An Introduction to Jewish-Christian Relations


Book Description

Relations between Christians and Jews over the past two thousand years have been characterised to a great extent by mutual distrust and by Christian discrimination and violence against Jews. In recent decades, however, a new spirit of dialogue has been emerging, beginning with an awakening among Christians of the Jewish origins of Christianity, and encouraging scholars of both traditions to work together. An Introduction to Jewish-Christian Relations sheds fresh light on this ongoing interfaith encounter, exploring key writings and themes in Jewish-Christian history, from the Jewish context of the New Testament to major events of modern times, including the rise of ecumenism, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the creation of the state of Israel. This accessible theological and historical study also touches on numerous related areas such as Jewish and interfaith studies, philosophy, sociology, cultural studies, international relations and the political sciences.




Introduction to Jewish-Christian Relations


Book Description

In recent decades Christians and Jews are beginning to ask questions about one another's traditions, to break down centuries-old barriers of prejudice, and to explore not only our differences, but our similarities of faith as well. This book walks the reader through rich but controversial terrain--the Bible, the Holocaust, the state of Israel, anti-Judaism, theology, Christology, intermarriage, feminism, and approaches to education. In each area the reader is asked to listen, to be open, to stretch, and to wrestle with the deeply felt beliefs that unite as well as divide us. The authors, representing Jewish, Protestant, and Catholic traditions, introduce the reader to the terms, content, and intricacies of inter-religious dialogue, the quest for better relations among all those who worship the God of Abraham and Sarah.




The Jewish Connection to Israel, the Promised Land


Book Description

Illuminates the importance of Israel for Jews and examines the return to Zion as a significant theological event that can also strengthen the Christian faith. A clear and accessible introduction to the meaning of Israel for the Jewish People and the world.




Introduction to Jewish-Christian Relations


Book Description

In recent decades Christians and Jews are beginning to ask questions about one another's traditions, to break down centuries-old barriers of prejudice, and to explore not only our differences, but our similarities of faith as well. This book walks the reader through rich but controversial terrain--the Bible, the Holocaust, the state of Israel, anti-Judaism, theology, Christology, intermarriage, feminism, and approaches to education. In each area the reader is asked to listen, to be open, to stretch, and to wrestle with the deeply felt beliefs that unite as well as divide us. The authors, representing Jewish, Protestant, and Catholic traditions, introduce the reader to the terms, content, and intricacies of inter-religious dialogue, the quest for better relations among all those who worship the God of Abraham and Sarah.




Living Together, Living Apart


Book Description

This book challenges the standard conception of the Middle Ages as a time of persecution for Jews. Jonathan Elukin traces the experience of Jews in Europe from late antiquity through the Renaissance and Reformation, revealing how the pluralism of medieval society allowed Jews to feel part of their local communities despite recurrent expressions of hatred against them. Elukin shows that Jews and Christians coexisted more or less peacefully for much of the Middle Ages, and that the violence directed at Jews was largely isolated and did not undermine their participation in the daily rhythms of European society. The extraordinary picture that emerges is one of Jews living comfortably among their Christian neighbors, working with Christians, and occasionally cultivating lasting friendships even as Christian culture often demonized Jews. As Elukin makes clear, the expulsions of Jews from England, France, Spain, and elsewhere were not the inevitable culmination of persecution, but arose from the religious and political expediencies of particular rulers. He demonstrates that the history of successful Jewish-Christian interaction in the Middle Ages in fact laid the social foundations that gave rise to the Jewish communities of modern Europe. Elukin compels us to rethink our assumptions about this fascinating period in history, offering us a new lens through which to appreciate the rich complexities of the Jewish experience in medieval Christendom.




Jewish Holidays


Book Description

A window into Judaism's sacred days--throughout history and today. Written especially for Christians. Holy days and holidays provide the peak experiences of Jewish life. These moments speak deeply to the Jewish soul and animate Judaism's culture. They encourage Jews to participate in their shared historical experience, which reflects their covenantal relationship with God, and articulate Jewish values that have allowed for the survival of the Jewish people. But what can they mean to Christians seeking to understand their own faith? In this special book, Rabbis Olitzky and Judson guide you through the major Jewish holidays and what they mean for the Jewish people. Each chapter explores a different holiday and explains the origin, historical background, customs and rituals that are part of observance and the holiday's Christian parallels. Examining observance in both home and synagogue--and in all Jewish denominations--this easy-to-use guide to the Jewish holidays will be a valuable resource for your own understanding of Jewish sacred time throughout the year. And by linking the Jewish holidays to familiar Christian holidays and practices, you will be better able to appreciate the roots of Christianity and how the fundamentals of Judaism relate to and reflect your own spiritual foundation. Rosh Hashanah-New Year Yom Kippur-Day of Atonement Sukkot-Feast of Booths (Fall Harvest Festival) Simchat Torah-Rejoicing in the Torah Hanukkah-Rededication Purim-(Festival of Survival) Pesach-Passover Shavuot-(Receiving the Torah) Tisha B'Av (Mourning and Commemoration) and Other Special Days Shabbat (Day of Rest)




Jewish Ritual


Book Description

A window into the meaning of Jewish rituals throughout history and today— written especially for Christians. Ritual moments and opportunities guide the daily life of practicing Jews. These spiritual practices give expression to Jewish identity and reflect Judaism’s core beliefs and values. But what can they mean to Christians seeking to understand their own faith? In this special book, Rabbis Olitzky and Judson guide you through the whys and hows of nine specific areas of Jewish ritual. Observing the Sabbath Keeping Kosher Putting on Tefillin (Prayer Boxes) Wrapping the Tallit (Prayer Shawl) Covering the Head Studying Torah Praying Daily Saying Blessings throughout the Day Going to the Ritual Bath Providing you with the biblical and historical background of each practice, insight into its contemporary use and significance—including the often divergent approaches of different Jewish movements—and personal stories from rabbis and lay people, this easy-to-understand guide illustrates the deep meaning these rituals have in the Jewish relationship with God. Linking these practices to familiar rituals in the Christian tradition, Olitzky and Judson help you better understand the roots of Christianity and how the fundamentals of Judaism relate to and reflect your own spiritual foundation.




Challenges in Jewish-Christian Relations


Book Description

James K. Aitken and Edward D. Kessler have assembled here a widely diverse collection of essays on Jewish-Christian relations, a discipline that, compared with other subjects studied in university and religious circles, is relatively young. Jewish-Christian relations is a complex enterprise that cannot be reduced to simple theological or historical narratives; it must take into account politics, sociology, education, language, history, biblical studies, hermeneutics, and theology. The contributors view their particular subject through the lens of all of these disciplines while ably meeting the challenge of looking toward the future. Chapter One Introduction James K. Aitken and Edward D. Kessler Chapter Two Jews Facing Christians The Burdens and Blinders of the Past Marc Saperstein Chapter Three The Bible in Future Jewish-Christian Relations John F.A. Sawyer Chapter Four The Orthodox Churches in Dialogue with Judaism Nicholas de Lange Chapter Five Jewish Russian Orthodox Christian Dialogue Irina Levinskaya Chapter Six Catholic-Jewish Agendas Remi Hoeckman, OP Chapter Seven Institutional Relations in Jewish-Christian Relations Rev. Friedhelm Pieper Chapter Eight The New Europe, Nationalism, and Jewish-Christian Relations David Weigall Chapter Nine Israel within Jewish-Christian Relations Andrew P.B. White Chapter Ten The Effect of the Holocaust on Jewish-Christian Relations Stephen D. Smith Chapter Eleven A Third Epoch The Future of Discourse in Jewish-Christian Relations Peter Ochs and David F. Ford Chapter Twelve Women's Voices in Jewish-Christian Relations Christine Trevett Chapter Thirteen Considering a Jewish Statement on Christianity Edward Kessler and James K. Aitken The Significance of Dabru Emet Edward Kessler What Does Christianity in Jewish Terms Mean? James Aitken Chapter Fourteen Jewish-Christian Relations in the Inter-Faith Encounter Martin Forward Cumulative Bibliography List of Contributors Index +




Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity


Book Description

How Jewish is Christianity? The question of how Jesus' followers relate to Judaism has been a matter of debate since Jesus first sparred with the Pharisees. The controversy has not abated, taking many forms over the centuries. In the decades following the Holocaust, scholars and theologians reconsidered the Jewish origins and character of Christianity, finding points of continuity. Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity advances this discussion by freshly reassessing the issues. Did Jesus intend to form a new religion? Did Paul abrogate the Jewish law? Does the New Testament condemn Judaism? How and when did Christianity split from Judaism? How should Jewish believers in Jesus relate to a largely gentile church? What meaning do the Jewish origins of Christianity have for theology and practice today? In this volume, a variety of leading scholars and theologians explore the relationship of Judaism and Christianity through biblical, historical, theological, and ecclesiological angles. This cutting-edge scholarship will enrich readers' understanding of this centuries-old debate.




New Perspectives on Jewish-Christian Relations


Book Description

This work revisits the millennia-old Jewish-Christian encounter by providing a nuanced understanding of its challenges as well as presenting new perspectives on hitherto neglected areas of cultural, religious, and social interchange and influence.