Let's Talk: A Rabbi Speaks to Christians

by Michael E. Harvey

Let's Talk is designed for Christian clergy and lay people to expand their knowledge about the Jewish aspects and roots of their faith. The book addresses misconceptions, unintentional antisemitism in liturgy or interpretation, beautiful comparisons, and helps readers understand the difference between the historical Jesus and modern-day Judaism. Let's Talk A Rabbi Speaks to Christians is a handbook for Christian clergy, church leaders, and lay people who wish to expand their knowledge about the Jewish aspects and roots of their faith. Easy to read and use as a reference guide, the chapters outline misconceptions, unintentional antisemitism in liturgy or interpretation, and beautiful comparisons, and helps readers understand the difference between the historical Jesus and modern-day Judaism. The author hopes this book can help readers in three specific ways. The first is simply to learn from the content in order to shape one's own journey toward scholarship and interfaith education. In this way, the book can serve as a jumping-off point for new discoveries, new philosophical views on old topics, and a hunger for new material. Second, the book can be used as a teaching guide for adult education sessions of any size. Sections can be turned into worksheets or curricula, and then taught. Book clubs can read and process the material, chapter by chapter, and bring their questions and comments to a discussion setting. And third, this volume can be consulted as a handy reference guide when a question, a situation, or a conflict arises, to find a solution. The volume seeks to diminish conflict between Jews and Christians as it opens interfaith dialog and eases tensions from mistakes in the past.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Judaism, Christianity, Nonfiction

Paperback

Published July 19, 2022

About the author

Michael E. Harvey is an ordained rabbi, a hospital chaplain, and a social justice advocate with extensive experience serving congregations and leading large-scale community change. His passion is for bringing deep Jewish understanding to the lay public.

Reviews

[Dani Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely important read to both Jews and Christians. In his book Rabbi Mike addresses some things that no one else wants to discuss. The relationships between Jews and Christians have been strained for centuries. Rabbi Mike approaches the hurt caused by Christians in a very gentle manner and gives ways for them to make their interactions with Jews more comfortable for both parties. He brings up the trend of Christians celebrating biblical feasts because Jesus did. He kindly explains that this is cultural appropriation and not the way Jesus would have celebrated. He also encourages Jews to be kind when educating Christians on these topics.

[Jesse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this but it really is like Day 1 of Biblical Studies 101. Those with no experience of anything other than the English text of their Bibles may learn something, but alas there was nothing new here for me.

I had thought that this book was about how Christians misjudge a great deal when it comes to Judaism. He's not wrong about that. But in the process, he badly misjudges a whole lot of Christianity, making a great deal of historical claims that are very much theoretical and would never, ever be stated with the kind of certainty expressed here (such as the dates of NT composition).

Also, I've also found that the author is non-responsive to criticism. He may speak to Christians, but he hasn't always liked it when they speak back. So much for inter-faith dialogue.

[bel's bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read for any Christian looking to be a better neighbour.

[Karayah Whiseheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Context is at the heart of the discrepancies between Judeo-Christian values.”

I am Jewish, but I was raised exclusively Christian. Now, I’m an atheist and I’ve been learning more about my heritage. Rabbi Mike’s book is amazing resource for Christians waiting to learn what they can do to help improve the relationship between Jews and Christians. Rabbi Mike explains in a really informative and insightful way phrases or actions Christians say or do, which unintentionally rub Jewish people the wrong way and the reasons behind it. It’s also a wonderful resource for people who’ve left the Christian faith and want to learn about the antisemitism within the theology itself. Deconstructing from this dogma is a long process. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator’s pacing took me a little to get used to, but once I did, this was a pleasure to get through. I love learning the Jewish perspective of texts I was taught my whole life had only “one meaning.” I hope Rabbi Mike keeps writing and sharing more of invaluable education and research with us.

[Rob Brock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short book that discusses the differences in modern Jewish faith and modern Christianity, and I learned a lot of helpful things here. In many ways, this is like a trusted friend coming along side you and saying, “I’m not sure you realized this, but can I share how what you said was hurtful to me?” The author is a Reformed Jewish Rabbi and he has spent his entire career facilitating interfaith communication, so he brings a lot of experience to bear here. He shows the roots of the pernicious beliefs that Christians have perpetuated for centuries that have maligned and oppressed Jewish people, including the holocaust in Nazi Germany, which was led by people who quoted scripture and claimed to follow Christ. While I found many things to be helpful, I also found the lack of dialogue to be a missing point, especially because I felt like the author presented some Christian beliefs as paper dragons. He represented some perspectives, but didn’t acknowledge there are other Christian believers who would be passionate defenders of everyone marginalized by society, though he did call his Christian colleagues to exactly this pursuit. Anyone seeking an understanding of modern Jewish faith may find this to be a helpful resource.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple quick read through an excellent perspective of modern judaism in the light of Christian relations. If you’re Christian and want to know where to start on how it relates to Judaism, this is where to start.

This book will potentially ruffle feathers, and challenge some core ideas within American Christianity, but incidentally they’re ideas I needed help thinking on anyway, to which this book definitely facilitated and contributed. I can’t guarantee any old reader would be so lucky.

This book isn’t the be-all end-all. I had questions by the end that weren’t addressed. I’d argue this is because this book is a starting point and this journey, as clearly stated by the author, should be continued by finding Jewish people in your community, in a spirit not of trying to convert anyone, but to learn for its own sake. As for what I wanted and what I generally got out of it. This was a good time

[John Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

For the past decade and more I’ve been seeking a deeper knowledge of Christianity, Judaism, and the role Jesus played (or didn’t play) in the history of both. This book is one of the best resources I’ve come across so far, and not just in its own content but also in the jumping off points it suggests for further reading.

I highly recommend Rabbi Mike’s book for every Christian who possesses an honest desire to learn about and understand the relationship between Jews and Christians in today’s world.

Thank you, Teacher.

[Madelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

very helpful + important read!

[Takumi (Jordan) Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and an essential read to help correct myths of Judaism in the eyes of Christian practitioners.

[marcus miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many Christians would benefit from reading this book as Harvey explains some of the basics of the Jewish faith, including a good description of Jewish scriptures and the differing ways Jewish folks and Christians approach sacred literature, and explains how some Jews think of the person of Jesus. Harvey also describes the Jewish holidays, Jewish views of the afterlife, as well as looking at the many different ways Jewish folks express their faiths. Some will find Harvey's critique to be troubling, for example his examination of "the Good Samaritan story."
I'm guessing there are more scholarly books which look at how Christianity and Judaism developed into two distinct faiths, if you want to explore a more indepth review of what happened.
Harvey provides helpful advice to Christians - don't celebrate sedars and passover meals as if they are Christian festivals, be aware of verses being read if you are in charge of an ecumenical service, but above all be kind and don't be afraid to ask a local rabbi.

[Tina Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

insightful

This was a deeply compelling read. I had no idea there were so many differences between Jews and Christians. I’ll be thinking about this one for awhile.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who has a seminary education, after reading this book, I would say that it is designed more for the lay Christian. That being said, there are some things that I did find interesting and helpful. For instance, when the author notes that Jews and Christians do not worship the same God. I was always under the impression that they did, as I am sure that mot Christians are. However, Harvey goes on to state the reasons why he believes that Christians and Jews do not worship the same God.

This book is an interesting and quick read. While designed for the lay reader, it useful and can be mined by those who are seminary educated to better understand the Jewish understanding of Christianity. It can also be used to start a conversation between the two religions.