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“Behold, days are coming, says the L-rd, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Yisra᾽el, and with the house of Yehuda… but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisra᾽el after those days, says the L-rd; I will put my Torah in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their G-d, and they shall be my people…”
-Jeremiah 31:31, 33
“Rabbi Elazar says: Be diligent in learning Torah, and know what to respond to one who denigrates the Torah. Know before Whom you labor–the Master of your work is trustworthy to pay you the wage for your activity.”
-Pirkei Avos 2:14
“While writing this commentary of the New Testament, I had no other goal, as I have said in the first volume, but to reconcile these two enemy sisters: The Church and the Synagogue… to show everyone that the New Testament only comes to show that the root of existence is in the unity of G–d (ahdut ha-Bore) … and also to strengthen the law of Moses (Torat Moshe)… I publish this commentary (to Matthew) in Hebrew for Jews, to introduce them to the New Testament who, until now, have not recognized its beauty (eynam makirim ’et yofya)… Notwithstanding the contrary misconception, the New Testament is in no manner contrary to the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) or to the Talmud.“
-Rabbi Eliyahu Tzvi Soloveitchik, Kol Kore
Waykeeper Principles #6 & #8
6. The Jewish writings called, “the New Testament,” are not equal, but are subordinate to the Torah given by G-d at Sinai (and therefore not a Halachic authority).
8. We do not yet have a kosher translation of the “New Testament,” but its general teachings align especially with Hasidic Judaism (e.g. serving G-d with and beyond ‘the letter’).
Based on the Weekly NT Schedule…
Sunday (1):
Acts 2:37 → Acts 3:10 (21)
37
And hearing this, they were pierced in the heart, and said to Kefa and the rest of the emissaries:
“Men, brothers—what shall we do?”
38
And Kefa said to them:
“Repent (do teshuvah), and let each of you be immersed in the name of Yeshua the Messiah for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39
For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are far off—everyone whom the L-rd our G-d calls.”
40
And with many other words he bore witness and exhorted them, saying:
“Be saved from this crooked generation.”
Formation of a Community
41
So those who received his word were immersed, and there were added on that day about three thousand souls.
42
And they devoted themselves to the teaching of the emissaries, the fellowship (ḥavurah), the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
43
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the emissaries.
44
And all who believed were together and held all things in common,
45
and they were selling possessions and goods and distributing them to all, as anyone had need.
46
And day by day, continuing with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47
praising G-d and having favor with all the people. And the L-rd was adding day by day those who were being saved.
Acts — Chapter 3
Healing at the Temple Gate
1
And Kefa and Yoḥanan were going up to the Temple at the hour of prayer—the ninth hour.
2
And a certain man, lame from his mother’s womb, was being carried, whom they would place daily at the gate of the Temple called “Beautiful,” to ask for alms from those entering the Temple.
3
Seeing Kefa and Yoḥanan about to enter the Temple, he asked to receive alms.
4
But Kefa, fastening his gaze upon him, together with Yoḥanan, said:
“Look at us.”
5
And he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
6
But Kefa said:
“Silver and gold I do not possess—but what I have, this I give to you:
In the name of Yeshua the Messiah, the Nazarene—walk!”
“His (R. Joshua ben Levi’s) grandson suffered from choking; there came one, whispered something in the name of Yeshu ben Pandera and he could breathe. When he left, he asked him, what did you say over him? He answered, such and such words. He said, it would have been better for him had he died and not heard these words. It happened to him *The grandson died, like an erroneous order from a ruler.“
-Jerusalem Talmud Avodah Zarah 2:2:7
7
And taking him by the right hand, he raised him up—and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened.
8
And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered with them into the Temple, walking and leaping and praising G-d.
9
And all the people saw him walking and praising G-d,
10
and they recognized him as the one who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple—and they were filled with wonder and astonishment at what had happened to him.
Monday (2):
Acts 3:11 → Acts 4:4 (20)
Gathering at Shlomo’s Portico
11
And while he clung to Kefa and Yoḥanan, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Shlomo’s, utterly astonished.
Kefa’s Temple Discourse
12
And seeing this, Kefa responded to the people:
“Men of Israel—why do you marvel at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?
13
The G-d of Avraham, Yitzḥak, and Ya‘akov—the G-d of our fathers—has glorified His servant Yeshua, whom you handed over and denied before the face of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
14
But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a man who was a murderer to be granted to you,
15
and you killed the Prince of life—whom G-d raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
Faith and the Name
16
And upon the faith in his name—this one whom you see and know—his name has made him strong; and the faith which is through him has given him this complete soundness in the presence of you all.
Sin in Ignorance — Rabbinic Category
17
“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers also did.
18
But what G-d foretold through the mouth of all the prophets—that His Messiah would suffer—He has thus fulfilled.
Call to Teshuvah and Covenant Renewal
19
Therefore, repent (do teshuvah) and turn back, so that your sins may be blotted out,
20
so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the L-rd, and that He may send the one appointed for you—Yeshua the Messiah,
21
whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which G-d spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from of old.
Moshe’s Promise — Deuteronomy 18
22
“Moshe indeed said:
‘A prophet shall the L-rd your G-d raise up for you from among your brothers, like me—him you shall listen to in all that he speaks to you.
23
And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be cut off from among the people.’
All the Prophets Speak
24
And likewise all the prophets—from Shmuel and those after him—as many as have spoken, also proclaimed these days.
Children of the Covenant
25
You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which G-d made with your fathers, saying to Avraham:
‘And in your seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’
26
To you first, G-d—having raised up His servant—sent him to bless you, by turning each one of you from your wickedness.”
Acts — Chapter 4 (Temple Authorities and Sectarian Conflict)
Arrest by the Temple Authorities
1
And while they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the Temple and the Tzedukim (Sadducees) came upon them,
2
being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Yeshua the resurrection from the dead.
3
And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
4
But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
Tuesday (3):
Acts 4:5 → Acts 4:22 (18)
Before the Council
5
And it came to pass on the next day that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem,
6
and Ḥanan the High Priest, and Caiaphas, and Yoḥanan, and Alexander, and as many as were of the high-priestly family.
7
And setting them in the midst, they inquired:
“By what power or in what name have you done this?”
Kefa’s Defense
8
Then Kefa, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them:
“Rulers of the people and elders—
9
if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a sick man—by what means he has been healed—
10
let it be known to all of you and to all the House of Israel:
that in the name of Yeshua the Messiah, the Nazarene—whom you crucified, whom G-d raised from the dead—by him this man stands before you whole.
Midrash on Tehillim (Psalm 118)
11
“This is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.
12
And there is salvation (yeshuah) in no other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Recognition of Untrained but Bold Men
13
Now seeing the boldness of Kefa and Yoḥanan, and perceiving that they were unlearned and ordinary men, they were astonished—and they recognized that they had been with Yeshua.
14
And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against it.
Deliberation of the Council
15
But commanding them to go outside the council, they conferred among themselves,
16
saying:
“What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable sign has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17
But so that it may not spread further among the people, let us strictly warn them not to speak any longer in this name.”
Prohibition and Response
18
And calling them, they commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Yeshua.
19
But Kefa and Yoḥanan answered and said to them:
“Whether it is right in the sight of G-d to listen to you rather than to G-d, you judge.
20
For we are not able to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Release
21
And after threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them because of the people—for all were glorifying G-d for what had happened.
22
For the man on whom this sign of healing had been done was more than forty years old.
Wednesday (4):
Acts 4:23 → Acts 5:11 (18)
Return to the Community
23
And being released, they came to their own and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
24
And hearing this, they lifted their voice together to G-d and said:
Prayer with Scriptural Framing
“Master, You are the One who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them,
25
who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
and the peoples devise empty things?
26
The kings of the earth stood up,
and the rulers were gathered together
against the L-rd and against His Anointed.’
Application of the Psalm (Pesher-like Interpretation)
27
For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Yeshua, whom You anointed—both Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the nations and the peoples of Israel—
28
to do whatever Your hand and Your counsel had determined beforehand to come to pass.
Request for Boldness, Not Escape
29
And now, L-rd, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to speak Your word with all boldness,
30
while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of Your holy servant Yeshua.”
Divine Response
31
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of G-d with boldness.
Communal Life
32
And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and not one said that any of the things belonging to him was his own—but all things were common to them.
“There are four types of character in human beings: One that says: “mine is mine, and yours is yours”: this is a commonplace type; and some say this is a sodom-type of character. [One that says:] “mine is yours and yours is mine”: is an unlearned person (am haaretz); [One that says:] “mine is yours and yours is yours” is a pious person. [One that says:] “mine is mine, and yours is mine” is a wicked person.”
-Pirkei Avot 5:10
33
And with great power the shluchim were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Master Yeshua, and great favor was upon them all.
34
For there was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold,
35
and laid them at the feet of the shluchim—and it was distributed to each as anyone had need.
Example: Yosef / Barnaba
36
And Yosef, who was called by the shluchim Barnaba (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
37
having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the feet of the emissaries.
Acts — Chapter 5 (Communal Integrity and Authority Conflict)
Ḥananyah and Shappirah — Internal Deception
1
But a certain man named Ḥananyah, with Shappirah his wife, sold a possession,
2
and he kept back from the price—with his wife’s knowledge—and bringing a part, he laid it at the feet of the shluchim.
3
But Kefa said:
“Ḥananyah—why has the Adversary filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the price of the field?
4
While it remained, did it not remain yours? And after it was sold, was it not in your authority? Why is it that you have set this matter in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to G-d.”
5
And hearing these words, Ḥananyah fell down and expired. And great fear came upon all who heard.
6
And the young men arose, wrapped him, and carried him out and buried him.
7
And it came to pass after an interval of about three hours that his wife entered, not knowing what had happened.
8
And Kefa answered her:
“Tell me—did you sell the field for this amount?”
And she said: “Yes, for this amount.”
9
But Kefa said to her:
“Why did you agree together to test the Spirit of the L-rd? Behold—the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
10
And immediately she fell down at his feet and expired. And entering, the young men found her dead, and carrying her out, they buried her beside her husband.
11
And great fear came upon the whole assembly (kehilla) and upon all who heard these things.
Thursday (5):
Acts 5:12 → Acts 5:32 (21)
Signs and Wonders — Public Recognition
12
And through the hands of the shluchim many signs and wonders were being done among the people—and they were all together in Shlomo’s Portico.
13
But none of the rest dared to join them, yet the people held them in high esteem.
14
And more than ever, believers were added to the L-rd—multitudes of both men and women—
15
so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats, so that as Kefa passed by, even his shadow might fall upon some of them.
16
And the multitude also gathered from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted by unclean spirits—and they were all being healed.
Arrest by the High Priest and the Tzedukim
17
But the High Priest rose up, and all those with him—that is, the party of the Tzedukim (Sadducees)—and they were filled with zeal,
18
and they laid hands on the shluchim and put them in the public prison.
Divine Release
19
But during the night, an angel of the L-rd opened the doors of the prison and, bringing them out, said:
20
“Go, stand and speak in the Temple to the people all the words of this Life.”
21
And hearing this, they entered at daybreak into the Temple and began to teach.
Confusion of the Authorities
Now the High Priest came, and those with him, and they called together the council—even all the council of the elders of the sons of Israel—and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22
But the officers who came did not find them in the prison, and returning, they reported,
23
saying:
“We found the prison securely shut and the guards standing at the doors—but opening, we found no one inside.”
24
Now when the captain of the Temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed concerning them, as to what this might become.
25
And someone came and reported to them:
“Behold—the men whom you put in prison are standing in the Temple and teaching the people!”
Second Appearance Before the Council
26
Then the captain went with the officers and brought them—not with force, for they feared the people, lest they be stoned.
27
And bringing them, they set them before the council. And the High Priest questioned them,
28
saying:
“Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And behold—you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us!”
Kefa’s Response — Obedience to G-d
29
But Kefa and the shluchim answered and said:
“It is necessary to obey G-d rather than men.
30
The G-d of our fathers raised up Yeshua, whom you killed, hanging him upon a tree.
“The Gemara raises a difficulty: But isn’t it taught in a baraita: On Passover Eve they hung Yeshu the Nazarene…”
-Talmud Bavli, Sanhedrin 43a:20b
31
This one G-d exalted to His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance (teshuvah) to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32
And we are witnesses of these things—and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom G-d has given to those who obey Him.”
Friday (6):
Acts 5:33 → Acts 6:7 (17)
Council’s Rage
33
And hearing this, they were cut to the heart and intended to kill them.
Gamliel’s Intervention (Rabbinic Voice of Moderation)
34
But a certain Pharisee in the council, named Gamliel, a teacher of the Torah honored by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time.
35
And he said to them:
“Men of Israel—take heed to yourselves regarding these men, what you are about to do.
36
For before these days rose up Theudas, claiming to be somebody, to whom a number of men—about four hundred—attached themselves; he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
37
After him rose up Yehudah the Galilean in the days of the census, and he drew away people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered.
38
And now I say to you—withdraw from these men and leave them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown;
39
but if it is from G-d, you will not be able to overthrow them—lest you be found even fighting against G-d.”
40
And they were persuaded by him.
Beating and Release
And calling the shluchim, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Yeshua, and released them.
41
So they went out from before the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored for his name.
42
And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the good news—that Yeshua is the Messiah.
Acts — Chapter 6
Tension Within the Community — Distribution Dispute
1
And in those days, as the number of the disciples was increasing, a complaint arose from the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the Hebrews (Aramaic-speaking Jews), because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.
2
And the Twelve called together the multitude of the disciples and said:
“It is not fitting that we should neglect the word of G-d to serve tables.
3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this need.
4
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.”
Appointment of the Seven
5
And the matter was pleasing before the whole assembly, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas, a proselyte of Antioch.
6
These they set before the shluchim, and after praying, they laid hands upon them.
Growth and Priestly Response
7
And the word of G-d was increasing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplying greatly—and a large number of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Shabbat (7):
Acts 6:8 → Acts 7:16 (18)
Stephen — Signs and Wonders
8
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
Opposition from Synagogue Circles
9
But some of those from the synagogue called that of the Freedmen (Libertines), and of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up disputing with Stephen.
10
And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
False Witnesses — Judicial Framing
11
Then they secretly instigated men who said:
“We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moshe and G-d.”
12
And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and coming upon him, they seized him and brought him to the council.
13
And they set up false witnesses, saying:
“This man does not cease speaking words against this Holy Place and the Torah;
14
for we have heard him say that Yeshua the Nazarene will destroy this place and will change the customs which Moshe delivered to us.”
Stephen Before the Council
15
And all who were sitting in the council, fixing their eyes upon him, saw his face like the face of an angel.
Acts — Chapter 7
Opening Before the Council
1
And the High Priest said:
“Are these things so?”
2
And he said:
“Men, brothers, and fathers—listen:
Avraham — Calling Outside the Land
“The G-d of glory appeared to our father Avraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Ḥaran,
3
and said to him:
‘Go out from your Land and from your kindred, and come into the Land which I will show you.’
4
Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Ḥaran. And from there, after his father died, He moved him into this Land in which you now dwell.
5
And He did not give him an inheritance in it—not even a footstep—but promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, though he had no child.
Prophecy of Exile and Redemption
6
And G-d spoke thus:
that his seed would be sojourners in a foreign land, and they would enslave them and mistreat them four hundred years.
7
‘And the nation whom they serve I will judge,’ said G-d, ‘and after these things they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’
8
And He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so he begot Yitzḥak and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Yitzḥak begot Ya‘akov, and Ya‘akov the twelve patriarchs.
Yosef — Rejected, Then Exalted
9
“And the patriarchs, being jealous of Yosef, sold him into Egypt—but G-d was with him,
10
and delivered him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his house.
Famine and Descent to Egypt
11
And a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no food.
12
But hearing that there was grain in Egypt, Ya‘akov sent our fathers the first time.
13
And on the second time Yosef was made known to his brothers, and Yosef’s family became known to Pharaoh.
14
And Yosef sent and called Ya‘akov his father and all his kindred—seventy-five souls.
15
And Ya‘akov went down into Egypt, and he died—he and our fathers.
16
And they were carried over to Hebron and laid in the tomb which Avraham bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Chet in Hebron.
Eye To Zion 