I grew up in a traditional Christian home with two wonderful parents who loved me and provided a good education. Being Christians, our family and church never discussed or explored the Jewish roots of our faith. We never mentioned that Jesus (Yeshua) was Jewish and that all of the Apostolic Scripture (New Testament) was written by Jews (with the possible exception of Luke/Acts).
I don’t know whether our ardent avoidance of all things Jewish was intentional or unintentional but the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) and the Jews were not topics of interest or inquiry.
Over time, G-d placed within my life a wonderful Jewish believer in Yeshua (his name is Ben Alpert) who started me thinking about the Hebraic heritage/roots of my faith. The pilgrimage I’m currently on was started by a man who taught all the Scriptures through the lens of the Hebrew Scripture and gave me a thirst for the Torah that has never been quenched.
It seemed natural to me to explore the thoughts of the Jewish community concerning their thoughts on the Bible. During the past few years of my life, I have read several books by Jewish authors that have been a blessing to my life. I am amazed that many of my fellow believers in Yeshua are not even aware that there is a sea of Jewish wisdom, based on the Scripture, which is readily available.
I realize I am recommending authors that are not believers in Yeshua, but they are believers in G-d, and they are focused on Torah/Biblical truth.
For the next several months, I will introduce some authors who have encouraged me to be a better person. I will introduce a modern author first, then to an author from the past.
All of us should desire to be better every day and draw closer to our G-d, and the Jewish authors have inspired me to walk humbly with my G-d.
The first author is Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, a modern-day sage whose pen is drenched in wisdom. While I don’t agree with him on every detail, he elevates my thinking and forces me to think outside the traditional boxes that confine me.
Telushkin is a prolific writer, and I recommend every book he writes. I especially recommend, “Words that Hurt, Words that Heal.” We all can guard our tongue and speak more kindly to those around us.
Once you read the book, you will become painfully aware of how much we all have to learn about using our speech to draw ourselves and others closer to our G-d.
The second author is a rabbi from the past named Chofeitz Chaim, who wrote extensively on the use of speech. I heartily recommend every book he wrote, as he gave rules and strategies to better your life by knowing what to say and how to say it.
All of us have been hurt by the words of others, and all of us have hurt others by what we have said. Being a better person requires concern for what we say and how we say it.
Chaim is a master at guiding his reader to the Torah/Biblical principles that will make each of us “speak the truth in love.”
I hope every reader my column will purchase or check out a copy of the books written by Telushkin and Chaim. I have much to learn about the use of my tongue, but I believe the two authors have made me think about a topic that needed my attention.
I want to be a better person, and I hope you do, too. I encourage you to read outside your comfort zone and broaden your educational horizons by examining the treasure trove of great Jewish writers of the past and present.
Just because “we” are believers in Yeshua the Christ and “they” are not shouldn’t keep us from learning the wisdom and truth that the Jewish community has treasured for years.
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