Talmud and Jesus
As an ex-Christian and ex-Messianic Jew, I now live as an Orthodox Jew. I once believed harsh claims about the Talmud. Christians often say it calls the Talmud is evil. They claim it allows bad acts. They say it attacks Jesus. These ideas hurt. They fuel hate against Jews. But truth matters. The Torah says not to bear false witness. This is one of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:16. Spreading lies breaks this rule. It harms people.
I draw from a video by Rabbi Daniel Rowe. He reacts to claims about the Talmud. Watch it here: What the Talmud Actually Says About Jesus. His words clarify much. As Dennis Prager says, I am not trying to convert you. I do not want to change your mind. I just want you to hear my side of the story. Prager is one of my heroes. Learn more about him at PragerU.
Why Some Think the Talmud Talks About Jesus
Rabbi Rowe starts fair. He lists reasons people link “Yeshu” in the Talmud to Jesus.
- The name “Yeshu” sounds like “Yeshua.” This was Jesus’ Aramaic name.
- Some texts call him “Yeshu haNotzri.” “Notzri” refers to Nazareth or the Nazarenes. Later, it means Christian in Hebrew.
- Stories match a bit. Yeshu dies on Passover eve. Like in the Gospel of John. He has disciples.
- The Talmud covers Jesus’ time. From centuries before to after year zero.
These points seem strong at first. But they fall apart on closer look.
Rabbi Rowe starts fair. He lists reasons people link “Yeshu” in the Talmud to Jesus.
- The name “Yeshu” sounds like “Yeshua.” This was Jesus’ Aramaic name.
- Some texts call him “Yeshu haNotzri.” “Notzri” refers to Nazareth or the Nazarenes. Later, it means Christian in Hebrew.
- Stories match a bit. Yeshu dies on Passover eve. Like in the Gospel of John. He has disciples.
- The Talmud covers Jesus’ time. From centuries before to after year zero.
These points seem strong at first. But they fall apart on closer look.
Rabbi Rowe breaks them down.
First, the name. “Yeshu” was common then. Like “Josh” today. The Talmud has many with similar names. Historian Josephus lists 19 “Yeshuas.” Some lived during Jesus’ time. One was a high priest. Another criminal.
Some say “Yeshu” is an acronym for a curse. It stands for “may his name and memory be blotted out.” But no. This phrase came 1,000 years later. The Talmud never uses it. Rabbis and prophets did not say it.
Next, “haNotzri.” This seems key. But timing matters. The Talmud has two parts. The Mishna is from the mid-2nd century CE. It uses “Min” for heretics or early Christians. Not “Notzri.”
“Notzri” meant Christian much later. In the Talmud’s time, it did not. Nazareth is a place tied to Jesus in the New Testament. But the Talmud’s “Notzri” likely means something else. Maybe “guardian” or a sect name. It does not fit the same period.
Positive Proof: This Yeshu Is Not Jesus
Rabbi Rowe gives strong evidence. The Talmud’s Yeshu lived earlier. About 100 BCE. Under King Alexander Jannaeus. Not Roman times.
In Sanhedrin 107b, Yeshu is a student of Joshua ben Perachiah. This rabbi lived in 100 BCE. Yeshu learns magic in Egypt. He misbehaves. Gets excommunicated.
Jesus lived 100 years later. Around 30 CE. Under Pontius Pilate.
More mismatches:
- Mother: Talmud says “ben Pandera” (son of Pandera). New Testament says virgin birth, Mary and Joseph.
- Death: Talmud Yeshu hanged for sorcery. Body not taken. No resurrection claim.
- Followers: Talmud names five disciples. Different from Jesus’ twelve.
The punishment in Gittin 57a? Onkelos raises Yeshu via necromancy. Yeshu says he boils in hot excrement. Why? He mocked sages’ words. This fits Talmud logic. Mockery brings shame. But hell is not literal. It’s spiritual.
This is the “only solution” for Talmud’s Yeshu. His fate fits his acts. No mercy for leading Jews astray. But it is not about Jesus.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Talmud’s Yeshu vs. New Testament Jesus
| Aspect | Talmud’s Yeshu | New Testament Jesus |
|---|---|---|
| Time Period | ~80-100 BCE, under King Jannaeus | Crucified by Romans on the Passover |
| Teacher | Joshua ben Perachiah | No specific rabbi mentioned |
| Mother/Father | Son of Pandera and Stada | Virgin Mary, Joseph |
| Acts | Learned magic in Egypt, idolatry | Miracles, teachings in Israel |
| Death | Hanged for sorcery on Passover eve | Five names: Mattai, Nakai, etc. |
| After Death | Boils in excrement for mockery | Resurrected, ascends to heaven |
| Disciples | Five named: Mattai, Nakai, etc. | Twelve apostles |
| Term “Notzri” | Used, but not meaning Christian | ~4 BCE – 30 CE, under the Romans |
See? They are different people. Mixing them is wrong.
Bearing False Witness: A Torah Command
The Torah warns against false witness. In Exodus 20:16, it says: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This is one of the Ten Commandments. Spreading Talmud myths breaks this. It justifies hate. As Jews, we are a light to nations. Isaiah 42:6 says so. Lies dim that light.
Christians may want these claims true. It fits old views. But hear our side. Like Prager says.
Final Thoughts
The Talmud does not attack Jesus. The Yeshu is another man. Rabbi Rowe shows this well. Check the video. Read more at Chabad.org on Talmud. Or MyJewishLearning.
This clears myths. It builds understanding. Share if it helps.
For more on Jewish views, link to internal blog post on Torah basics. Outbound: See Bible Gateway for Exodus.
Thanks for reading. Gavriel ben David