Jewish Roots: Understanding Your Jewish Faith

by Dan Juster

Jewish Roots, a Foundation of Biblical Theology, is an introduction to biblical theology from a Jewish contextual point of view plus practical evaluation and council for the Messianic Jewish communities and the Church. Jewish Roots has been a foundational book in the issues of Biblical theology, Israel and the Church, the Jewish people, the Messianic Jewish community and more. It deals with important biblical matters such as the relationship of law and grace, the role of the Spirit, and an approach to Judaism. The new edition takes account of recent biblical scholarship and evaluates the progress of the Messianic Jewish community.

Genres: Theology, Religion

448 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1995

Reviews

[William Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems to be a Messianic "classic" that outlines a fairly typical Messianic understanding of their religion. The first part of the book was fairly interesting with a strong argument that the early church was Jewish and likely intended to stay that way. However, the book largely reads like that of an evangelical who just discovered that Christianity was originally a Jewish sect and is very excited to try "reclaiming" that history. Not a Jewish argument for embracing Jesus. Even the short section that does make an argument for Jesus as the Messiah is nothing more than standard evangelical claims based on out of context prooftexts, which Jewish counter-apologists have debunked repeatedly. In other words, thoroughly unoriginal and unconvincing.

By the time the book gets to the chapter on "difficult passages" for the Messianic sect, the argument falls apart. Juster's defense against Christian charges of heresy based on these New Testament texts are entirely unconvincing to anyone with any knowledge of the Bible, church history, or early Christian theology. Or even a basic knowledge of current Christian theology and methods of biblical interpretation.

The last half of the book is concerned with Messianic practices and a defense of Messianic churches. This is a touchy subject because the Christian New Testament forbids creating divisions in the church for the sake of maintaining "the Law," which is what Messianics are attempting to do in their own idiosyncratic way. Clearly, if one wants to maintain some type of distinct Jewish identity and practice while embracing Christianity, Messianic churches are necessary, but he would probably fail to convince any Christian who was opposed to such a goal. His descriptions and characterizations of Jewish practice also belie the fact that he is totally unfamiliar with Judaism. He also can't bring himself to embrace any element of Judaism beyond a few aesthetic elements, and even these must be in accord with evangelical understandings of the New Testament. Clearly the "Judaism" of the Messianic movement is nothing more than a few cultural touches and maybe an attempt to assuage their guilt for converting to Christianity.

While the book is good for a window into the Messianic sect, it is poorly argued and misinformed while also being deeply offensive and condescending toward Jews and Judaism. After reading this book, I'm more convinced than ever that this sect is not Jewish in any real or meaningful way, and they exist solely to convert Jews to evangelical Christianity through subterfuge.

[Bob Dijk]

Nice update, but unduly negative about Two House teaching

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Very educational. I'm not positive I would agree with some of Dr Juster's conclusions about gentile believers though. He seems to believe and look for evidence that the Jewish believer and the gentile believer should adhere to a different standard. Yeshua removed the wall of partition though. And many places in scripture we find YHWH, yeshua, prophets, and apostles say that there is one law for the Jew and gentile who belong to God. Gentiles are grafted into His people. One people. God's people. The author seems to insinuate if you believe this you believe in replacement theology. I disagree. Replacement theology says The Church replaced the Jewish believers as God's people.
Over all though it was an excellent read and a good recourse.

[Carlyn Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight for understanding Jewish practice. Some information not pertinent for me as a non-jew, but a helpful read.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction and foundation to the Theology of Messianic Judaism

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for someone looking to learn the distant and recent history of being Jewish, specifically focused on Messianic Jews and comparison to other branches of Judaism.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended especially those curious about "Messianic Judaism." The first half of the book would prove thought provoking to any Christian. The author encourages us to think through the issues surrounding covenants in holy scripture. The final third of the book appears to be devoted exclusively to recommended practices for messianic Jewish congregations. Since I am not ethnically Jewish and do not plan to join a Messianic Jewish congregation, that portion of the book lost my interest, but I quite appreciated most of it. I now appreciate Messianic Judaism better for having read this. I also benefitted personally by thinking through covenant issues.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was encouraging that most of the book has not changed - written so long ago! As well, the changes/additions were very helpful. Several people have had profound encounters re-reading it, and I cite it often in written/verbal interactions. Chapter 1-2 are loaded. Appendix 1 on the 613 Laws today deserves in depth study. Appendix 2, along with the notes and Bibliography, are excellent sources for your in-depth studies. My questions and disagreements are primarily based on vocabulary choices, yet significant. You'll need your own copy of this book!

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great foundational book on the subject of Jewish roots. Consider reading this one first in your journey of Jewish roots, that or right after you have finished Our Father Abraham by Marvin Wilson. I highlighted a lot. Juster is one of the main leaders of the Messianic movement, and he's an influential voice for good reasons - very solid in his teachings.

[Rod White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Messianic Jew's helpful take on how followers of Christ have and have not appreciated the foundation of their faith. I wanted to get reminded. Nice, moderate viewpoint. Clearly written, if not very artfully.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that brings forward the importance of one's heart toward God. Jewish customs are explored. The perspective of Messianic Jews is explained. It is a book that I will read more than once in order to grasp concepts that are new to me today. Wonderful work that honors God and Messiah.

[Jonathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Premillennial, posttribulational, eschatology completely mangles Juster's understanding of the Word. Also He doesn't understand the Mosaic Covenant passing away but sees the Early Church simply battling Pharisaical schools of legalism. Typical Messianic mistakes

[Joel Glenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it a few years ago, but it opened my eyes to so many truths! I think every Gentile should read this book!

[Kaitlyn]

Plug on through. You won't regret it. DJ's no entertainer but the truth about Jewish roots leaves no ends untied.

[John Mccorkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening, insightful look at the Messianic Jewish movement.

[David Schiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent source for the Messianic Jew to learn more about their faith, or for a Christian to learn more about Messianic Judaism.