Table of Contents
AntiMissionaries be like… There is No Concept of Hell in Judaism
There is a common antimissionary claim that Judaism has no concept of hell. Has anyone ever told you that? All we have to do to validate or invalidate this claim is go over to www.sefaria.org and perform a search on the word hell and see how often this concept is mentioned in the rabbinic literature. What we find out is that the concept of hell is mentioned throughout the Jewish literature and so this concept is extant in Judaism and there are many discussions on how the wicked go to hell and the righteous to paradise.
Search on “Hell” “gehenna” לְגֵיהִנָּם
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Talmud (36) |
Mishnah (2) Talmud (142) Midrash (133) Halakhah (12) Kabbalah (3) Liturgy (2) Jewish Thought (18) Chasidut (3) Musar (8) Reference (45) Targum (6) Tanakh Commentary (7) Mishnah Commentary (4) Talmud Commentary (6) |
Mishnah (4) Talmud (64) Midrash (279) Halakhah (117) Kabbalah (255) Liturgy (6) Jewish Thought (100) Tosefta (1) Chasidut (143) Musar (124) Responsa (23) Reference (14) Targum (2) Tanakh Commentary (164) Mishnah Commentary (127) Talmud Commentary (128) |
Search on “Hell” 361 source texts
Search on “gehenna“ 400 source texts
Search on לְגֵיהִנָּם 7,970 source texts
KJV bible Searching for “hell” leads to only 49 results.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus Teachings Contradict Torah
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus is Not a Real Person
Have you ever been told that Jesus was not a real person and that the New Testament is a forgery that was written by early Christians to promote their religion? There is in fact a large body of written evidence for Yeshua’s existence from both Jewish and Roman historians. There are 5,856 Greek manuscripts. The earliest manuscript is from AD 130, John Rylands Papyrus: P52. There are also 18,130 Non-Greek Manuscripts. Therefore, there are total 23,986 manuscripts for the NT text itself.
AntiMissionaries be like… Yeshua was not Torah Observant Jew – Episode 1
Episode 1 – https://www.matsati.com
Yeshua, was a Torah observant Jew
The New Testament describes Yeshua as being a Torah observant Jew. (Luke 2:21-32, Luke 2:39-52, John 8:46, Galatians 4:4) These verses stress that Yeshua was brought up as a Torah observant Jewish child in the traditions and faith of his father’s. The Oral Torah, Tefillin, and Tzitzit wearing was certainly existent in that day because history proves this. Especially being that he grew up in Galilee which was predominantly Pharisaic.
Antimissionaries be like… Yeshua was not a Torah Jew – Episode 2
Episode 2 – https://www.matsati.com
כג:א אָז דִבֵּר יֵשׁוּעַ אֶל הֲמוֹן הָעָם וְאֶל תַּלְמִידָיו. ב אָמַר לָהֶם׃ ״הַסּוֹפְרִים וְהַפְּרוּשִׁים יוֹשְׁבִים עַל כִּסֵּא מֹשֶׁה. ג לָכֵן כָּל אֲשֶׁר יֹאמְרוּ לָכֶם עֲשׂוּ וְשִׁמְרוּ, (דברים יז׳ י׳–יב׳) אַךְ כְּמַעֲשֵׂיהֶם אַל תַּעֲשׂוּ, כִּי אוֹמְרִים הֵם וְאֵינָם (עוֹשִׂים. (מלאכי ב׳ ז׳–ח׳
Yeshua told his followers to follow and observe the teachings and instructions of the Rabbis (Matthew 23:1-3). That is an inherently Torah-observant statement as we know the commandment written in Deuteronomy 17:8-12. These three verses suggest that Yeshua upheld the Rabbinic tradition and fence laws in addition to the written Torah. The proof is here in Matthew 23!
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not a Torah Jew – Episode 3 – Torah was an Important Part of Jesus’ Ministry!
Episode 3 – https://www.matsati.com
ה:יז ״אַל תַּחְשְׁבוּ שֶׁבָּאתִי לְבַטֵּל אֶת הַתּוֹרָה אוֹ אֶת הַנְּבִיאִים; לֹא בָּאתִי לְבַטֵּל כִּי אִם לְקַיֵּם. יח אָמֵן. אוֹמֵר אֲנִי לָכֶם, עַד אֲשֶׁר יַעַבְרוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם וְהָאָרֶץ אַף יוֹד אַחַת אוֹ תָּג אֶחָד לֹא יַעַבְרוּ מִן הַתּוֹרָה בְּטֶרֶם יִתְקַיֵּם הַכֹּל. יט לָכֵן כָּל הַמֵּפֵר אַחַת מִן הַמִּצְווֹת הַקְּטַנּוֹת הָאֵלֶּה וּמְלַמֵּד כָּךְ אֶת הַבְּרִיּוֹת, קָטוֹן יִקָּרֵא בְּמַלְכוּת הַשָּׁמַיִם. אֲבָל כָּל הָעוֹשֶׂה וּמְלַמֵּד, הוּא גָּדוֹל יִקָּרֵא בְּמַלְכוּת הַשָּׁמַיִם. כ אוֹמֵר אֲנִי לָכֶם, אִם לֹא תִּהְיֶה צִדְקַתְכֶם מְרֻבָּה מִצִּדְקַת הַסּוֹפְרִים וְהַפְּרוּשִׁים לֹא תִּכָּנְסוּ לְמַלְכוּת הַשָּׁמַיִם.״
Yeshua said that he didn’t come to change the Torah, and that if anyone kept and taught others to keep even the smallest commandments of the Torah that they would be considered great. He also stated that if any broke the commandments and taught others to break them that they would be considered least. (Matthew 5:17-20) These statements certainly indicate that Torah observance was an important part of His teachings and life.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was Not Torah Observant – When Questioned Yeshua Responded with the Shema
Episode 4 – https://www.matsati.com
יב:כח אַחַד הַסּוֹפְרִים הִתְקָרֵב וְשָׁמַע אוֹתָם מִתְוַכְּחִים. כִּרְאוֹתוֹ שֶׁיֵּשׁוּעַ הֵשִׁיב לָהֶם הֵיטֵב, שָׁאַל אוֹתוֹ׃ ״אֵיזוֹהִי הַמִּצְוָה הָרִאשׁוֹנָה מִכֹּל?״ כט עָנָה יֵשׁוּעַ׃ ״הָרִאשׁוֹנָה הִיא ׳שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יהוה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יהוה אֶחָד, ל וְאָהַבְתָּ אֶת יהוה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל–נַפְשְׁךָ וּבְכָל שִׂכְלְךָ וּבְכָל–מְאֹדֶךָ.׳ (דברים ו׳ ד׳–ה׳) לא וְהַשְּׁנִיָּה הִיא ׳וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ.׳ (ויקרא יט׳ יח׳)
When Yeshua was asked “what is the greatest commandment in the Torah,” Yeshua responded with the Shema (see Mark 12:28-30). This provides us with definitive evidence that Yeshua was Torah observant and that he lived and taught obedience to the Torah of Moshe.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not Torah Observant – Episode 5 – Yeshua Sowed Tefillin
Episode 5 – https://www.matsati.com
יב:כח אַחַד הַסּוֹפְרִים הִתְקָרֵב וְשָׁמַע אוֹתָם מִתְוַכְּחִים. כִּרְאוֹתוֹ שֶׁיֵּשׁוּעַ הֵשִׁיב לָהֶם הֵיטֵב, שָׁאַל אוֹתוֹ׃ ״אֵיזוֹהִי הַמִּצְוָה הָרִאשׁוֹנָה מִכֹּל?״ כט עָנָה יֵשׁוּעַ׃ ״הָרִאשׁוֹנָה הִיא ׳שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יהוה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יהוה אֶחָד, ל וְאָהַבְתָּ אֶת יהוה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל–נַפְשְׁךָ וּבְכָל שִׂכְלְךָ וּבְכָל–מְאֹדֶךָ.׳ (דברים ו׳ ד׳–ה׳) לא וְהַשְּׁנִיָּה הִיא ׳וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ.׳ (ויקרא יט׳ יח׳)
Another extremely vital point to make concerning Mark 12:28-31, is that the Shema is the portion of the Torah that is put inside of the boxes of the Tefillin. For him to make such a profound statement to his students and to the people around him when asked about the most important commandments and recites the Shema… it is more than reasonable to assert that he surely sowed Tefillin as any Torah observant Jew would do. In fact it would be completely unreasonable to assume that he didn’t put on Tefillin, based on these facts the NT clearly indicates.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not a Torah Jew – Episode 6 – Yeshua was a Tzadik
Episode 6 – https://www.matsati.com
Matthew 27:18–19
יט כַּאֲשֶׁר יָשַׁב עַל כֵּס הַמִּשְׁפָּט שָׁלְחָה אֵלָיו אִשְׁתּוֹ לֵאמֹר׃ ״אַל יִהְיֶה לְךָ דָּבָר עִם אוֹתוֹ צַדִּיק, כִּי רַבּוֹת סָבַלְתִּי הַיּוֹם בַּחֲלוֹם בִּגְלָלוֹ.״ Luke 23:47 מז כְּשֶׁרָאָה שַׂר הַמֵּאָה אֶת הַמִּתְרַחֵשׁ נָתַן כָּבוֹד לֵאלֹהִים בְּאָמְרוֹ׃ ״בֶּאֱמֶת, הָאִישׁ הַזֶּה הָיָה צַדִּיק!״ Acts 22:14 יד הוֹסִיף וְאָמַר, ׳אֱלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ בָּחַר בְּךָ לָדַעַת אֶת רְצוֹנוֹ וְלִרְאוֹת אֶת הַצַּדִיק וְלִשְׁמֹעַ קוֹל מִפִּיו
An important point to note here is how the NT speaks of Yeshua being a “Tzadik” or a “righteous person.” We know that when a Jew is referred to as a “Tzadik” it means that they are Torah observant. This is another example, how Yeshua was Torah observant and a Tzadik (a righteous man)
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not Torah Observant… Jesus wore Tzitzit according to the NT text – Episode 7
Episode 7 – https://www.matsati.com/index.php/antimissionaries-be-like/
Matthew 9:20
וְהִנֵּה אִשָּׁה שֶׁהָיְתָה זָבַת דָּם שְׁתֵּים–עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה הִתְקָרְבָה מֵאָחוֹר וְנָגְעָה בִּכְנַף בִּגְדוֹ,
Here is an example how Yeshua kept the Torah command concerning his clothes. The Torah commands that a man wear a tallit with tzitzit (a four cornered garment with fringes/tassels). When the sick woman reached for him, she grabbed his tzitzit (fringes/tassels) which they call the wings of his garment in the gospel account. (Mark 6:56; Matthew 9:20; Luke 8:44)
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not Torah Observant – Jesus wore Kosher Cloths – Episode 8
Mark 6:56
ו:נו בְּכָל מָקוֹם שֶׁבָּא אֵלָיו, בַּכְּפָרִים אוֹ בֶּעָרִים אוֹ בָּעֲיָרוֹת, שָׂמוּ אֶת הַחוֹלִים בַּחוּצוֹת וּבִקְשׁוּ מִמֶּנּוּ שֶׁיַּנִּיחַ לָהֶם לִנְגֹּעַ וְלוּ רַק בִּכְנַף בִּגְדוֹ, (במדבר טו׳ לח׳) וְכָל הַנּוֹגְעִים בּוֹ נִרְפְּאוּ.
Here is a key point. Because, in this text the NT clearly records his Torah observance in terms of wearing tzitzit. It would be reasonable to assert and to make an educated guess that he would have surely sown Tefillin. Especially since the commandment of Tzitzit is closely related and associated with the Mezuzah and Tefillin. (Mark 6:56; Matthew 9:20; Luke 8:44)
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not Torah Observant – Jesus Prayed the Amidah Prayer according to NT text – Episode 9
Episode 9 – https://www.matsati.com
Matthew 6:9-13
ו:ט לָכֵן כָּךְ הִתְפַּלְּלוּ אַתֶּם׃ ׳אָבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם, (ישעיהו סג׳ טז׳) יִתְקַדֵּשׁ שִׁמְךָ, (ישעיהו כט׳ כג׳) י תָּבוֹא מַלְכוּתְךָ, יֵעָשֶׂה רְצוֹנְךָ כְּבַשָּׁמַיִם כֵּן בָּאָרֶץ. יא אֶת לֶחֶם חֻקֵּנוּ תֵּן לָנוּ הַיּוֹם, (משלי ל׳ ח׳) יב וּסְלַח לָנוּ עַל חֲטָאֵינוּ כְּפִי שֶׁסּוֹלְחִים גַּם אֲנַחְנוּ לַחוֹטְאִים לָנוּ. יג וְאַל תְּבִיאֶנוּ לִידֵי נִסָּיוֹן, כִּי אִם חַלְּצֵנוּ מִן הָרָע.׳ “כִּי לְךָ הַמַּמְלָכָה וְהַגְּבוּרָה וְהַתִּפְאֶרֶת לְעוֹלְמֵי עוֹלָמִים. אָמֵן.”
Yeshua used and taught the traditional prayers that were instituted by the Sages such as the Amidah – commonly called the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13). His special prayer is merely a shortened form of the third, fifth, sixth, ninth and fifteenth of the Eighteen Benedictions of the Amidah. And this rearrangement and combination of the Amidah is indicated by some of the Sages and is recorded in the Talmud (Berachot 28b). Also note, some of the Sages have different rulings and different formations of the Amidah prayer, but the point is to show in the NT text that Yeshua actually observed this same rabbinic methodology.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not a Rabbi… Jesus Prayed the Halachic Blessings over Meals – Episode 10
Episode 10 – https://www.matsati.com
Luke 22:19-20
כב:יט לָקַח אֶת הַלֶּחֶם, בֵּרַךְ וּבָצַע וְנָתַן לָהֶם בְּאָמְרוֹ׃ ״זֶה גּוּפִי הַנִּתָּן בַּעַדְכֶם, זֹאת עֲשׂוּ לְזִכְרִי.״ כ כֵּן גַּם אֶת הַכּוֹס אַחַר הַסְּעוּדָה, וְאָמַר׃ ״הַכּוֹס הַזֹּאת הִיא הַבְּרִית הַחֲדָשָׁה בְּדָמִי הַנִּשְׁפָּךְ בַּעַדְכֶם. (ירמיהו לא׳ ל׳–לא׳)
Yeshua recited the halachic blessings over matzah and wine when he gave thanks at meals (Luke 22:19-20). This is clearly a rabbinic methodology in prayer consistent with Torah observant Jews.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not a Rabbi, Jesus was Trained by the Rabbinic Traditions – Episode 11
Episode 11 – https://www.matsati.com
The Amidah – Yeshua’s version called the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13).
The halachic blessings over matzah and wine when Yeshua gave thanks at meals (Luke 22:19-20)
It is important to realize that much of the prayers and blessings that one can find in the Siddur (the Jewish prayer book) are not found in the Tanakh or the NT scriptures. Therefore, these prayers and blessings were orally transmitted. These prayer traditions were passed down before Yeshua and after Yeshua orally from generation to generation. This is simply more evidence Yeshu was a Torah Jew who learned these from the rabbis of his time.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus on Carrying on the Shabbat and Laws of Eruv – Episode 12
Episode 12 – https://www.matsati.com
Carrying on the Sabbath (John 5:8-11)
ה;ח אָמַר לוֹ יֵשׁוּעַ׃ ״קוּם, קַח אֶת מִשְׁכָּבְךָ וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ.״ ט מִיָּד נִרְפָּא, לָקַח אֶת מִשְׁכָּבוֹ וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ. אוֹתוֹ יוֹם הָיָה יוֹם שַׁבָּת. י אָמְרוּ רָאשֵׁי הַיְּהוּדִים לָאִישׁ שֶׁנִּרְפָּא׃ ״שַׁבָּת הַיּוֹם; אָסוּר לְךָ לָשֵׂאת אֶת מִשְׁכָּבְךָ.״ (ירמיהו יז׳ כא׳–כב׳) יא הֵשִׁיב לָהֶם׃ ״זֶה שֶׁרִפֵּא אוֹתִי, הוּא אָמַר לִי, ׳קַח אֶת מִשְׁכָּבְךָ וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ׳.״
When Yeshua told the man to pick his mat up and carry it on the Shabbat He was not denouncing the Rabbinical authority or the Oral Torah, or even the Torah itself. He was functioning in accordance with the Rabbinical authority and the Oral Torah which fall under the laws of Eruv which are part of the 7 rabbinic laws by which the issue at hand proves that Yeshua was in accordance with these laws, the rabbinical laws telling the man to pick up his mat and go.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus violated the Sabbath, Carrying on the Shabbat (John 5:8-11)
Episode 13 – https://www.matsati.com
Carrying on the Shabbat (John 5:8-11)
ה;ח אָמַר לוֹ יֵשׁוּעַ׃ ״קוּם, קַח אֶת מִשְׁכָּבְךָ וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ.״ ט מִיָּד נִרְפָּא, לָקַח אֶת מִשְׁכָּבוֹ וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ. אוֹתוֹ יוֹם הָיָה יוֹם שַׁבָּת. י אָמְרוּ רָאשֵׁי הַיְּהוּדִים לָאִישׁ שֶׁנִּרְפָּא׃ ״שַׁבָּת הַיּוֹם; אָסוּר לְךָ לָשֵׂאת אֶת מִשְׁכָּבְךָ.״ (ירמיהו יז׳ כא׳–כב׳) יא הֵשִׁיב לָהֶם׃ ״זֶה שֶׁרִפֵּא אוֹתִי, הוּא אָמַר לִי, ׳קַח אֶת מִשְׁכָּבְךָ וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ׳.״
When Yeshua told the man to pick his mat up and carry it on the Shabbat He was not denouncing the Rabbinical authority or the Oral Torah He was functioning in accordance with the Rabbinical authority and the Oral Torah. This falls under the laws of Eruv which are part of the 7 rabbinic laws by which the issue at hand proves that Yeshua was in accordance with these rabbinical laws telling the man to pick up his mat and go.
Antimissionaries be like… Further comments on Carrying on the Shabbat and the Eruv laws Episode 14
Episode 14 – https://www.matsati.com
Further comments on Carrying on the Shabbat and the Eruv laws (John 5:8-11) We are talking about an Eruv law here. The Oral Torah permits carrying within an enclosed “private” area on Shabbat and other holidays. This area can either be physical or symbolic. Such an area enclosed and considered “private” may vary in size from a small home to an entire community depending on various circumstances and specific situations. The Talmud specifies both the definitions of an enclosure and how to render an entire area a private domain from a small home to an entire community. This is normally performed using strings that are fastened around the “private domain.” This string indicates where the people may walk and carry on the Sabbath. Yeshua telling the man to carry his mat was fully within his authority to do so and did not violate the rabbinic tradition.
Antimissionaries be like… Yeshua commanded a man to Carry on the Shabbat, more info – Episode 15
Episode 15 – https://www.matsati.com
Yeshua commanded a man to Carry on the Shabbat, more info (John 5:8-11) There are many “details” on the Eruv the antimissionaries don’t want you to know. Regarding this issue of carrying on the Shabbat, such as another case may be argued concerning this situation. The man who carried his mat on Shabbat was not breaking the Eruv laws because his home was his bed. He was homeless. The Talmud says in the Shabbat portions that if a person is homeless or cannot afford to set up an Eruv or is unable to do it himself and has no one else to help him… The Eruv becomes himself and his belongings because he is unable to have an enclosed private area… Therefore, Yeshua was not violating the Shabbat and was fully operating within the fence laws of the rabbinic authority in his day.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus violated Torah by Healing on the Sabbath day – Episode 16
Episode 16 – https://www.matsati.com
Healing on the Shabbat
When Yeshua healed people on the Shabbat, there were certain Pharisees and Saduccees who were in opposition. According to the Mishnah (Oral Torah) and the Talmud… we find that it is permitted to heal or save a life or tend to any emergent situation on the Shabbat. In fact, the command to not work on the Shabbat are suspended in order to save a life or to tend to a dire emergency. Here, we see that when Yeshua healed someone he was not in violation of the laws of the Torah.
Antimissionaries be like… What the rabbis say about the Sabbath being made for man – Episode 17
Episode 17 – https://www.matsati.com
Yeshua saying, “the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath” The phrase, “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” appears in the rabbinic literature of the Talmud (Mekilta 103b, Yoma 85b). This statement was a teaching by many Rabbinical scholars of Yeshua’s day. The Pharisaic School of Hillel was famous for that quote. Yeshua was not saying anything new, unique, or separate from the Judaism of his day! He was in fact upholding the teachings of Judaism.
Antimissionaries be like… Yeshua violated Shabbat… Helping others is greatest importance, Episode 18
Episode 18 – http:///www.matsati.com
The Sages frequently use the verse from Hosea 6:6, that helping people was of greater importance than observing the rituals and customs (see the Talmud Sukkah 49b, Deuteronomy Rabba on 16:18, etc.). This is exactly what Yeshua did. In fact, they used the same examples Yeshua presented, David’s eating the bread of the presence in the Mishkhan and the Temple offerings made on the Shabbat, to demonstrate the same general principle, that the needs of life override the restrictions on the Shabbat (Y’lomm’denu, Yalkut II, par. 130, Tosefta Shabbat 15b).
Antimissionaries be like… The Pharisees were right about Jesus, Episode 19
Episode 19 – Http://www.matsati.com
Matthew 16:1
טז הַפְּרוּשִׁים וְהַצְּדוֹקִים נִגְּשׁוּ לְנַסּוֹת אוֹתוֹ וּבִקְשׁוּ מִמֶּנּוּ לְהַרְאוֹת לָהֶם אוֹת מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם.
Here this text is very interesting. What we see here is how both the Pharisees and the Sadducees who were accusing Yeshua were corrupted in their judgements against him. The reason is based upon their working together according to Mathew 16:1. Here the Pharisees were heretical in the fact that they were associating with the Sadducees. We note that the Pharisees according to the Talmud considered them to be heretics. (Talmud Bavli Berakhot 28b)
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus didn’t adhere to Rabbinic tradition, Episode 20
Episode 20 – https://www.matsati.com
Ritual Washing of the Hands (Netilat Yadayim)
Matthew 15:1–2
טו אַחֲרֵי כֵן נִגְּשׁוּ אֶל יֵשׁוּעַ סוֹפְרִים וּפְרוּשִׁים מִירוּשָׁלַיִם 2 וְשָׁאֲלוּ אוֹתוֹ׃ ״מַדּוּעַ עוֹבְרִים תַּלְמִידֶיךָ עַל מָסֹרֶת הַזְּקֵנִים, שֶׁאֵין הֵם נוֹטְלִים יָדַיִם לַסְּעוּדָה?״ When the certain
Pharisees questioned Yeshua about his disciples not washing their hands, it is important to note that they didn’t question whether or not he washed his hands, they questioned his disciples. It is more than likely that He did wash His hands, but the disciples did not. What does this mean? We will talk more about this in the next episode.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus didn’t follow Jewish tradition – Part 2, Episode 21
Episode 21 – https://www.matsati.com
Matthew 15:1–2
טו אַחֲרֵי כֵן נִגְּשׁוּ אֶל יֵשׁוּעַ סוֹפְרִים וּפְרוּשִׁים מִירוּשָׁלַיִם 2 וְשָׁאֲלוּ אוֹתוֹ׃ ״מַדּוּעַ עוֹבְרִים תַּלְמִידֶיךָ עַל מָסֹרֶת הַזְּקֵנִים, שֶׁאֵין הֵם נוֹטְלִים יָדַיִם לַסְּעוּדָה?״
The Talmud states that the ritual of hand washing (netilat yedayim) is invalid if the mind and heart was not also “cleansed.” In the Talmud, Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai, stated: “In life it is not the dead who make you unclean; nor is it the water you wash your hands, but rather the ordinances of the king of kings that purifies.” Maimonides (Rambam) made a similar comment, “For to confine oneself to cleaning the outward appearance through washing and cleaning the garment, while having at the same time a lust for various pleasures and unbridled license … merits the utmost blame.” These things reveal to us how the Pharisees had judgment in their hearts instead of compassion, and therefore Yeshua contested their teachings because they were breaking commandments in their statements against them. They were not following their own teaching, and therefore were disgracing the laws of HaShem. It was by this reason that Yeshua responded that it is not that which goes into your mouth that makes you unclean. Yeshua’s statements were not about Kashrut.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus didn’t obey Jewish tradition , Episode 22
Episode 22 – https://www.matsati.com
Matthew 15:1–2
טו אַחֲרֵי כֵן נִגְּשׁוּ אֶל יֵשׁוּעַ סוֹפְרִים וּפְרוּשִׁים מִירוּשָׁלַיִם 2 וְשָׁאֲלוּ אוֹתוֹ׃ ״מַדּוּעַ עוֹבְרִים תַּלְמִידֶיךָ עַל מָסֹרֶת הַזְּקֵנִים, שֶׁאֵין הֵם נוֹטְלִים יָדַיִם לַסְּעוּדָה?״
The tradition of ritual purity; namely, washing the hands is a valid practice, however, the practice becomes invalid if one’s mind and heart is not cleansed. Certain Pharisees were doing things to “look” pious and special for others to see… yet they were filthy on the inside. One interpretation may be that the disciples didn’t wash their hands because they didn’t feel they were clean inside, and therefore didn’t do it in that instance. But we should consider the other verses that reveal that they certainly did observe this ritual of washing the Hands. For example from the book of James:
James 4:8
קִרְבוּ לֵאלֹהִים וְיִקְרַב אֲלֵיכֶם. הַחוֹטְאִים, רַחֲצוּ יְדֵיכֶם! טַהֲרוּ אֶת לְבַבְכֶם, הֲפַכְפַּכֵּי הַלֵּב!
Antimissionaries be like… Yeshua didn’t believe in Rabbinic authority, Episode 23
Episode 23 – https://www.matsati.com
Matthew 23:1–3
כג אָז דִבֵּר יֵשׁוּעַ אֶל הֲמוֹן הָעָם וְאֶל תַּלְמִידָיו. 2 אָמַר לָהֶם׃ ״הַסּוֹפְרִים וְהַפְּרוּשִׁים יוֹשְׁבִים עַל כִּסֵּא מֹשֶׁה. 3 לָכֵן כָּל אֲשֶׁר יֹאמְרוּ לָכֶם עֲשׂוּ וְשִׁמְרוּ, (דברים יז׳ י׳–יב׳) אַךְ כְּמַעֲשֵׂיהֶם אַל תַּעֲשׂוּ, כִּי אוֹמְרִים הֵם וְאֵינָם עוֹשִׂים. (מלאכי ב׳ ז׳–ח׳)
The Pharisees taught that the Torah had been given to the community for the purpose of community and therefore any competent person was capable of interpreting it, but that Rabbinical authority was paramount (Devarim / Deuteronomy 17:9-12). Yeshua also taught that Rabbinical authority was paramount (Matthew 23:1-3). This is a good indication that Yeshua viewed the Pharisaic doctrines and teachings as acceptable and authoritative.
Antimissionaries be like… Yeshua didn’t keep Halachot. , Episode 24
Episode 24 – https://www.matsati.com
Matthew 23:1–3
כג אָז דִבֵּר יֵשׁוּעַ אֶל הֲמוֹן הָעָם וְאֶל תַּלְמִידָיו. 2 אָמַר לָהֶם׃ ״הַסּוֹפְרִים וְהַפְּרוּשִׁים יוֹשְׁבִים עַל כִּסֵּא מֹשֶׁה. 3 לָכֵן כָּל אֲשֶׁר יֹאמְרוּ לָכֶם עֲשׂוּ וְשִׁמְרוּ, (דברים יז׳ י׳–יב׳) אַךְ כְּמַעֲשֵׂיהֶם אַל תַּעֲשׂוּ, כִּי אוֹמְרִים הֵם וְאֵינָם עוֹשִׂים. (מלאכי ב׳ ז׳–ח׳
These verses from Matthew 23:1-3 indicate that Yeshua upheld all or at least the majority of the Rabbinic provisions, Halachot (protocol for keeping commandments) and fence laws in addition to the actual written Torah. He also said that he didn’t come to change the Torah. He was consistent with the Pharisaic belief that the Oral Torah was given to Moses along with the Written Torah at Mount Sinai. The scriptures in the book of Exodus supports this that there was an Oral Teaching given to Moses from God. The Written Torah is incomplete without the Oral Torah. Many of the teachings of Oral Torah were also practiced and taught by Yeshua.
Antimissionaries be like… Yeshua didn’t follow the customs of the elders. , Episode 25
Episode 25 – https://www.matsati.com
Matthew 15:3
ג הֵשִׁיב וְאָמַר לָהֶם׃ ״מַדּוּעַ גַּם אַתֶּם עוֹבְרִים עַל מִצְוַת אֱלֹהִים לְמַעַן הַמָּסֹרֶת שֶׁלָּכֶם?
The “traditions of the elders” or “customs” that were instituted were not to be taken as Biblical command, only secondary in that a tradition or a custom instituted in the community which cannot supersede a Biblical commandment. Hence, one of the reasons why Yeshua said “Why do you also transgress the commandments of God by your tradition?” Yeshua was not defending the disciples, he said “why do you also” indicating that the disciples transgressed against the rabbinic authority, however, also the Pharisees improperly used that Rabbinic instruction when they violated a Biblical command. Yeshua was using their own teachings against them because they were violating the chain of command. A Rabbinic enactment or a tradition or custom cannot ever be above a Biblical commandment, it can only serve as a guide for the Biblical commandment and must be treated as secondary authority.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not a Rabbi, Episode 26
Episode 26 – https://www.matsati.com
Yeshua’s ministry reflected both a rabbinic and Jewish way of life. He followed the custom of not only teaching in the synagogue, but in the open air like the Rabbis who taught everywhere. The frequent use of Tevilah (baptism) associated with his ministry was also quite common to his time, as the Talmud itself testifies in Sanhedrin 39a. Whether one accepts it or not, it is a fact attested to by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, that even in his final hour, Rabbi Yeshua did not stop practicing the halakhic rites of Judaism.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not a Rabbi – Part 2, Episode 27
Episode 27 – https://www.matsati.com
The most significant aspect of Yeshua’s ministry was his relationship to the Torah and traditions which clearly distinguishes him as a Rabbi. He declared the authority of the Torah in Matthew 5:17-19. He accepted the Pharisaic halakhot and the Oral Torah in Matthew 23:1-3 when he said, “you must obey them and do everything they tell you.” In addition, he endorsed the halakhah of the tithing of herbs (Mathew 23:23), the bracha at meals (Mark 8:6), blessings over wine, and the reciting of the Rabbinic prayers, and the Hallel at the Passover Seder (commonly known as the last supper) (Mark 14:22-23, 26).
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus did not Celebrate Jewish Festivals, Episode 28
Episode 28 – https://www.matsati.com
John 10:22-23
כב אוֹתָהּ עֵת חָגְגוּ בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם אֶת חַג הַחֲנֻכָּה. חֹרֶף הָיָה. כג כַּאֲשֶׁר הִתְהַלֵּךְ יֵשׁוּעַ בְּבֵית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ בְּאוּלָם שְׁלֹמֹה
Another interesting point was Yeshua’s observance of Chunakah (John 10:22-23), which is another Rabbinic enactment and not found written in the Torah as a mandated observance. This again shows that he observed Oral Torah. It is most interesting to note that the only place in the entire Bible that Chanukah is mentioned is in the New Testament.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus did not teach what the Sages taught, Episode 29
Episode 29 – https://www.matsati.com
The widely known phrase to “turn the other cheek” passage (Matthew 5:38-48) is often cited as an example of the radical newness of Yeshua’s teachings. But it is the same Spirit which inspired the best teaching of the Sages. A person is not to seek retaliation but should endure the insult humbly. This the Sages agreed with, and counseled that a person struck on the cheek should forgive the offending party even if he does not ask forgiveness (Tosefta and Aramaic Targum to Lamentations 3:29). The Talmud commends the person who accepts offense without retaliation and submits to suffering and insult cheerfully. (Yoma 23a) In addition, one can find parallels in the Rabbinical literature to almost all of Yeshua’s statements.
Antimissionaries be like… The NT doesn’t speak about Torah Observance, Episode 30
Episode 30 – https://www.matsati.com
When we study the NT text it is clear the narrative assumes Torah observance but stresses the moral laws. The reason for the stress on morality is because morality seems to be man’s most difficult struggle. We have to note the context in which the NT was written. The people of the NT were familiar with the Tanakh as a normative guideline for keeping the laws of HaShem and how to be an observant Jew. There was basically no need to stress Torah observance in that way. There are many examples from the NT text that prove Yeshua did in fact obey the Torah.
Antimissionaries be like… Jesus was not Torah Observant because He did not teach on it, Episode 31
Episode 31 – https://www.matsati.com
If Jesus was not Torah Observant…
Yeshua would not have been able to have such a large following if he was not Torah observant, for people were calling him the Messiah. And the Jews of that day knew that the Messiah must be Torah observant according to the prophecies of the Tanakh. They would never have referred to him as a Tzadik had he not been Torah observant. Even the Encyclopedia Judaica, states that “the New Testament provides us with undeniable evidence that Yeshua did not oppose any prescription of the Written or Oral Torah.”
