Talmud

Introduction

The Notzrim have Yeshua as their head Rabbi who determines Halacha (how Torah is to be implemented). The Jews have the Talmud which is a collection of Halacha according to the Rabbis and various debates that took place.

The 4 major sects of Judaism as of 70 AD are; Parushim (Pharisees),  Zaddokim (Sadducees),  Issiyim (Essenes), Notzrim (Nazerenes).

The Parushim can further be divided into the School of Hillel teaching more lenient Halacha, and the School of Shammai teaching generally stricter adherence.

In the Gospel accounts, Yeshua teaches Halacha closer in alignment to Hillel with exception in regard to Divorce. Hillel teaches that Divorce is permitted if something unseemly is found. Yeshua upholds the Halacha of Shammai: Divorce being prohibited unless in the case of Adultery. Matthew 19:9

70 AD came about: Jerusalem was under siege by Rome.  The Notzrim had fled to the mountains when the abomination was seen standing in the Holy Place – Matthew 24:15. The Essenes preserved scrolls in the caves of Qumran preparing for annihilation. Lesser known factions – the Zealots and Sicarii maintained control of Jerusalem’s exits, executing deserters to Rome.

One student of Hillel, the ‘Little Rabbi‘ escaped by an elaborate rouse where he advertised publicly that he was terminally ill. Students transported the Little Rabbi laying still in a coffin through the gate, the guards wishing to show respect, chose not to interfere with his body and allowed passage to the Roman camp. Rome was impressed and allowed the Little Rabbi relocation to Yavneh where work began to save the Oral Tradition (Talmud).

In the kingdom… Torah will be written by the Spirit on our hearts. Yeshua will rule with a rod of Iron. Seated on the Ark of the Covenant, judgements and determinations of Halacha will go forth.

The Gospels give many examples of Yeshua contending with the Sadducees and Pharisees. The Gospels also demonstrate Yeshua speaking with authority, and determining Halacha.

Navigating Jewish Scources

The purpose of the Oral Tradition was to build a fence around the Torah. This fence is to prevent violation of the Torah. Any apparent interpretation permitting Jews to commit sin would be negated by the jurisdiction upon which a fence would operate.

The Talmud consists of Mishnah (Oral Law) centre of page, then Gemara (Legal discussions). The page gradually continues outwards to less authoritative opinions.

There were many legal opinions not included until the Talmuds completion. These dictum are called Baratia, which appear to be a different side of the law in question. Students would then be invited to seek the right path.

Diagram by Murals.wbtla.org

Before accusing the Jews, one should ask themselves. . Could they distinguish between Mishna (Oral Law) and Baratia (Outside Opinion) ?

Compounding ignorance is the problem of translation. Once the Talmud is translated into English, the page loses format. Without format the English reader cannot distinguish between consensus legal opinions and minority opinions.

Shaul the Talmudist

Shaul (Paul) of Tarsus, under Gamaliel of the School of Hillel is responsible for writing half of the New Testament. Shaul’s contributions are written in the Talmudic style expected from a self proclaimed Pharisee – Acts 23:6 and accused ring leader of the Nazerenes – Acts 24:5.

Shaul expounds complexities intended for advanced students followed by clarifying statements. A simple word search ‘God forbid‘ in the KJV provides examples such as the book of Romans.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14

Out of context Shaul appears to be abolishing the law.

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Romans 6:15

Now with the context of the following verse we understand there is an advanced concept being expressed and not an abolishment of Torah.

Seeking Unity

Quoting the New Testament and the Talmud without considering the prerequisite meta knowledge leads to controversy. Accusations of permitting evil can go both ways.  Shaul desired for converts to understand that the root of The Olive Tree bears those who are grafted.

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HalleluYah

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