What is the value of reading Jewish commentaries (like Midrash) to a Catholic?

[Brett1980]

I recently purchased my Navarre New Testament and was thinking of reading some other commentries. I was just wondering if its okay to look for understanding in Jewish commentry like Midrash or whether I should stick to purely Catholic commentries.

Catholic encyclopedia seems to think they have some value:

newadvent.org/cathen/10286b.htm

 

[NHInsider]

I find the Jewish midrashim both fascinating and revealing. So many things recorded in the New Testament had resonance with the original listeners that are lost upon us. It seems to me that anything we can learn about what the Old Testament and the Temple traditions meant to Jesus and the Apostles can only illuminate our understanding of the New Covenant and the origins of the Church.

 

[Barbkw]

Fr. Mitch’s homily today on Galatians had several references to the Torah and a second book that Fr. Mitch said was a “fence” to protect Jews from committing the initial 613 sins.

That clip might be available online by this afternoon:

youtube.com/user/EWTN

**Galatians 5: 1 - 6 **

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Now I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.

I testify again to every man who receives circumcision that he is bound to keep the whole law.

You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.

For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.

 

[Big_Dummy]

Some of the Midrash identiflies Messanic texts that can be used when witnessing.

 

[Barbkw]

Fr. Mitch’s homily:

youtube.com/user/EWTN#p/u/0/z2OoTTGNvJM

 

[Robbinson]

I find the Jewish midrashim both fascinating and revealing. So many things recorded in the New Testament had resonance with the original listeners that are lost upon us. It seems to me that anything we can learn about what the Old Testament and the Temple traditions meant to Jesus and the Apostles can only illuminate our understanding of the New Covenant and the origins of the Church.

Well said, particularly as the gospel was initially directly specifically (in fact, exclusively) to the Jews who would have had many of the perspectives and expectations revealed to us today in the Talmud.

I’m not suggesting the Talmud is authoritative (though an Orthodox Jew will hold that view), but it is worthwhile becoming familiar with it.

There is a book called “Everyman’s Talmud” (Cohen) which is a good simple overview of some of the core principles in the Talmud (of course it can’t do justice to the original which is voluminous). I’m waiting for Logos (the bible software I use) to make the entire Talmud available for word and phrase seraching - that will be a useful tool indeed.

Blessings,

Brian

 

[Brett1980]

Fr Mitch’s commentary was great. I would like to know the bible like he knows the bible.

I bought Everymans Talmud and its an interesting read.

 

[Splinker]

Well said, particularly as the gospel was initially directly specifically (in fact, exclusively) to the Jews who would have had many of the perspectives and expectations revealed to us today in the Talmud.

I’m not suggesting the Talmud is authoritative (though an Orthodox Jew will hold that view), but it is worthwhile becoming familiar with it.

There is a book called “Everyman’s Talmud” (Cohen) which is a good simple overview of some of the core principles in the Talmud (of course it can’t do justice to the original which is voluminous). I’m waiting for Logos (the bible software I use) to make the entire Talmud available for word and phrase seraching - that will be a useful tool indeed.

Blessings,

Brian

halakhah.com/ If you want to see the Talmud online. It isn’t the easiest thing to comprhend by just sitting and reading though, for a number of reasons. Enjoy,