70 – From Russia With Love: A Messianic Jew from the Soviet Union | Rabbi Pinchas Shir

The Soviet Union suppressed Judaism and Jewish identity for decades. Atheism was enforced by the state. But our guest today, Pinchas Shir, knew there was more to life than the material world. In the era of perestroika, he fled to the United States, and today, he’s a Messianic Jewish rabbi. Join us as Rabbi Shir unpacks his academic work on Jewish literature, meals and food in antiquity, and the impact of texts like 1 Enoch, Letter of Aristeas, and Wisdom of Solomon on our understanding of the New Testament. Whether you’re new to Second Temple studies or a seasoned scholar, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the historical and spiritual context of early Judaism and Christianity.

– Takeaways –

• The Suppressed Jewish Identity in the Soviet Union: Rabbi Shir shares firsthand accounts of how Jewish identity was hidden and discouraged under Soviet rule. Many Jews in Russia grew up without religious education or knowledge of their heritage due to the state’s suppression of religion.
• A Spiritual Journey of Discovery: Growing up in an atheistic society, Rabbi Shir felt an inner pull towards spirituality. His first encounter with the Bible came from American missionaries, leading him on a long journey of faith that intertwined with his Jewish identity.
• The Unique Culture of Russian Jewish Communities Today: Whether in Israel, America, or Europe, Russian Jews tend to maintain a strong sense of community. Many still speak Russian, preserve distinct cultural habits, and have a unique approach to Judaism and Messianic faith.
• Interpreting the Bible in Its Historical Context: The importance of understanding Scripture through its original Jewish and historical setting cannot be overstated. Engaging with Second Temple literature helps modern readers grasp the cultural and theological ideas that shaped early Jewish and Christian beliefs. Rabbi Shir highlights how 1 Enoch, Letter of Aristeas, and other Jewish texts offer helpful context for understanding New Testament thought. 

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Episode Introduction 
(1:24) Growing up Jewish in the Communist Soviet Union
(4:20) Encountering the Evangelical gospel
(12:42) Journey to recover Jewish identity
(15:40) Becoming a Bible teacher
(17:14) Challenges of being a Rabbi
(20:17) Russian Messianic Jewish Community
(27:02) Doctoral Dissertation on Ancient Foods
(31:57) Academic exploration of Second Temple literature
(35:09) Diversity of thought in intertestamental Jewish writings
(42:38) Influential streams of Judaism
(45:34) Best books of Second Temple literature
(51:21) Unheard voices of Hebrew kings and prophets

–  Resources –

Rabbi Pinchas Shir Online 

Unheard Voices of Hebrew Kings and Prophets, by Pinchas Shir

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

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