Product Description
by Golan Broshi (Author), Eitan Bar (Author)
This book provides a critical survey of Judaism, making it an excellent introduction for anyone interested in learning about the Jewish faith!
The central aim of this book is to argue that the God of Israel did not bestow upon Moses the traditions of the Orthodox Rabbis, commonly known as the "Oral Law" or "Oral Torah." The Oral Law encompasses rabbinic laws and statutes that, according to Jewish tradition, were given to Moses by God in addition to the Pentateuch. Drawing from contemporary studies by leading biblical scholars, historians, and archaeologists, we aim to demonstrate that despite the people of Israel adhering to various traditions (many of which stem from pagan sources), it is unreasonable to accept the claim that God provided Moses with a concealed Oral Law at Mount Sinai, which allegedly only Rabbis are authorized and capable of interpreting (which makes the people of Israel dependent on them for reaching God).
In this book, we will define Judaism, explore its origins, and refute popular arguments by Rabbis promoting the validity of the Oral Law. Furthermore, we will present our own arguments, attempting to prove that the Oral Law given at Mount Sinai cannot exist - not in biblical terms, not in historical terms, and not in logical terms. We will also reveal the actual sources and intentions of the Oral Law (Oral Torah), according to research originating from Jewish scholars. Rabbinic Judaism, as it exists today, is entirely based on the notion that in addition to the written Bible, God provided the people of Israel with an additional "oral" law. Consequently, dispelling the existence of such a law means undermining the most crucial foundations of Rabbinic Judaism. As one Jewish professor admitted, "there is no greater threat to Rabbinic Judaism than the refutation of the oral law as handed down to Moses at Sinai." We would like to clarify three points in advance. First, this book will introduce readers to many surprising and perhaps provocative issues. However, we assure you that everything will be supported by academic research. We reference endless studies conducted by Israeli scholars, citing large amount of sources. The book adopts an academic research perspective (with numerous footnotes) and presents logical biblical and historical arguments based on works by prominent Jewish minds, specifically Israeli scholars. However, we have attempted to simplify the content as much as possible to make it accessible to non-academic readers. Second, we want to emphasize our high regard for the Jewish people's (of which we are a part) dedication to God for 2000 years and its desire to uphold the Word of God. Additionally, we recognize that maintaining traditions has helped preserve our distinct existence in the diaspora. However, we are saddened that these traditions based on the so-called "oral law" have led to the creation of a different Judaism, entirely foreign to the Hebrew Bible and the God of Israel. Third, this critique is offered in the context of an intramural discussion between Jews who believe in Yeshua (Jesus) and those who do not yet follow Him. It should not be understood as an attack on the Jewish people.
