Q&A: The Forbidden Chapter
The Forbidden Chapter
Question
Honorable Rabbi,
I wanted to know what the Rabbi thinks about the claims of the "Messianic Jews" movement, who believe that Jesus is the messiah, and base their position on Isaiah 53. They claim that the Jewish community skips over the chapter in the haftarah reading because the chapter dealing with the "man of sorrows, acquainted with illness," who "bore the sin of many" and "will suffer their iniquities," describes Jesus.
I wanted to know what the Rabbi's answer is and how this claim can be refuted.
Thank you
Answer
Hello,
This is not a Messianic Jewish claim but an old Christian claim.
Verses like these can be interpreted in many different ways and forms, and I do not see in them proof of anything.
After all, I can apply these verses to any person who ever suffered under any circumstances, and explain that he was acquainted with illness and bore our iniquities. This seems to me a rather foolish argument.
Discussion on Answer
Beyond the fact that there is no proof here at all, of course it should be noted that the plain meaning of the chapter itself does not fit their claim, since it describes that oppressed person (who is most likely a metaphor, in the style of the metaphor of the "barren woman" symbolizing Jerusalem in the following chapter) as someone acquainted with illness and as one who "shall see seed and prolong his days"—things that are not at all clear how they fit that man. And there are many more difficulties and refutations.
How would you suggest checking the claim that every fairy has 5 wings? Not every claim requires examination.
If they have an argument that seems relevant to you—check it. As I said, biblical verses like these do not seem to me to be any real test.
So how does the Rabbi suggest evaluating Christianity? Every verse they bring as proof can be said to have another possible interpretation.