The Oral Law A PRIMER FOR MESSIANIC BELIEVERS PRESENTED BY MESSIANIC PASTOR RICK ARII

Transcription

1 The Oral Law A PRIMER FOR MESSIANIC BELIEVERS PRESENTED BY MESSIANIC PASTOR RICK ARII Welcome! Class Schedule for tonight: Logistics Introductions why are you taking this class? Vision Goals Course description / Overview of Sessions Suggested Text Book Lets get started!! 1

2 Class Description ØThis class provides a basic introduction to the Talmud focusing on its social, historical and religious context. ØStudents will gain exposure to the concept of The Dual Torah, written and oral, and the concept of adaptation and its development. Important and related terms will be defined and discussed. ØThe course will provide a venue to discuss the relationship between Rabbinic Judaism and the early Messianic movement described in the Apostolic writings, the separation of Judaism and Christianity, and how the Talmud relates to the contemporary Messianic movement. ØResources for further study will also be provided. Vision Ø An introduction to the history, contributors and development of Jewish Literature often described as The Oral Law to better understand Judaism, Christianity s Jewish roots, and how Messianic believers can leverage a realistic knowledge of Rabbinic Judaism in relation to Israel s irrevocable calling to be a light to the nations. 2

3 Goals Ø Develop a basic and informed knowledge of Jewish literature Ø Consider how this literature interprets Scripture Ø Consider the history of Second Temple Judaism, tracing the development and separation of Christianity Ø See the teachings of Yeshua in the context of learning in the first century Ø Appreciate the value of socio-historical context when reading and interpreting the Apostolic writings Ø Appreciate the gap between Jewish and Christian understanding Ø Gain a deeper understanding from the perspective of who God is, who we are, and our calling Suggested Text Book Schiffman, Lawrence From Text to Tradition A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism, Hoboken, NJ: Ktav Publishing House, Inc

4 Session 1 Overview The first session will review the Vision and Description of course and allow the class to get to know about each other. We will attempt to determine the general level of knowledge in order to be able to move from the known to the unknown by asking the question, why are you taking this class? Why study Jewish literature/talmud? Discuss the role of the Jewish People, their gift and calling. Session 2 Overview The second session will explore what defines Judaism and its core foundation in the Torah. The concept of The Dual Torah will be introduced, along with a discussion of the plurality of Judaisms, and the need for unity in diaspora. The concept of law will be discussed. An overview of the history of the Talmudic era (250 BC 600 AD) will be considered. The Mishnah, Gemara, and Talmud will be introduced. 4

5 Session 3 Overview Session Three will continue with a deeper look at the pertinent Biblical history starting with the giving of Torah on Mt. Sinai, but focusing on the Second Temple period, the destruction of the Temple/Jerusalem, and the ensuing Talmudic period. Details will include Ezra s role and the development of Scribes, Pharisees, Mishnaic voices and the development and codification of the Talmud. Session 4 Overview In the Fourth Session we will discuss the Jewish-Christian Schism, and expand exposure to Talmudic literature, examining the components of this vast sea of literature and how these components relate to each other. 5

6 Session 5 Overview Session Five will culminate our series with an excursion into the texts themselves, specifically, Pirke Avot and Mishnah Berakhot Chapter 1. The class will be divided into pairs in traditional Havruta style to examine sections of the text. We will then come together to discuss what was discovered. Connections between Rabbinic Literature and Apostolic writings will be discussed. Resources for further study will be provided. Let s get started! Discuss existing perceptions and knowledge regarding Jewish literature and Talmud specifically. Why study Talmud? The importance of Rabbinic Literature for believers in Messiah Yeshua Jewish Role A Covenant People Guarding the Covenant: Exodus 19:1-6, Deuteronomy 29:1, Keeping the Covenant: Exodus 21:12, 17Asking Questions The importance of asking questions 6

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