AboutRabbi Ari Shishler Expertise As a campus rabbi, who teaches both religious and non-religious Jewish teens every day, I'm ready and waiting for your questions.
Experience I spent six years as the head of the Chabad House Young Adults' Division in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to learning director.
I am the campus rabbi at the Witwatersrand University and University of Johannesburg and was the campus rabbi at Boston City Campus in Johannesburg for six years.
I have worked closely with the South African Union of Jewish students since 1997.
For the past eight years, I have been a guest lecturer at the Johannesburg "Encounter" program for King David High Schools. I have also spent two years as guest rabbi at the "Encounter" program in Cape Town.
King David High Schools, Yeshivah College and Crawford High Schools invite me regularly to speak to various classes.
Since 1996, I have been teaching Talmud at a local religious high school.
Organizations Chabad-Lubavitch
South African Rabbinical Association
Publications Jewish Tradition, South Africa. Jewish Report, weekly newspaper, South Africa SAUJS annual Holiday guide.
Education/Credentials After completing high scool, I spent six years studying in Rabbinical seminaries in South Africa, Israel and New York.
Expert: Rabbi Ari Shishler Date: 3/28/2008 Subject: a few quick questions...
Question Ok. First of all, let me make this really clear…I love Jewish people. I think you guys are awesome, and I really respect and admire you. You are God’s Chosen People, the apple of His eye, and have endured much (not necessarily you personally, but I’m talking about the general people group) throughout history, including, unfortunately, the Holocaust. I love to read the stories of hope and survival, as well as the courage of those who faced an untimely death for what they believed. So yeah. I definitely love the Jews!
I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to ask you a few questions about Jesus. Now, please don’t get me wrong – I don’t in ANY WAY blame the Jewish people for what happened to Jesus. It was not their fault, although they played a role in his death. It was a part of God’s plan for Him to die for the sins of many. But let’s not get into that right now. I’m wondering how you, as a Jew, would answer these questions about Jesus. I realize that you do not view Him as the Messiah, but I still would like to know what you think, from your Jewish perspective.
Here’s the questions: 1)What is one fact about Jesus that is most amazing to you? 2) What are 3 titles you can think of that can be given to Jesus?
Thank you! :) Oh, and also if you could just post your answer on the site, that’d be great – I don’t have an email address, so that’s the only way I’ll get the reply.
Thank you for your time, and if you would like to further talk about what you believe and all, that would be welcome, too!!!! :)
~ “Amy” ~
Answer Hi Amy
I really appreciate your love for our People and only hope that more people would feel genuine love for people who are different to themselves.
As for your questions, I don't think it would really be fair for me to comment. After all, Jesus really has no relevance in my religion, so I don't have anything to say about him.
I guess it would be similar to me asking you to comment on a Talmudic Sage, about whom you probably know very little- if anything.
I'm sure you understand my predicament and will continue to love my People for who we are- even if we believe differently to you.
Please feel free to ask any other questions that you think I may be able to assist you with.
