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Beatrice Bruteau, editor. Jesus Through Jewish Eyes: Rabbis and Scholars Engage an Ancient Brother in a New Conversation - Book Review

Biblical Theology Bulletin, Fall, 2003 by John F. Craghan

Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2001. Pp. xvi + 191. Paper, $19.95.

The intended audience of this collection of essays is not Christians, but Jesus and his fellow Jews. Bringing together twenty contributors, fourteen of whom are rabbis, the editor states unequivocally: "The idea is to get Jewish views of a thoroughly Jewish Jesus, as he was (as nearly as we can tell) before there was any such thing as Christianity" (p. xi). The underlying question is: how does Jesus look to other Jews? In response to this question the editor divides the essays into four parts: (1) historical and theological views; (2) appraisals and interpretations; (3) personal views; and (4) the conversation continues.

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In the first part M. J. Cook discusses evolving Jewish views of Jesus. Concerning the death of Jesus he observes that the underlying authority was Rome. However, Caiaphas was implicated along with other pro-Roman elements within the Jewish priestly hierarchy. A. J. Wolf clearly lines up the criteria for the authenticity of statements and actions by the historical Jesus. He adroitly concludes: "It is difficult to place Jesus in any of the conventional streams of first-century Judaism" (p. 29). B. L. Sherwin views Jesus, not as a false messiah, but as a failed messiah. Invoking the authority of M. Buber, he maintains that biblical leadership is one of failure.

In the second part D. Matt considers Jesus a hasid. Hence he was a non-conformist who was extreme in his ethical demands. D. E Polish provides a Jewish reflection on images of Jesus. One image that does not have a precedent in Jewish life is the baby Jesus. He perceives the value of such an image by regarding the infant as a doorway for the intense expression of a greater love.

In the third part A. Secher finds a great similarity in the life of Jesus and Martin Luther King, Jr. He understands that their lives were value driven, values that eventually resulted in their deaths. L. Flitter insists that one must examine Jesus through Jewish eyes. To understand this Jesus, one must situate him in the context in which he existed. This ultimately means understanding Jesus as a Jew.

Finally, in the fourth part, L. Edwards uncovers value in being open to hearing Jesus, not as having the last word, but as part of the ongoing conversation of Torah. Against the background of Christian persecution of the Jews, particularly the Holocaust, D. Leder underlines the value of Jesus' suffering. "Suffering need not mark our deficiency, nor God's duplicity. Beyond these two answers lies a third: Abba's love is with us unto eternity" (p. 149).

This tantalizing collection of essays offers much to both Jew and Christian. For the Jewish audience Jesus emerges as an ancient brother in a new conversation. For the Christian audience Jesus appears as a Jew speaking to a Jewish audience in Jewish ways. To perceive Jesus through this Jewish prism is a boon for both audiences.

John E Craghan

Darboy, WI 54915

Beatrice Bruteau, editor. Jesus Through Jewish Eyes: Rabbis and Scholars Engage an Ancient Brother in a New Conversation - Book Review

Biblical Theology Bulletin, Fall, 2003 by John F. Craghan

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