Book Review: A Way in the Wilderness

A Way in the Wilderness: Essays in Messianic Jewish Thought

This book is a collection of essays by various authors on a wide variety of subjects within Messianic Judaism. As you read this book, prepare to have paradigms turned on their heads. Fresh perspectives fill these pages, even for veterans of the movement. This book is great for inquirers of both Jewish and Christian backgrounds and includes a glossary of terms in the back of the book. Besides the 18 essays written in English, two have been written in Hebrew... for those of you who can take that leap! Here are a few summaries of some essays:

I.E.S. יע"ס by Henry Einspruch
This is a short biography of an influential Hebrew translator from the 19th century. He translated the New Testament into Hebrew, besides works of such writers as Shakespeare and Milton.

The Bible - An Historical Document by William Katin
This essay briefly discusses archaeological evidence supporting the biblical accounts of Genesis, particularly focusing on Abraham's life. He also writes about the reliability of the documentation of the New Testament.

How Long? by Max Isaac Reich
This writer describes the confusion and heartache of the prophets and psalmists as they sought to follow God in a difficult and contrary world, and how this relates to our own struggles.
"(Jesus') cross is the key to all mystery. Strange that it should be so, for to the natural mind it is utter darkness and the greatest mystery of all, even defeat and disaster, the triumph of hate, the victory of evil over good. But to faith, it is full of light, the highest peak of love, patience, meekness, unselfishness, renunciation. It is the defeat of the powers of darkness. It is the laying of the sure foundation on which the hopes of humanity can rest and the universal reign of God be established."

Kidush Hashem by Agnes Waldstein
"Kidush Hashem" is "Hallowed be thy Name", translated into Hebrew. This writer explores the implications of this phrase in the Lord's Prayer when understood from a Hebraic perspective.

Blessed be Egypt? by Daniel Fuchs
Perhaps the title says it all. Just to whet your curiosity, I may say that he interprets a prophecy from Isaiah that most people (including Messianic believers!) just gloss over. And yes, it involves a blessing on Egypt, of all things.

Did the Jews Kill Christ? by Henry Einspruch
This essay examines the culpability of the various groups involved in Jesus' condemnation and death. The author cites passages from the Talmud regarding the sentiment towards the high priesthood of the time, and towards Jesus himself. He exposes the moral vacuity of laying blame.

This book is available at Beth Shechinah