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Teaching

These are the Words of the Living God

What kind of honor does the Torah speak about when it says, "you shall honor [the old man]"? It means that one should not stand or sit in their [customary] place, nor should one contradict their words. When one inquires [of them] regarding legal matters, he should ask reverently. One should not leap to respond, nor should one interrupt his words. (Bemidbar Rabbah 15.17)

Within Judaism, there is room for a variety of perspectives and opinions. One of the most difficult things to learn is to allow others, particularly those who are our elders and teachers, to share their perspectives without being contradicted or shouted down.

Rashi and Ramban, for example, frequently disagree in their interpretations. The beauty of Judaism is that it reveres them both. The student can even choose to take sides with one of them while maintaining utmost regard for the other. "These and these are the words of the living God" (b.Eruvin 13b).

The scholars and pioneers of Messianic Judaism in centuries past also have a variety of opinions. Whether we agree with every point or not, it is appropriate for us to provide an outlet for their teachings and consider them respectfully. They deserve to have their stories and messages told without being watered down, censored, or contradicted. Nonetheless, we can engage with them in Torah study and discussion, to explore the texts with them, and sometimes to take sides between one and another. Often, they have insights into God and the Scriptures that are beautiful and amazing. Sometimes it might seem like they made too many concessions to mainstream Christianity; other times they push the limits of what many are comfortable with in Messianic faith.

The pioneers of Messianic Judaism did not live in the same world that we live in today. As members of Jewish communities, they did not need to defend Torah; rather, they primarily found themselves defending their Messiah Yeshua. They knew that despite what others in the Jewish and Christian worlds claimed, their Master Yeshua of Nazareth was a Jew who upheld Torah, the Jewish people, and the God of Israel.

But even today, misconceptions and misunderstandings exist regarding Yeshua. The pioneers and luminaries of Messianic Judaism were Jewish men who had training in the traditional sources from childhood. Unlike so many of us, they are in a unique position to be authoritative voices in defending our Master.

One mission of Vine of David is to provide a diverse platform that allows these brilliant men of earlier generations to make their voices heard, and to join their cause in defending our Messiah. While we may not agree with all of their perspectives, we can listen and learn from them and show them the honor they deserve.