S4 EP4 | Rabbinic vs. Biblical Judaism

A Jew and a Gentile Discuss

In this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Carly and Ezra address a listener question, asking, “Are Messianic Jews obligated to obey Jewish tradition established by the rabbis after the Bible was written?” Before they get to the answer, they clarify terms by comparing rabbinic Judaism and biblical Judaism. They also talk about:

• Some key reasons why Judaism tends to lean heavily on rabbis to interpret the Scriptures
• The differences and similarities between Jewish and Christian ways of seeking advice and understanding Scripture
• The good things and the challenges of rabbinic Judaism

Along the Way

Along the way, they discuss:

• When rabbinic interpretation first became so important in Judaism
• The “fence” around the Law that the rabbis established and why
• Examples of biblical laws that have transformed into much stricter Jewish tradition
• The origins of the Orthodox Jewish tradition of men wearing big fur hats and long black coats
• A surprising Jewish prayer traditionally prayed at Yom Kippur and the unfortunate reasons it came to be
• An underlying question about whether or not Jewish Believers have an obligation to “stay Jewish”
• The bottom line for Gentile and Jewish Believers in Jesus and who the ultimate rabbi really is

Words You Might Learn in This Episode

The Lost Tribes of Israel, made aliyah, Yeshu, ecclesia (or ekklesia), and rabbi.

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode

Jeremiah 25:8–11, Exodus 19:10–12, Exodus 23:19, John 12:32, Matthew 1:21, Luke 1:68, Romans 3:1, Romans 9:4–5, Deuteronomy 7:7, Deuteronomy 9:5–6, Isaiah 43:10, Matthew 19:37–40, Deuteronomy 6:4–5, Leviticus 19:18, Leviticus 24:19–22, Matthew 5:38–39, Romans 11:29, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:30, John 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 17:11, Deuteronomy 4:2, Matthew 5:17.

Previous Episodes Referenced

S1 E8 Indigenous Jewish Ministry, with Troy Wallace

S1 E27 Lost Tribes: Reality or Wishful Thinking?

S3 E4 But He Doesn’t Look Jewish

S4 E2 Why Christians Should Care About Messianic Judaism

For more about the rabbi who wrote a note naming Jesus as the Messiah, you might enjoy this Jewish Voice Ministries TV episode: The Mysterious Revelation of the Messiah.

Thanks for listening!

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