Modern Jews Engage the New Testament: Enhancing Jewish Well-being in a Christian Environment

An honest, probing look at the dynamics of the New Testament―in relation to problems that disconcert Jews and Christians today.

Despite the New Testament's impact on Jewish history, virtually all Jews avoid knowledge of its underlying dynamics. Jewish families and communities thus remain needlessly stymied when responding to a deeply Christian culture. Their Christian friends, meanwhile, are left perplexed as to why Jews are wary of the Gospel’s "good news."

This long-awaited volume offers an unprecedented solution-oriented introduction to Jesus and Paul, the Gospels and Revelation, leading Jews out of anxieties that plague them, and clarifying for Christians why Jews draw back from Christians’ sacred writings.

Accessible to laypeople, scholars and clergy of all faiths, innovative teaching aids make this valuable resource ideal for rabbis, ministers and other educators. Topics include:

• The Gospels, Romans and Revelation― the Key Concerns for Jews
• Misusing the Talmud in Gospel Study
• Jesus’ Trial, the “Virgin Birth” and Empty Tomb Enigmas
• Millennialist Scenarios and Missionary Encroachment
• The Last Supper and Church Seders
• Is the New Testament Antisemitic?

While written primarily with Jews in mind, this groundbreaking volume will also help Christians understand issues involved in the origin of the New Testament, the portrayal of Judaism in it, and why for centuries their “good news” has been a source of fear and mistrust among Jews.

Rabbi Michael J. Cook, PhD, is professor of intertestamental and early Christian literatures and holds the Sol and Arlene Bronstein Professorship in Judaeo-Christian Studies at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. He is author of Modern Jews Engage the New Testament: Enhancing Jewish Well-Being in a Christian Environment (Jewish Lights) and is a leader in the field of Jewish-Christian relations.

Rabbi Michael J. Cook, PhD, is available to speak on the following topics:

• Jews, Jesus and "Gospel Dynamics": Why the Future Is Not What It Used to Be
• From Calvary to Oberammergau 2010: The Impact of Jesus' Death on Jewish Life
• Now That Jesus Hasn't Returned, What Does It Mean for the Jews?
• Jesus Was No Myth, But Who Then Was He?
• "And as They Were at Table Eating" (Mk 14): Could the Last Supper Have Been a Seder?