Jewish Jesus: Amy-Jill Levine Extended Interview

Summary

In this transcript, the speaker reflects on their journey of exploring the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. They share personal experiences of growing up in a Jewish community while interacting with Catholic friends. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the New Testament within its Jewish context, recognizing shared history, and challenging harmful stereotypes. They advocate for Jews to engage with Christian texts to better understand Christian beliefs and appreciate shared values, all while maintaining a strong Jewish identity. The speaker also discusses the concept of 'holy envy,' the ability to find beauty and truth in other religious traditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus, a Jewish figure, is an integral part of both Judaism and Christianity, and many aspects of Christian beliefs share roots in Jewish tradition.
• 😀 The New Testament can be seen as Jewish literature, offering valuable insights into first-century Jewish life, including women's roles, the synagogue system, and the Pharisees.
• 😀 There has been tension historically between Christianity and Judaism, often due to misinterpretations of the New Testament, especially concerning the responsibility for Jesus' death.
• 😀 Understanding the New Testament is crucial for both Jews and Christians as it helps clarify misconceptions and bridges gaps between the two faiths.
• 😀 The vast majority of Christians do not read the New Testament with anti-Semitic intentions, and it should not be viewed as a source of hatred towards Jews.
• 😀 Jesus' teachings and actions should be understood in their Jewish context, as he was a part of Jewish debates and traditions, including his use of parables and moral teachings.
• 😀 The New Testament contains beautiful and profound material, like the Parables of the Good Samaritan and Paul's hymn to love, that resonate with universal human values.
• 😀 Miracles attributed to Jesus, such as healing and controlling the weather, align with Jewish traditions of miracle-working figures like Elijah and Elisha.
• 😀 While Christianity has sometimes misrepresented Judaism, embedding Jesus in his Jewish context can help correct misconceptions and foster a more respectful relationship.
• 😀 The distinction between the Old Testament law and the New Testament grace is often oversimplified, and a deeper understanding reveals the continuity of divine grace across both testaments.
• 😀 Jewish tradition and Christian teachings can be understood in parallel, with Jews maintaining their identity through the observance of Torah, and Christians pursuing a different but complementary path of worship.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial impression of Christianity?

The speaker initially saw Christianity as a form of Judaism and did not perceive any tension between the two religions. They observed that Christianity shared many similarities with Judaism, including a similar Bible and the figure of Jesus, who was seen as important by their Catholic friends.

How did the speaker's perspective on Christianity begin to change?

The speaker's perspective began to change when, in second grade, a classmate accused them of having killed Jesus. This accusation was based on the belief that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus, which prompted the speaker to ask questions about the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.

What does the speaker believe Jews should understand about the New Testament?

The speaker believes Jews should understand that much of the New Testament is actually Jewish literature. By reading it, they can gain insights into their own Jewish history, especially regarding Jewish women in the first century, Pharisees, the synagogue system, and the function of the temple.

What is the significance of the New Testament for interfaith relations between Jews and Christians?

The speaker argues that understanding the New Testament is crucial for Jews to address the problematic portrayals of Jews and Judaism in Christian teachings. It helps clarify how those portrayals have contributed to tensions and offers a more nuanced understanding of Christianity, ultimately promoting better interfaith relations.

How does the speaker view Jesus in relation to Jewish tradition?

The speaker views Jesus as a deeply embedded figure within Judaism, who shared Jewish values, engaged in debates on Torah, and used Jewish methods of teaching, such as parables. Jesus is seen as a Jewish teacher and miracle worker, acting within the cultural and religious context of first-century Judaism.

Why does the speaker find the teachings of Jesus valuable for Jews?

The speaker finds value in Jesus' teachings because they reflect core Jewish principles, such as compassion, peace, and understanding of the Torah. Even though the speaker does not worship Jesus, they appreciate his message of the Kingdom of Heaven and see it as a reflection of Jewish values.

What role does intention (kavana) play in Jesus' teachings?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes not only outward actions but also the inner intention behind them. For example, he teaches that it is not enough to avoid murder; one must also avoid harboring hatred. This concept aligns with the Jewish idea of kavana, which focuses on the intention behind actions.

How does the speaker address the common division between the Old Testament law and New Testament grace?

The speaker challenges the false view that the Old Testament represents wrathful laws while the New Testament offers grace. They argue that the law is a response to divine grace and a way to sanctify daily life. The speaker emphasizes that both Jewish and Christian traditions should view the law as a means of connecting to God and living a righteous life.

What is the significance of the law for Jews, according to the speaker?

The law (Torah) is essential for maintaining Jewish identity and preventing assimilation. It is not seen as a burdensome yoke but as a way of sanctifying daily life. It helps Jews live in accordance with divine will, ensuring they remain distinct as a people while living according to God's commandments.

What does the speaker suggest about Jews reading the New Testament?

The speaker suggests that Jews should not avoid reading the New Testament due to fear or misconceptions. By engaging with the text, they can gain a better understanding of Christianity and recognize the shared Jewish roots of many Christian teachings. This approach fosters mutual respect and deeper understanding between the two faiths.