when one uses the phrase, “it takes all kinds,” it is in a derogatory manner, so I would like to know why take that tone?”
Yes, that is the way I employed it. I just can’t get over the arrogance that you guys would actually believe that you’re the only true followers of the “Ribi Yehoshua”. It’s actually insane to think in such a way. So, that’s it. I basically think you guys are all crazy – hence the “it takes all kinds”.
You said: “That Yehoshua was a Ribi is a simply deduced from the questions posed to Yehoshua concerning halakha and his making rulings concerning the halakha. Netzarim Hebrew Matityahu chapter 22.”
I agree. He’s just not who you think He is.
You asked: “Why do you use the Magan David? That is a Jewish symbol and we Jews understand that the Creator was not now nor ever was a man.”
I created this symbol myself. It’s called “Israel Forever” and employs a Magen David and infinity symbol, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Chosen People of G-d and His covenant relationship with them. Something I’m sure you’re familiar with. Of course, by your statement, it appears that you believe that I have to think just like you in order to use a symbol that expresses my love for Yisrael. I disagree and, again, think you’re probably crazy.
You said: “As for me being a student of Ribi Yehoshua, that is correct. Imagination driven by logic.”
Good for you.
The Torah very clearly is a written document. The thought that any man can be a living Torah or perfect is simply playing off of words. You have no idea who Ribi Yehoshua was. To do what he did, which was to follow the Torah to the best of his ability, is all the Singularity asks. But keeping Torah is not what you are about, is it?
ויקרא 18:5 Hebrew Bible
ושמרתם את חקתי ואת משפטי אשר יעשה אתם האדם וחי בהם אני יהוה׃
Can you read Hebrew?
מי עלה השמיימה לרדת? מי אסף את הרוח באגרופים? למי יש עטופים במים בבגד? מי הקים כל אפסי ארץ? מה שמו ומה שם בנו
!הרי אתה יודע
(Hebrew Bible) 30:4 פתגמים
You are correct, Eliyahu. I don’t know this mythical “Ribi Yehoshua”. How could I possibly? I do, however, know Maran Yeshua, ha Mashiach Nagid – and His Father, the Eternal One. B”H! Soon, the entire earth will know Him, and even you will know Him, too. I just hope He knows you, as well.
Shalom u’vracha, Eliyahu
You have to pay for this though!
but not this one
This clip is more to the point in dealing with the manuscript variances
Kosher Sexy Jesus… sorry book cover confused me for a moment!
Ha! Nice, David. Is that not the worst juxtaposition? And he has so many other (more fitting) titles to trumpet up there. I might have to do a version myself just to show him how it’s done.
interesting.
Shmuely has spoken briefly at Messianic congregations in Israel like King of Kings briefly, although still fiercly against what is or appears to be missionary behaviour from Christians.
I think maybe that like someone looking for a new car, wanting to look around rows of motors without having to speak to a pushy salesman, Jews of religious and secular backgrounds want to kick the tyres by investigating a life following Yeshua whilst staying Jewish and make up their own mind in a careful and calculated way, and not be tainted by the unfortunately legacy of antisemitism which had got its way into the church through the ages.
That’s a pretty good analogy, Maz – the car shopping one – and I can absolutely understand the reluctance on the part of many to look any further into the “Jesus” character after everything they’ve learned of him their entire lives – whether accurate or not. Not to mention the insurmountable, inexcusable atrocities committed by those who claimed to be his followers, even further still, as you’ve rightly stated, the antisemitic legacy so deeply ingrained, even today, in the Church, so called.
However, a book, such as this one, that asserts that Yeshua never claimed to be One with HaShem, isn’t doing much to clarify things, is it? I mean, He’s either the Mashiach Nagid or He isn’t. No point messing about. We don’t necessarily need just another authoritative rabbi, do we? And we certainly don’t need one that claimed to G-d (if He wasn’t)! So again, the car shopping analogy works so long as the salesman can show you to the flying cars, teleportation devices.. or whatever the vehicular equivalent of Mashiach would be. It doesn’t really work, however, if you’re just looking for another car – when you already have hundreds of them running fine at home. Does that make sense?
Still, if you said that anything that offers another view of Yeshua, or even “Jesus”, to His people in a way that seeks to restore His actual identity – even if it is only His human identity – is better than nothing, I would have to agree with you. And since I feel that is what you’re saying, I do.
“…reconstructing the story of Jesus to make him more manageable.” That’s really the goal, isn’t it? Great analysis, Gev.
Thanks Marylou
Gev,
I looked at the URL you suggested. Codex Sinaticus according to the article is dated at 350CE. That is nearly 320 years after the death of Ribi Yehoshua, 280 years after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, 215 years after the expulsion of all Jews after the Bar Kosiba led war of 135CE. Plenty of time for redactions. Which manuscripts were used. Why does the KJV use E*aster, Ishtar, for Passover? Why are the titles for the Creator, The*os which is a known synonym for Z*eus and what do you know, J*zeus? How does the birth of Ribi Yehoshua occur at the winter solstice when there are no shepherds out in the fields during the cold rainy months of winter but they are there in the warm days of spring when the grass has grown tall and thick. I lived out in the Yhudah/Shomron.
You may want to check this reference:
The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, acknowledges:
“A study of 150 Greek MSS of the Gospel of Luke has revealed more than 30,000 different readings… It is safe to say that there is not one sentence in the NT in which the MS tradition is wholly uniform… But there are many thousands which have a definite effect upon the meaning of the text. It is true that not one of these variant readings affects the substance of Christian dogma” (“Text, NT,” 2nd edition (Abingdon, 1962).
and,
“It is equally true that many of them do have theological significance and were introduced into the text intentionally… Many thousands of the variants which are found in the MSS of the NT were put there deliberately. They are not merely the result of error or careless handling of the text. Many were created for theological or dogmatic reasons—even though they may not affect the substance of Christian dogma. [Thanks for reminding us that Christians made Christian redactions compatible with Christian dogma; ybd]). It is because the books of the NT are religious books, sacred books, canonical books, that they were changed to conform to what the copyist believed to be the true reading. His interest was not in the ‘original reading’ but in the ‘true reading’”
Hi Eliyahu, any translation from one language to another is bound to leave many different ways of translating things, this is not necessarily evidence of error, just the nature of languages.
When you write Ribi Yehoshua do you mean Rabbi Yeshua? If you mean Yeshua then who do you think he is?
Rabbi Boteach is taking serious flack from other Chabadniks over this book
http://www.collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=18084
Ribi is a 1st century title given to one possessing ordination from both the Nasi of the Beit Din HaJadol and the Beit Din HaJadol itself. Few received this type of ordination.
Rabbi is a relatively late title given to those without extant connection to the Beit Din HaJadol which could have been anytime after the dissolution of the Beit Din HaJadol. Rabbi is a much inferior title to Ribi. Rabbi is anachronistic if applied to Ribi Yehoshua.
Yeshua is perhaps a diminutive of Yehoshua or maybe even Aramaic. Ribi Yehoshua bar Yehoseiph was likely his Torah/Jewish Hebrew name/title.
Ribi Yehoshua is the only candidate that meets the criteria in Tanakh to be the Mashiach. He was of the lineage of David HaMelech, born in Beit Lekhem, he died at the historically foretold time by Daniel HaNavi, his teachings healed/will heal the breaches in Torah, and he fought the battles of HaSheim, which is to contend against those that would add or subtract from Torah. His tomb and his bones were in all probability found in Talpiot, Jerusalem, in 1980. That is in a nutshell.
See the History Museum at netzarim.co.il
Hi Eliyahu, thanks, can you give me a reference for your Ribi title claim.
How exactly would you define your faith in Yeshua as HaMashiach, Eliyahu, would you be a Nazarene then?
I have no faith in Ribi Yehoshua. The Mashiach never, ever, ever, asked his students to have faith in him. Only in HaSheim! I study and keep the Torah as did my father’s Avraham, Yitzchok, and Ya’acov. That is what Ribi Yehoshua did!
I am a Netzarim from Raanana, Israel. There are no other Netzarim that have m’nui documented from Torah.
The references for Ribi are:
רב Ernest Klein, A Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the Hebrew Language, Carta Jerusalem
רבנן Ibid
Amoraim, Encyclopedia Judaica
רבן Klein
Titles, EJ
Rabbi, Rabbinate, EJ
Semikhah, EJ
Gamliel, Raban, EJ
Tanna, Tannaim, EJ
NHM The Netzarim Reconstruction of Matityahu, 22:36
Commentary to NHM, 23,6 – 23,10 and 23,30
netzarim.co.il
Interesting response: “But, Messianic Jews and some Chabadniks/Lubavitchers aside, the broad distinction remains; Jews and Christians view the role and level of importance of Jesus, as it pertains to their own theology, quite differently.
Until now? In his soon-to-be-published book, Kosher Jesus, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach is making some unusual statements.”
http://www.interfaithfamily.com/smf/index.php?article=4488
Rabbi Boteach is coming under more fire from COLLive http://www.collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=18125&alias=shmuley-boteach-blasts-collive as he is being accused of helping Missionaries and Messianic Jews make their beliefs more acceptable to the wider Jewish community.
He is a friend of Dr. Michael L. Brown…
Pingback: Angels Bridge The Gap « Earthpages.org