I am reading as many texts on the Jewishness of Jesus I can find and would appreciate any suggestions. My desire is to have an informed hermeneutic and my lack of understanding of so much of the jewish culture that Jesus lived in needs help and understanding.
Thanks,
Mike
I have a few off beat suggestions. They are written by Rabbis:
Resurrection of Jesus: A Jewish Perspective by Pinchas
This book will not offend. It is a very pro-jewish look at the role of resurrection in jewish religious literature (Talmud, Tanakh, midrash, etc.) with refreshing results. This book was written by a Rabbi so it states why the resurrection is not enough for proof of Messiahship in Judaism (at the end). However, if you can get beyond this concept, you will enjoy it for its Judaism. There is enough much supportive jewish literature showing the messiah's resurrection as a jewish concept.
Jesus the Pharisee: A New Look at the Jewishness of Jesus by Falk
Rabbi Falk has done a wonderful job of explaining the Jewishness of Jesus, as well as elucidating Mankind's Universal Laws that Jewish tradition teaches govern all non-Jews. It makes total sense that Jesus, who came first to the Jews, would then want the universal laws of God spread throughout the rest of mankind. This book is a blessing for Jews and Christians and all people who want a better understanding of the first century C.E. (A.D.) and the all-inclusive holy teachings for all human beings.
There of course other books. These two are unique because they are written by orthodox Rabbis. They should not be offensive to your belief in Jesus.
Thankyou, I look forward to the reads.
Blessings,
Mike