Reading the Old Testament Through Jewish Eyes

by Evan Moffic

Rabbi Evan Moffic has a passion for sharing Judaism and its traditions with Christian audiences.

In Reading the Old Testament Through Jewish Eyes , Rabbi Moffic explores the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, and highlights points of interest to Christians. He describes the role of the Torah in Jewish worship and practice and explores the key themes of each book guided by the wisdom of Jewish interpreters through the centuries. Join Rabbi Moffic in this study of the Torah and find rich new insights into the biblical story. Discover how the Torah can be a source of wisdom, truth, and transformation in your life.

Also available are a DVD and Leader Guide to facilitate a six-week study.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2021

Reviews

[Tayler Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this since the LDS church has been studying the Old Testament this year. Although the LDS church currently believes the KJV Bible is the most correct interpretation, I have to differ - I believe it is more important to rely on the original Hebrew interpretation from the source of Jewish rabbis themselves. They better understand the nuance and idioms used in the language of the Old Testament. And this book does a wonderful job explaining cultural milieu to Christians. It makes the first five books of the OT all the more relevant and truly shows a God of MERCY and LOVE and how we are all individually important to God. This book is an easy read, very conversational and easy to understand (not super academically theological) and Rabbi Moffic does a great job bridging Jewish interpretations of the first 5 books of the OT to a Christian biblical viewpoint. I highly recommend to all Christians! It adds such a fulfilling layer of depth to what I used to consider some of the more irrelevant and boring books of the OT. Can’t wait to read it again!

[Bob Stains · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a terrific book that added substance and context to my understanding of the Old Testament. It was refreshing to discover deeper meanings as well as layers of history and tradition associated with Jewish understandings. Having avoided reading much of the OT for many years my interest is renewed. Moffic's discussion of Genesis was of special interest, especially the information about how the Kabbalists dealt with the limitations of God by imagining two successive "Creations." In the first, God created vessels for light. But when the full light of God shone on them they shattered, being unable to contain it. The result: a second creation in which God limits God's light and a universe filled with shards of light from the first. It's our job to find the shards of light embedded in darkness, gather them and illuminate/heal the world.

The other thread that was very compelling was the theme of family; the arc of family relationships in Genesis: from Cain murdering Abel to Esau embracing Jacob. And so much in between. Woven through it all are teachings from "the sages:" rabbis over the centuries who explicate and fill in gaps with parables and explanations.

I would give this book four stars if it didn't lag around half-way through. It did pick up toward the end. I'm glad I stuck with it.

[Brandon Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rabbi Evan Moffic does an outstanding job of introducing Christians to the ways that those of the Jewish faith read and interpret the Torah. As Christians we often stop after the well-worn, felt board Sunday School stories in Genesis and Exodus, but Rabbi Moffit makes a compelling case that to really understand our Jewish friends and neighbors, as well as the faith that Christ Himself lived out, we need to keep going…yup, even through Leviticus!

I look forward to using this book in our Adult Sunday Class. Highly recommended!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rabbi Moffic does a good job at explaining Judaism to Christians. In this book, he explores the Torah and the importance of it in Jewish worship. It was a great pick for our bible study group.

[Bud Lorick · Rating 5 out of 5]

OLD Testament

Super book that really is a detailed study of the Torah that you never saw. A great book in my opinion

[Alan Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful small group study from a reform Jewish perspective that adds an easily missed depth to the Christian reader.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing spectacular here. I feel the thing I learned most is how speculative the sages/rabbis could be in their interpretation.