you simply can't understand western culture - paintings, novels, history - at least up to the XVIII th century without the knowledge of the gospels. The Mayflower without the Gospels, a pre-Club Med... By the way, I am a non believer.

Agreed. When I studied european literature in Beer Sheva in the 80s we had to waste an entire semester in a survey class going over the NT because of the total blank students had regarding it. And then they complained that they don't want to study Christianity. So what were they doing studying European Literature? Sheesh!

I agree with the author of this article that it is important for us Jews to know the basic principles of other religions, especially Christianity and Islam. Both of those religions grew out of Judaism. Jesus is certainly the most famous Jew in history. Having said that, it must be stressed that it absolutely essential for every Jew to study Judaism and to uphold Jewish beliefs and values.

why on earth should we read or even embrace the new testament or even the quoran. these two faiths have done nothing but murder and oppress Judaism under their banners fro thousands of years.islam and christianity do not embrace Judaism they barely tollerate Judaism until either a Jew or Israel stand up for itself. Jews should continue to take the non tollerant attitude against christianity and islam the same way these two faiths take a dim view about Judaism. What better way by islam and christianity to remove Judaism from all recognition by demanding Jews embrace their cult faiths. If christianity believes in the same G-d as Jews why do they need an idol jesus to murder and corrupt under the name of and why if moslems believe in the samr G-d as Jews then why do they need the idol mohammed to murder terrorise under the name of. I believe christianity and islam should be kept where it belongs that is at arms length with great caution.

and agree very much that we have to,step by step,start getting rid of our own black spots. I think this is the way:Broader and broader understanding. Note: If possible,I would like to be up to dated when Cook's book is going to be published.

If you're going to take that position, it's still worth doing it out of knowledge, and not as a member of the No Nothing Party...

The term "New Testament" is offensive as it presumes that a "New Testament" has fulfilled or replaced the "Old Testament". It would be better for Reform Rabbi Michael J. Cook and other Jews to refer to the "Christian Bible" rather than to a "New Testament".

Jews should not study heretical, idolatrous literature. Nevertheless, it would help immensely if Jewish children were taught how Christians deceitfully manipulate Torah to appear to point to Jesus. It would not stop Christians falsely accusing “deceitful Rabbis” of somehow “hiding” Isaiah 53; however, it would make Jews more prepared to answer the constant onslaught of evangelism from Christians. Once Jewish children realize how Christian translators have blatantly falsified the Jewish Bible to legitimize their New Testament, there would be no need to waste time on the pretender. Same goes for the Koran and other false scriptures.

Warn them about the required circumcision for males!!!!

Grant circular reasoning (NT, Quran, Watchtower, etc.) and anyone can prove their religion from it. Jews need only 2-3 of the right verses of NT but must know historical documentation like Eusebius and Parkes - and break free of hate-spewing and propagandizing, which persuades only in the yeshivot but alienates educated and intelligent Jews and Christians with serious questions. Jewish professors, rabbis and anti-missionaries cannot relate to Christianity and, consequently, aren't taken seriously by Christians concerning the NT. Really knowledgeable former Christians who have become Orthodox Jews are almost as rare as former Orthodox Jews who are now Christians. The 90% assimilation into a largely Christian environment proves these points. Jews who want to be effective in combating Christianity should learn from a knowledgeable former Christian who understands Christianity, has recognized the truth of Torah and left Christianity. Paqid 16, The Netzarim Israeli Orthodox Jew www.netzarim.co.il

I am against teaching the heretical text known as the "New Testament". The very name "New Testament" is an affront to any religious Jew. Hashem made a covenent with the Jewish nation at Sinai, and the Xtians expect us to believe that suddenly he decided to change his mind and turn his back on the Jewish people in favor of the Xtian faith which was born of Pagan and Heretical beliefs. This should not be taught to students who may be lead down a path of darkness and sin by the Xtian text. Of course a Reform rabbi would back this idea, they have been trying to destory the Jewish faith for many 100's of years. Is it any wonder we feel the way we do, when even those in our own faith are deciding to play down mitzvah observance and trying to pretend they are really xtians by building synagogues which appear like Xtian churches? Here in USA we are indoctrinated with Xtian perspective. Xmas shows, history channel perspectives of Jebuses life, you cannot escape their sinister plot. If Jews in Israel are learning the Xtian bible, I believe the end of Judaism is around the corner. Michael U

Why should Jews care if Christians take Rabbis and anti-missionaries seriously? It is not for Jews to mission Christians, but to keep Jews form committing the sin of idolatry by believing in Jesus. Any Christian who is meant to convert to Judaism will find the truth. And, that does not include Jesus being The Messiah!

when you read the Iliad, nobody asks you to believe in Zeus. The same for the Gospels : we like or not, they are one of the foundations of the western culture. Ignoring them is obscurantism, to be doomed not to understand Michelangelo, Rembrandt or Dostoievski, the creation of the US and so on...

If this dude were a real rabbi, and not a reformed rabbi (is that something like a reformed criminal?), he would stress teaching Torah to Jews so that we can answer the christians with truth. It is another attempt by someone to steal Jewish souls. Sorry gang, just so you know, Hebrew Union College does NOT require that you be Jewish to be admitted to their "Rabbinic Ordination" program.

Your hatred and blind ignorance are self-evident in your poorly worded comments. For info on the new covenant, see Jeremiah 31:31

John, what has Jer. 31:31 got to do with Michael’s submission? As you know, Jeremiah is speaking about the Messianic times after the ingathering of Israel and the establishment of universal peace. This has clearly not yet happened and could not possibly be referring to Jesus’ epoch.

Marketing tactics at play? New and Improved Testament? Maybe the Old Testament should be called the "Testament Classic"??

I just returned from Israel. I loved the land and the people...I would go back tomorrow if I could...not to murder or oppress or proselyte...but simply to encourage and exhort...we looked to you share the 10 Words of the Father...to teach of HIM. How could I hate the sons of the ONE I love. How could I hate the sons of HIS love. Why do you want to keep at arms length the Word that inspired the founding of America...your greatest ally? I believe you have a love/hate relationship with America(ns)...you need us but you don't like us. Isn't that very nearly like Islam? Don't they, in their Koran, admonish followers to hate and go one step farther and to kill us? When have we hated you? We are not always perfect but we support you and are willing, if necessary, to lay down our lives for your sake.

Ignorance of our religion, and the elitism of Christianity has led to 2000 years of abuse of the Jews. Why should we, as always, have to take the time to 'understand the Christian beliefs when there has been no real attempt on their part to understand Jews and stop their sense of superiority. The elitism has led to the Crusades, Inquisitions, pogroms, hitler/moHAMedanism, and so on.

before you can decide the truth claims of something you have to know what it actually says itself.

If reading the New Testament will result in "end of Judaism", then what does that say about Judaism? What does that say about Christianity? If Judaism is as fragile as you say, of what worth is it?

The tale begins in a time of civil unrest and guerilla war, with three blokes turning up at a barn in the slums in a convoy of Rolls Royces, and marking it with a heavy dose of expensive perfumes. The whole district would have been gossiping about it, yet the governor and his intelligence troops, on the lookout for a special kid can't follow their nose, so they murder all the other kids in town. Someone heard about this story 30 years later and waited another thirty years before writing it down.

I dont see this way.I don't think that understanding the New Testament -and other beliefs as well-has to be an atempt,a concession to understand others,but firstly to understand ourselves;understand our ,sometimes,blind and inconscient reactions . It can only broad our minds. You are right,Christians abused Jews,but I think that a deeper understanding is useful ,and doesn't diminishes our Belief one grain,but instead strenghtens it. Christians as a whole didn't know they were manipulated by their religiousChiefs;maybe it is good for them too to have a better understanding .If they gain with this,lucky of them!And ,maybe,lucky of we all , who finally will be able to live in peace and understanding ,respecting each other faith. But I think that any study done by us should have the meaning of comparing ,strenghting and better understanding our own Faith,of course.

... and will soon begin to study the old one!

is based on the fact that, aside from the Jewish teachings ascribed to Christ, it's more accurate to say the new testament has pagan roots. why do they call it easter? ever wonder? so much of Christianity is based on paganism, it strikes Jews as an abomination whithout their actually knowing why. it's an aversion to pagan belief and practice that keeps Jews from studying that book. it's very interesting, the movie,, "The Passion" illustrates how many Christians view Jews. why not see us like Christ? who was a Jew, why as the killers of Christ? I have read the new testament. Christ was addressing Jews when he said, "there will come a time when people will think they are doing God a favor by killing you." and, " you will be persecuted for my name's sake" so....he was, I think, at least a prophet. those things came to pass, as everyone knows. Christians think he meant them but he was talking to Jews. if Jews really want to learn about Christ's teachings....study Torah,

One thing that I wish modern day Jews would do is to recognize that religious leaders of that day, weren't always so nice. I see Jesus's death at that time as part of politics.

LOL! You shoulda heard my First Nations history teacher do his take on "Manifest Destiny!" By the way, I use the terms OT and NT for convenience in forums where I'm talking to mixed audiences, not be cause I see that later book overruling the first.