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I grew up around Jews, living in New York all of my life. I’ve always found a comfort when I’ve visited Jewish synagogues, knowing that although they may not have the fullness of the Gospel they do continue to keep their covenants as they know they should. And interestingly, I’ve gotten along better with Jews moreso than any other group when I attended school – that may be due to my own curious nature, but there was always something that kind of felt syncretic between us. Having learned more of Jewish tradition and its importance in the Book of Mormon has done nothing but strengthen my testimony, and increase my own sympathy towards their plights in the past and in the modern day.
Thanks for the comment, Michael. I feel the same way and so do many of the young people in my ward over the years. When Jewish youth groups have visited our ward, I am frequently thrilled to discover that many of our high schoolers know and feel connected to the visiting Jewish high schoolers. If you are interested, here is an article on my longtime connection to Jews and to Judaism: https://ldsmag.com/thanking-the-jews-a-passover-tribute/
Thanks much for this perspective. Knowing the format of the teachings makes the author’s message so much more understandable.
I have to ask… after looking at Table 2 it seems that Isaiah is one of the most popular prophets to read from regardless of the event. We know why we think Isaiah is important, Moroni, as he watches his civilization falls pleads with us to read Isaiah. Christ straight-up tells us to read Isaiah. Also, a recent book by Spencer (A Word in Season) literally shows that Isaiah is the foundation of Nephite society.
I do not have many Jewish friends and so I did not know Jews also held him in such high esteem (so that he is basically read at all teachings. My question is: why do the Jews esteem his words so highly? I assume it is not happenstance that he is featured so frequently in the table 2 events.
All in all, readings from Isaiah accompany 15 of the 54 standard parashot in the Jewish lectionary, more so than any other prophetic book. Why these passages from Isaiah were chosen and how seems to be lost in the sands of time. However, modern Jewish scholars and commentators are lavish in their praise of Isaiah. Michael Fishbane, for instance, whom I quote often in this article, in his commentary states that Isaiah is “among the giants of classical biblical prophecy–repeatedly challenging the nation and its leaders with the ethical and religious will of God, and providing instructions and visions of moral renewal and universal peace’ (p. 528)–all of which are central to modern Judaism, which sees its main mission as “repairing the world” (tikkun olam) in order to help bring about a messianic era.
I enjoyed your article and although not raised in the Jewish faith I feel the antisemitism so prevalent today. In the Church I have always felt welcome, even admired for my linage. The only exception being in the Family History Dept. They should read this!
Wonderful article. Thank you so much.
Brilliant article.
Note also the Jewish Shehecheyanu prayer in Mosiah 2:20-21.
And the presence of key portions of the Jewish Amida “Standing Prayer” (Shemone-esrei) among the Zoramites in Alma 31:15-35.
The Shehecheyanu prayer Mosiah 2:20-21? Yasher koach! I had not noticed that. Well done. And, yes, unfortunately I see connections between the Amidah and what the Zoramites say on the Rameumptom. Sigh.
Others have also pointed out that Alma gives a Grace after Meals in Alma 8:22. I also remember reading that one scholar found connections between what the Lamanite daughters do in Mosiah 20: 1-2 and Tu b’Av, although this seems tenuous to me. Thanks for the comments–and the praise.