We Jews and Jesus

by Samuel Sandmel

Written in a non-technical way for the layperson, this candid & forthright look at the what & why of the Jewish attitude toward Jesus is a clear & forceful exposition that guides both Christians & Jews in timely & relevant discussion & action. Examining the Jewish perspective throughout history & today, Sandmel introduces fresh discussion on the subject from the standpoint of a rabbi of the liberal wing of Judaism, & presents the scholarship of the last century & a half as pursued by both Christians & Jews. Filled with warm sympathy for Christianity but at the same time with intellectual honesty & loyalty to Judaism, it explains why Jesus is of cultural & historical interest to Jews, tho not of direct religious interest. Without prejudice but admittedly partisan, this book drives home one of the most important lessons of our time: that Christians & Jews can be worlds apart theologically but yet very close in mutual understanding & in cooperation toward desirable human goals.

Genres: Judaism, Religion

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Not my perspective, but a fascinating and academically balanced one nonetheless

[Steve Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

The publisher's blurb states "filled with warm sympathy for Christianity...". I have to disagree.
Before we get to page 80, Rabbi Sandmel cites several authors of books all titled "The Life of Jesus". They all do not give credence to the miracles of Jesus, so the conclusion by the Rabbi is, without miracles, Jesus is just another man. He states from uncited (so we cannot find the specific references) sources (see page 79) that Paul was epileptic, and that created his visions - so Paul (by inference by Rabbi Sandmel) is an uncredible witness.
I stopped reading due to the statements that he is not partisan, but the content states the opposite.
This book is of little value to understand Judaism and Jesus.