Summary
Title: The Jewish Messiahs: From the Galilee to Crown Heights
Author: Harris Lenowitz
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0195148371
Pro:
• Wide variety of messianic movements covered
• Explains similarities and differences in the movements
Con:
• None
Description:
• Covers Messianic movements throughout Jewish history
• Explains how and why messianic movements develop
• Explains what purpose such movements serve in the Jewish community
Book Review
The reason why there is such a strong link between Judaism and the concept of a messiah is a fact which most Christians seem to be entirely unaware of: Jesus was by far not the only claimant to the mantle of Messiah. As a matter of fact, quite a few reformers, revolutionaries and self-professed prophets have stepped forward and taken that religious/political role for themselves.
Why is that? Why do messiahs keep popping up in Jewish communities wherever they happen to be, especially given the fact that they are all killed and, except in a couple of instances, the movements they found end up dying right along with them? Even the Jewish communities themselves usually reject the claims made by the messiah, who ends up with only a small following of outcasts.
These are the questions which are addressed in Lenowitz’ book The Jewish Messiahs. He not only explores the history and circumstances surrounding numerous messianic movements, but he also explores their similarities and differences. It is the similarities, however, which are among the most interesting, and it is a reason why Christians should consider reading this book. Understanding the general circumstances of Jewish politics and social interactions which inform Jewish messianic movements may help them better understand the origins of their own religious faith.
Among the basic similarities which cut across messianic movements is the sort of social situation out of which they arise. Messiahs appear in time of struggle or oppression, not when the Jewish community is powerful or secure. Through the communal suffering of the people, the conditions are created for a revolutionary leader who seeks to give them hope by preaching the necessity of a complete change in society and religious attitudes:
- “When a segment of Jewish society feels a rising existential threat, messiahs... emerge to lead those who can see only an unacceptable present and an impossible future.”
