In this episode of Kosher Gospels, we unpack Colossians 2:16-17, a passage often cited to suggest that Torah observances like dietary laws, Sabbath, and festival days are obsolete in light of Christ. But is this interpretation accurate? We dive deep into the original Greek text and Jewish tradition to reveal a different perspective—one where Paul wasn't dismissing these practices, but rather asserting that the community of believers, the "body of Christ," has the authority to guide such observances, not external critics.

In this episode, we explore the Torah’s test for identifying false prophets, which includes three essential criteria: advocating deviation from Torah commands, promoting the worship of unfamiliar gods, and making false prophecies. The text applies this test to various Abrahamic religions, arguing that Christianity, Latter-Day Saints, and Islam fail to meet these standards. In contrast, Orthodox Judaism is seen as upholding these principles by maintaining the Torah as its foundational text and rejecting any teachings that contradict it. We discuss the importance of adhering to these criteria to safeguard against false prophets and maintain a genuine faith in God.

In this episode, we explore the argument that death is not only necessary but also beneficial, as it plays a crucial role in the completion of humanity. Drawing from biblical passages and other sources, the text explains how death serves both as a punishment for sin and as a purification process, allowing the soul to ascend toward spiritual perfection. The episode delves into the dual nature of man, being formed from both earthly dust and heavenly breath, and the consequences of aligning with creation versus the Creator. The author suggests that death acts as a boundary, preventing humanity from straying too far off course, and that by embracing the reality of death, we can gain a deeper understanding of life’s true purpose and meaning.

In this episode, we explore the term "Judaizer" as it appears in Christian theology, particularly in the book of Galatians. The discussion challenges the traditional Christian interpretation, which broadly defines a Judaizer as anyone who promotes the observance of Old Testament laws. The episode argues that this understanding stems from later anti-Semitic interpretations and is not rooted in the original biblical context. Instead, a Judaizer, according to the text, refers specifically to those who insist that Gentiles must convert to Judaism as a prerequisite for salvation, rather than encouraging participation in Jewish customs. We also examine the idea that living a Torah-observant Christian lifestyle is not about earning salvation but reflects a love for God and a desire to emulate Jesus in everyday life.

In this episode, we explore practical advice for starting and progressing on a spiritual journey, with an emphasis on gradual growth and steady effort. The sources encourage avoiding the trap of taking on too many commitments at once, instead advocating for starting small and gradually building one's spiritual practice. We also discuss the power of repentance and the importance of adopting a mindset that recognizes spiritual development as an ongoing, lifelong process. Through biblical references and practical examples, the episode highlights the significance of intention, consistency, and persistence in maintaining and advancing on a spiritual path.

In this episode we dive into the question; could Jesus have been a Pharisee? Join us as we explore the compelling argument that Yeshua (Jesus) was not merely a man of his time but a product of it, deeply embedded in the Pharisaic tradition. By understanding the intricacies of Pharisaic Judaism, we can shed light on Yeshua's teachings, actions, and interactions, particularly with the Pharisees themselves.

In this episode, we examine an extended essay that explores Philippians 2:5-11, arguing that this New Testament passage is an early oral creed that predates its written form. The author contends that the language used in the passage aligns with Jewish theology and does not support the notion of Jesus' divinity. Instead, it portrays Jesus as being exalted by God because of his humility and obedience. The episode also critiques common translations of the passage, suggesting that many translations lean toward a Trinitarian interpretation, which may obscure the passage’s original meaning. We dive into the implications of this interpretation and how it reshapes the understanding of Jesus' role in Christian theology.

In this episode, we explore the concept of the physical resurrection of the dead as it appears in the Hebrew Bible, particularly within the Torah. The text examines key verses from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, arguing that these passages implicitly or explicitly reference a future resurrection. It also contends that this belief was held by the patriarchs and passed down through oral tradition, eventually codified by the Pharisees well before the New Testament. We also discuss the significant divide between the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, and the Pharisees, who strongly affirmed its existence, highlighting this belief's central role in early Jewish thought.