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The Forbidden Chapter: A Hassidic Jew's Journey from Orthodox Judaism to Christianity (An Educational Novel)
NEW RELEASE!!* This book uniquely blends storytelling and informative apologetics, focusing on one of the most debated chapters in the Old Isaiah 53. Categorized as an educational novel, it offers readers a "tour" of Israel and provides insights into Judaism. Additionally, the book addresses contemporary rabbinic objections to Christianity and offers counterarguments. *
In 'The Forbidden Chapter,' we dive into the intricate, often insular world of an Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem. Our protagonist is an impressionable teenager whose life until now has been comfortably enclosed within the vibrant but rigid boundaries of Hassidic tradition. Yet, in the cradle of this deeply religious environment, a spark of curiosity is ignited.
Against the backdrop of Jerusalem's ancient walls and winding alleyways, our young protagonist embarks on a daring journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Through a series of unlikely encounters and undercurrents of tension, he grapples with questions that challenge the core of his beliefs, courageously delving into the forbidden chapter of his Bible and faith.
As his journey unfolds, he discovers a facet of the God of Israel that he never knew existed—one that challenges his preconceptions and shakes the foundations of his world. His tale is one of struggle, faith, and transformation—a testament to the timeless quest for spiritual truth.This book also offers invaluable insights into Jewish and Israeli culture, presented in a way only an Israeli author can truly capture!
Although an author of several non-fiction books, a couple of best-sellers included, this novel is Eitan Bar's first attempt at non-fiction.
In 'The Forbidden Chapter,' we dive into the intricate, often insular world of an Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem. Our protagonist is an impressionable teenager whose life until now has been comfortably enclosed within the vibrant but rigid boundaries of Hassidic tradition. Yet, in the cradle of this deeply religious environment, a spark of curiosity is ignited.
Against the backdrop of Jerusalem's ancient walls and winding alleyways, our young protagonist embarks on a daring journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Through a series of unlikely encounters and undercurrents of tension, he grapples with questions that challenge the core of his beliefs, courageously delving into the forbidden chapter of his Bible and faith.
As his journey unfolds, he discovers a facet of the God of Israel that he never knew existed—one that challenges his preconceptions and shakes the foundations of his world. His tale is one of struggle, faith, and transformation—a testament to the timeless quest for spiritual truth.This book also offers invaluable insights into Jewish and Israeli culture, presented in a way only an Israeli author can truly capture!
Although an author of several non-fiction books, a couple of best-sellers included, this novel is Eitan Bar's first attempt at non-fiction.
- GenresChristianity
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
49 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Eitan Bar
50 books62 followersDr. Eitan Bar (born 1984, Tel Aviv) is a Bible scholar, author, and Israeli-Jewish follower of Jesus with multiple advanced degrees in Bible and theology. His unique background—living in Israel, being a native Hebrew speaker, and possessing advanced Christian education—provides a fresh and timely perspective on Christian beliefs and doctrines.
Dr. Bar co-founded ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry, a Messianic Reformed Baptist non-profit and Bible college. He later left the organization in 2022 and deconstructed his Baptistic-Calvinistic beliefs, becoming an independent author of several books, including a few best-sellers (available on Amazon.com)
Eitan frequently lectures worldwide, primarily in Europe and the U.S., and his Hebrew-language videos, with over 25 million views, have made him a widely recognized figure in Israel for representing faith in Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus).
Dr. Bar co-founded ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry, a Messianic Reformed Baptist non-profit and Bible college. He later left the organization in 2022 and deconstructed his Baptistic-Calvinistic beliefs, becoming an independent author of several books, including a few best-sellers (available on Amazon.com)
Eitan frequently lectures worldwide, primarily in Europe and the U.S., and his Hebrew-language videos, with over 25 million views, have made him a widely recognized figure in Israel for representing faith in Yeshua (Hebrew for Jesus).
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 18, 2024
a mix of auto biography and analysis of Isaiah
It is a gripping story of a young man’s journey from a traditional Jewish family to a faith in Christ. The oppressive nature of Jewish orthodoxy is portrayed whilst also giving glimpses of compassion from those within orthodoxy to a journey of faith. It is moving and frightening to see the steps the writer and his friend have to take to consider Yeshua. I have been grateful to read this short book, and would welcome the next instalment! I am encouraged to see the story of Yeshua speaking so powerfully in the life of this man. Thank you.
It is a gripping story of a young man’s journey from a traditional Jewish family to a faith in Christ. The oppressive nature of Jewish orthodoxy is portrayed whilst also giving glimpses of compassion from those within orthodoxy to a journey of faith. It is moving and frightening to see the steps the writer and his friend have to take to consider Yeshua. I have been grateful to read this short book, and would welcome the next instalment! I am encouraged to see the story of Yeshua speaking so powerfully in the life of this man. Thank you.
March 7, 2026
wowww heartbreaking but inspiring and very informative
Wowww written by a Jewish Christian born raised and living in Israel, this book was very eye opening. I loved it and can’t wait for the sequel — pleeeaaseeee! Such a hard road often for Christian converts from Judaism. I loved, loved all the scriptural teachings about how and why Jesus, Yeshua, is the Messiah. Highly recommend this book!
Wowww written by a Jewish Christian born raised and living in Israel, this book was very eye opening. I loved it and can’t wait for the sequel — pleeeaaseeee! Such a hard road often for Christian converts from Judaism. I loved, loved all the scriptural teachings about how and why Jesus, Yeshua, is the Messiah. Highly recommend this book!
July 15, 2025
Messianic Jewish Conversion Story
5 stars! This is the first but will not be the last book I have read by Dr. Bar. He has created an entertaining and Scriptural book about a Chassid who converts to Christianity. He doesn’t pull punches, either, with respect to the response of the Orthodox. Recommended read!
5 stars! This is the first but will not be the last book I have read by Dr. Bar. He has created an entertaining and Scriptural book about a Chassid who converts to Christianity. He doesn’t pull punches, either, with respect to the response of the Orthodox. Recommended read!
February 3, 2026
Couldn’t put it down!
Truly Excellent! I would never have guessed this was his first novel!
I didn't want to put this book down once I started it. It was suspenseful, exciting at times, moving at times and informative at times. I have read several books by Eitan Bar. All have been good reads, but this one was the most enjoyable by far.
I highly recommend it!
Truly Excellent! I would never have guessed this was his first novel!
I didn't want to put this book down once I started it. It was suspenseful, exciting at times, moving at times and informative at times. I have read several books by Eitan Bar. All have been good reads, but this one was the most enjoyable by far.
I highly recommend it!
June 3, 2024
One of best books I have ever read
This fictional account of a young Israeli searching for a personal relationship with the God of Israel and all he encounters in the process , and at the same time, explaining Scripture from a Hebraic understanding. Absolutely captivating.
This fictional account of a young Israeli searching for a personal relationship with the God of Israel and all he encounters in the process , and at the same time, explaining Scripture from a Hebraic understanding. Absolutely captivating.
August 13, 2025
Blessings
Such an eye opening story! As Jesus Christ believers, it is hard to imagine being rejected by your family, tossed out and possibly being hunted down.
Thank You, Jesus , for Your eternal promises!
Such an eye opening story! As Jesus Christ believers, it is hard to imagine being rejected by your family, tossed out and possibly being hunted down.
Thank You, Jesus , for Your eternal promises!
August 5, 2024
The story parts were easy read, but I found the study on Isaiah quite jarring and difficult to follow.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews