Summary of New Testament From a Jewish Point of View Class - 12/12/2022

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As usual, our class was incredibly fun.  Jo Ann, Dan, Ruth, Steve, Karen, Dave, Merrill, Odette, Robin, Randy, Amy, Jon, Jay E, David, and Norky attended.

Below is a summary of what we discussed written by Dan:

We read Revelation chapters 5 and 6. 

Chapter 5 Who is worthy to open the Scroll?

Robin commented on the author of Revelation’s use of the Tanach with parallels to Daniel, Ezekiel, etc. Randy spoke of how the power of rhetoric could make even a weak argument persuasive. Randy also showed the tension that exists between the scientific mind and the mind of the believer. Merrill said apocalyptic literature could have been used to evade Roman censorship. Steve offered the example of the introduction of the reading of haftarah, which was used instead of the banned public reading of the Torah.

Chapter 6 The opening of the Scroll and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 

Jay referred to this portion as allegory. Then he asked regarding his Christian neighbors who insist that he must believe as they do or “go to hell” - why do they insist on that? Dan quoted Acts 4 verse `2 “for there is no other name [than Jesus] given under heaven by which we must be saved” - source of Jay’s neighbor’s insistence. 

Dave brought up an interesting number from the Book of Numbers, 22,723, the largest prime number found in the Bible. While we were on the subject of numbers, Karen mentioned the 144,000 Jews mentioned later in Revelation. Jo Ann brought up the most famous number, 666, found inscribed on older John Wilson blades to commemorate a famous skater’s perfect ice skating marks at competition. Randy spoke of Jered Kushner’s purchase of the 666 5th Avenue property, proof, no doubt, of something.

Additions from Jo Ann:

We sang the closing Misheberach healing prayer at the end and have decided we need some background music to keep us on key.  Randy has obtained some music played by Sheri that may help.  

Jay E led us in the Mourners Kaddish since was the anniversary of Jo Ann’s father’s death and also Randy’s mother’s death and we thought of others who were not with us.  We spent some time afterwards explaining the Mourner’s Kaddish to Merrill.

If anything is missing from this summary, please add your input by hitting the comment box.

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