Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 3/14/2004

Question
Hi my name is Chris and I'm a Christian (I hope that doesn't disturb you). I am not here to convert you or judge I just wanted to ask some questions on your religion out of curiosity and personal research.


1) Writting and reading hebrew, is this a must for being Jewish?

2) Has the Torah been unchanged through history?

3) Do Jews beleive in a messiah?

4) If so will he come in the same style as Jesus or will their be a few differences.

5) Will he come to Change Jewish faith or just add?

6) When he comes will he restore Israel to it's former glory here on earth or will Israel be a spiritual place.

7) When one dies is one Judged by God?

Thanks for your time, Chris

Answer
Dear Chris,

Thanks for writing and no I am not disturbed by the letter.

First of all, read Trude Weis Rosemarin's book "Judaims and Christianity" and you'll have the basis for my answers.

1. Reading yes in all my conversion classes, with a minimum of comprehension.

2. Absolutely not - we have books of manuscript alternatives

3. Messianic age perhaps but until the time of Jesus and speculation we thought only of a national leader who would restore the Jewish nation, not a theological figure bringing salvation in a world to come

4. The world will be at peace and similarly the Jewish People, in their own land and self-governing

5. He - if there is a single person - will come as a Rabbinic, modern Jew

6. Physical, national and spiritual. Jews will then have the choice of moving to Israel or staying as citizens of their countries and remaining Americans who are religiously Jews.

7. I'll let you know when I get there. No one knows and there is no proof anywhere in 3000 or more years of Bible and Talmud - but there is a lot of speculation - take your pick

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov