Synagogue Expulsion

Christian Alexander
Christian Alexander Member Posts: 3,008 ✭✭✭
edited November 2024 in English Forum

I know that for J. Louis Martyn, historical evidence for the synagogue expulsion in John's Gospel was found in the birkat-ha-minim, the so-called "curse of the Christians," which was purportedly incorporated to Jewish synagogue liturgy around the year 90 AD. How do I find out what others have said about this topic? Most commentaries I have read are silent on the topic in question. 

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  • MJ. Smith
    MJ. Smith MVP Posts: 55,539

    Christian Alexander said:

    that for J. Louis Martyn, historical evidence for the synagogue expulsion in John's Gospel was found in the birkat-ha-minim, the so-called "curse of the Christians," which was purportedly incorporated to Jewish synagogue liturgy around the year 90 AD.

    Everything I've read implies giving a date and calling it "curse of the Christians" are both debated hypotheses. Check out the Talmudic reference to 24 heretical sects (in the Wiipedia article) and look at the broader picture as both the Jewish and the Christians developed parallel concepts of heresy.

    Did you do your basics of reading Birkat haMinim - Wikipedia?

    Did you try a chat bot?

    [quote]

    The Birkat Ha-Minim, literally meaning "Blessing of the Heretics," has a complex history within the Jewish prayer book, the Siddur. Here's a breakdown of its key points:

    • Origin: There's debate about its exact formation. The Talmud (Berakhot 28b) suggests it was composed after the execution of 80 Jews accused by a convert (possibly Christian) of blasphemy. Scholars debate if it was a whole new addition or an update to an existing prayer against separatists.

    • Purpose: Originally, it likely targeted Jewish groups seen as deviating from core beliefs. Over time, it came to be understood as addressing heretical Jews, and later, Christians.

    • Controversy: The Birkat Ha-Minim has been a point of contention. Some see it as a harsh curse, while others view it as a historical artifact reflecting past conflicts. The term "minim" itself can be interpreted broadly or narrowly, adding to the debate.

    • Modern Usage: In some traditions, the Birkat Ha-Minim has been modified or even omitted due to concerns about interfaith relations.

    Here are some resources for further exploration, if you'd like to delve deeper:

    • Jewish Virtual Library: Birkat Ha-Minim [Jewish Virtual Library]
    • Wikipedia: Birkat haMinim [Wikipedia]

    I know of no historical commentary on the siddur available in Logos. I would use Google to discover what such resources exist.

    academia.edu is a site you should always check:

    There are numerous additional free references ... each of which give you additional references to track.

    Or check out the book reviewed above: Amazon.com: Cursing the Christians?: A History of the Birkat HaMinim: 9780199783175: Langer, Ruth: Books

    I've offered nothing that you shouldn't be able to find on your own.

    Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."

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