The Sean McDowell Show A Jewish Thinker Challenges Christianity — Sean Responds
Nov 27, 2025
Shabbos Kestenbaum, an Orthodox Jewish thinker, Harvard Divinity School graduate, and political commentator, dives into the complex relationship between Judaism and Christianity. He discusses how Jewish theology views Jesus as a Torah-observant rabbi, the significance of miracles, and the criteria for messianic expectations. Shabbos also addresses beliefs about the afterlife, the rising antisemitism today, and the need for Jewish-Christian friendships. His insights challenge common perceptions, encouraging a respectful dialogue between the two faiths.
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Jesus As Historical Rabbi Not Jewish Messiah
- Shabbos Kestenbaum argues Jesus historically existed as a Torah-observant rabbi but not necessarily as a divine Messiah.
- Jewish criteria for Messiah focus on rebuilding the temple, ingathering exiles, and global peace, which Jesus did not fulfill.
Miracles Don’t Prove Messiahship
- Miracles alone don't determine messianic status in Jewish thought; Talmudic sources allow miracles but reserve key acts to God.
- Resurrection or other wonders would not override failure to meet core messianic criteria like global peace and temple rebuilding.
Rabbinic Authority Is Built Into Judaism
- Orthodox Judaism accepts rabbinic oral law as divinely instituted to interpret written Torah.
- Rabbis view their role as explaining unspecified biblical commands, not adding or subtracting law.
