I've always believed that the Bible teaches that the Jews are God's chosen people, and that Israel is their promised homeland. I've always been taught that we are to stand with Israel; to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.... " (Psalm 122:6; When I read of how Israel came to be, and the miraculous birth of that tiny nation and hear of the miraculous way that it has survived, I feel deep emotion. However, I blush to admit that I know very little about Jewish beliefs and way of life. I did already know that Christians and Jews don't exactly see eye to eye, and that the name of Jesus is taboo, but that's pretty much the extent of my "knowledge".
The Bridge Builder is a fascinating read about one man who is attempting to bring about a mutual understanding between Christians and evangelicals. Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein is described as a complex, hard working man whose desire to better the lives of his people is his consuming passion. As an evangelical, obviously I don't agree with the rabbi's religious views, but I do appreciate what he has done and is doing, and I hope that his efforts continue to bear much fruit.
The bridge builder included eye opening details about historical events, as well as insights into how Jews view Christians, and especially the way they feel about efforts to evangelize. I still feel pretty clueless about the Jewish beliefs and views, but reading this book increased my desire to learn more.
A quote I found particularly enlightening:
"The question is how Christians ought to {witness}; whether they'll bang us over the head with the gospel (as was done with catastrophic results over the centuries) or sensitively present this ' good news' and then let God and the Holy Spirit bring about whatever change God will." p. 103
The Bridge Builder gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.
Enter to Win!
One of my readers will win a copy of this book! To enter, simply leave a comment here or under the giveaway post on my Facebook page. That's it! :)
About Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein:
Founder and President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Israel, Rabbi Eckstein has devoted more than 35 years to building bridges of understanding between Christians and Jews and broad support for the State of Israel. He is recognized as the world's leading Jewish authority on evangelical Christians. Rabbi Eckstein received Orthodox Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University in New York. He holds master's degrees from Yeshiva University and Columbia University, where he also completed studies for his doctorate. Rabbi Eckstein has served on the faculties of Columbia University, Chicago Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Seminary. He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews was founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein to promote understanding between Jews and Christians and build broad support for Israel and other shared concerns. Their ministry's vision is that Jews and Christians will reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, respect, and cooperation. Among the many things they do as an organization, they also create materials for teaching about the significance of connecting Israel and Christianity through such resources as A Woman of Valor: Celebrating The Proverbs 31 Women In Our Lives, A Man Of Faith: Reflections On Godly Leadership From The Ancient Shepherds Of Israel (both devotionals by Rabbi Eckstein), and Seven Fruits of Israel: Recipes And Devotions From The Holy Land (by Yael Eckstein).
About the book and the author:
Hardcover; 272 pages
Zev Chafets is the bestselling author of fourteen books of fiction, media criticism, and social and political commentary. He has been a frequent contributor to the New York Times Magazine and is a former columnist for the New York Daily News.
Thanks to FlyBy Promotions for my copy of The Bridge Builder, and for the giveaway copy.
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
I would thoroughly enjoy this book! I always like to see the perspective of a Jewish person as it relates to us as Christians. I do share your feelings about our attitudes toward them, and believe that they are God's chosen people, blessed by Him in ways that we will never understand!
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