Years ago, I recorded a video that, to my surprise, has since become my most-watched video on YouTube. At first glance, it may seem like just another book review, but it addresses a significant and often misunderstood topic: What does it mean that Jesus was Jewish?
The video captures a moment when I stumbled upon a book titled What Does Being Jewish Mean? during a trip to the Book Depot in St. Catharines. This book, aimed at Jewish children, addresses questions about Jewish history, culture, and religion, providing traditional Jewish responses to some very profound questions. One question caught my eye and struck me deeply: “Was Jesus Jewish?” The answer given was straightforward yet saddening, as it presented a perspective that diverged from the Jesus of the Gospels.
In the video, I share my heartfelt reaction to how the book describes Jesus as someone who “turned away from some practices of Judaism,” suggesting that his followers ultimately created a new religion. I argue that this characterization misses the essence of who Jesus was and what he taught. Jesus, in fact, never intended to abolish or break away from the core teachings of the Torah. Rather, his message was one of compassion and alignment with God’s heart for humanity. He came to fulfill, not to abolish, the teachings of the Torah—a concept that, when misunderstood, has built barriers between Christian and Jewish communities.
This video has resonated with viewers over the years, drawing attention to the importance of accurately representing Jesus’ teachings and identity. The idea that Jesus was a Torah-observant, compassionate teacher aiming to bring people back to the heart of Judaism’s teachings has sparked countless comments, conversations, and shares, making it my most popular video.
I encourage everyone to revisit how they view Jesus, not as a revolutionary creating a new religion but as someone deeply rooted in the faith of his ancestors, focusing on compassion, love, and mercy without discarding the essential practices. By correcting this misunderstanding, we can begin to bridge the gap and appreciate Jesus for who he truly was—a Torah-observant Messiah.
Check out the full video to dive deeper into this topic. You might find that it challenges and enriches your understanding of Jesus in ways you didn’t expect!