Jesus In The Talmud? What the Talmud tells us about the Historical Jesus (Discussion with Dr Andrew Jordan): Episode 4

Jesus In The Talmud? What the Talmud Tells us about the Historical Jesus with Dr Andrew JordanSummaryThe meeting discussed the Talmud's references to Jesus, including the use of code words and the historical context in which they were written. The section delved into the complexities of the Talmud's references to Jesus, including the relationship between the Jewish and Christian communities during this time period, and how the Talmud reflects this relationship. The section also explored the different sects of Judaism during the time of Jesus and tried to determine which one he belonged to. The speakers also discussed the portrayal of Jesus in the Talmud and other Jewish texts, which is mostly negative.The meeting also touched on the Talmud's alternative chronology of Jesus' life, which places his death around 66 BCE and differs from the chronology presented in the Gospels. The section also provided a detailed analysis of the figure of Yahshua in the Talmud, including his teachings and his association with magic. The speakers also discussed the Rabbis' interpretation of Jesus' miracles and whether he was a healer or a sorcerer. The charge against Jesus was that he practiced magic, which meant healing in the ancient world.The meeting also discussed the Talmud's treatment of Jesus as a sorcerer and the veiled references to crucifixion in the text. The speakers noted the political and cultural factors that influenced the Jewish approach to Jesus throughout history, including the fear of persecution in Christian lands and the lack of such fear in Islamic lands. The speakers also explored the context in which stories about Jesus appear in the Talmud and the rabbinic view of Jesus. The section also touched on the category of minim or heretics in the Talmud and its shifting meaning over time.Finally, the meeting discussed the possible conflation of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene in the Talmud, which comes from Syriac Christianity. The section also explored the sources available for interpreting the historical Jesus and evaluating their historicity. Overall, the meeting provided insights into the Jewish understanding of Jesus and the role of the Talmud in shaping that understanding.

Chapters & Topics

01:34 Interview with Dr. Andrew Jordan on Jesus and the Talmud 

10:38 Understanding the Talmud's References to Jesus 

19:42 Understanding References to Jesus in the Talmud The meaning and origins of the term "Nazarene" in relation to Christianity and other religions.

29:08 The Meaning of "Nazarene" in Different Contexts 

36:00 Historical Jesus and Christian Polemical Dialogue 

41:50 The Talmud's Alternative Chronology of Jesus' Life The alternative chronology of the Talmud and its political implications

48:34 The Talmud's Account of Jesus' Parentage 

53:47 Jesus and Judaism Jesus' teacher and his practice of Judaism

01:02:49 Discussion of Yeshu Ben Perchiya in the Talmud Rabbinic views of Christianity

01:11:01 The Teaching of Jesus on the Use of Payment to a Prostitute 

01:13:54 The Rabbis' Interpretation of Jesus' Miracles The association of Jesus with magic and the thin barrier between magic and religion in ancient times

01:17:09 Discussion on the Talmud's references to Jesus The transition from Greco-Roman Palestine to Sasanian Iraq or Iran and the willingness of the Jewish rabbinic leadership to engage politically with Christianity.

01:30:16 Jesus in the Talmud and Other Jewish Texts 

Action Items

09:47 Evaluate sources to better understand the historical Jesus 

17:28 Further investigate the different names used to refer to Jesus in the Talmud and their meanings. 

21:22 Further research into the Pantera tradition as an authentic tradition 

47:56 Further research the alternative chronology of the Talmu