Leviticus is Christianity, Deuteronomy is Judaism: The Disentangling and Development of Biblical Worldviews with Rabbi Shai Cherry

This series examines the distinct roles of Leviticus and Deuteronomy in shaping Jewish thought and practice, exploring their influence on early Rabbinic Judaism and interpretations by medieval Jewish philosophers and mystics. It also delves into how these texts have impacted the evolution of Jewish theology and anthropology. Session #2 of the series examines the influence of priestly literature in the Bible, noting the irony of its fundamental reliance in Christianity despite early German Protestant scholars’ negative view associated with Roman Catholicism. The session will explore how these two worldviews manifest in Rabbinic Judaism, often providing rationales for otherwise unintelligible Rabbinic disputes. It will also highlight the inclination of Rabbinic Judaism towards Deuteronomy.