AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
In the book of Genesis
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The view of this by many is as a prophetic messianic prophecy. Christians view this as being fulfilled by Jesus. Is this a messianic prophecy yet to be fulfilled in the future for Israel since you are waiting for the messiah?
Thanks
Murel
ANSWER: Dear Murel,
We have to call a halt to this.
Judaism does not interpret any part of canon Scripture to relate in any way that would prove Jesus was divine, is or was the messianic figure.
If Jesus really lived, he would have lived as a Jew, perhaps free-thinking and a bit marginal from the mainstream but not the messiah.
He died at the hands of the Romans on the cross because Rome saw him as a revolutionary who threatened the political stability of the area. Crucifixion is the standard Roman punishment for revolt and sedition.
Crucifixion is totally foreign to Judaism - at any time in our history - even when we speak of theoretical punishment or death. Hence no prophet would ever have dreamed of crucifixion in a Jewish society.
You are free to believe as you do, but we don't agree. If you wish to read and learn about Jewish rejection of Christian interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures, Jews For Judaism is a website that is reliable, http://jewsforjudaism.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=196.
I would pose your questions to them as they deal with Jews who have been approached by missionaries and with Christians who are sharing their beliefs, even when unwanted.
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
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QUESTION: Rabbi Dov
I did not mean to offend. I have no doubts that Judaism is true and revelant. In America we are bombarded with Chritian information all the time and all I desire is to move out of confusion. In order to do this I must seek various views and clarification of verses of the Bible.
I am definitely not trying to convert anyone and have been careful with my questions so as not to even emply anything along those lines.
I know I should learn Hebrew so I can search these views out for myself. At almost 70 years old I don't know if I want to take the time to learn Hebrew so instead I ask those who are knowledgeable. I feel the same about Greek.
Trying to come to truth is not an easy task for their are so many views on the same subject. Christianity is a conglomeration of about 30,000 denominations all vying for adherents to their faith. Even in Judaism there are divisions where some literalize, some spiritualize some mysticize and others.
All of these varying views is most confusing. How can anyone arrive at the truth when there are so many saying that they have the "Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth so help them G_d?
Sorry for my imposition.
Thanks
Murel
Answer Dear Murel,
I'm not offended. However, the questions you are asking are those which are best answered in a study program, and I am unable because of time and obligations to answer each as they arise. That is a task for a teacher.
BTW I am in my middle 60's, but I am now studying Mandarin Chinese, refreshing my Hebrew and hope to start New Testament Greek soon. :-) There is no time like today to continue studying.
You are free to accept or reject what you are told or taught by anyone, including your own faith tradition and mine.
But be careful lest you create your own religion which is faithful to no tradition.
By asking in a "shotgun" fashion to the web and sites, even to me as a bona fide Rabbi and advanced student, there is a greater chance for confusion and disagreement - within Judaism and certainly within Christian views, on each theme or principle and even often on a word.
There are even within Judaism multiple views and opinions of Rabbis, scholars, etc. - a reason for the continuing study - life-long study is a Jewish value and principle.
If you check with a local Rabbi, you should find a more convenient source and arrange with the Rabbi a process by which you can learn from this Rabbi's background - whether in a course, private meetings, etc.
