by Tsvi Sadan
In an attempt to find out what Messianic Jews think of the Torah (Law of Moses) and the oral law (rabbinic law found primarily in the Talmud), we asked 10 people to answer 2 questions: Should Messianic Jews obey the Law? And, should Messianic Jews keep the oral law?
The way Jews relate to the Law of Moses and the oral law is complex. Generally, secular Jews reject the authority of the law and the oral law. Religious Jews believe that the oral law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Between these two extremes, it is safe to say that for those who cherish Judaism, the commandments found in the Pentateuch and the rulings of the Talmud are inseparable parts of what constitute the Jewish identity.
However, when it comes to Messianic Jews, the vital role that both the written and oral Torah plays seems to greatly diminish. Obviously, one reason is the heavy influence of Christianity, which traditionally despises the Talmud. But there is also the influence of modern secular Jewish society with its own critical approach to Judaism.