Learning with Rabbi Wright. The New Testament narrative presents the ideas, belief systems, trends, and rituals of the “Judaisms” during the late Second Temple period. The narrative also provides details about the development of Rabbinic Judaism, the democratization of Jewish sects, Jewish life under Roman authority, and meaningful Jewish rituals that we continue to observe today. By studying the New Testament, learners will gain greater insight into the origins of first-century “Judaisms” Therefore, the New Testament can expose and help contemporary Jews understand Judaism as practiced today more deeply. For example, New Testament Literature introduces the ritual of giving a boy his name during his circumcision: “Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that God had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No, he is to be called John’” (Lk. 1:57-59). Moreover, the New Testament also introduces the ritual of passing around the Kiddish Cup for Shabbat and other Hagim meals: “Then he took a cup, after giving thanks […]
