Jesus Through Jewish Eyes
Four Tuesday Evenings
March 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 7-8:30 PM ET
Instructor: Gideon Amir
Location: Zoom Classroom
Standard Class Rate: $120
Base Rate: $80
(Subsidized by Haberman Institute donors)
Haberman Institute courses are offered on a sliding payment scale.
Both tiers receive identical access to the program. Should the registration rates become a barrier to enrollment, please contact our Executive Director, Matthew Silverman.
Join us for Tuesday night classes with Gideon Amir.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of how Jewish writers have portrayed Jesus over the centuries. We will trace the development of Jewish views on Jesus from the early rabbinic period, through the Middle Ages, and into modern times. By examining various texts, including Talmudic literature, medieval Jewish thought, and contemporary Jewish writings, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between Judaism and Jesus.
Throughout the course, we will explore key themes such as the portrayal of Jesus as a historical figure, the originator of a new religion, and how Jewish thinkers have approached the figure of Jesus in light of theological, cultural, and social contexts. Special attention will be given to the evolution of Jewish perspectives, from rejection and criticism to more recent evaluations of his legacy. By engaging with these writings, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Jewish thought.
Gideon Amir was born in the Netherlands to Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Israel in 1947. He grew up in Jerusalem and served in the IDF as a Paratrooper.
Gideon received his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rechovot. In 1980, he moved to the United States, where he worked as a manager in several companies including Sperry Univac, British Telecom, and Cisco Systems.
In 1999, he pursued his interest in Judaic Studies and enrolled in a full-time graduate program at Baltimore Hebrew University, where, in May 2001, he received his Master’s degree with honors. Redirecting his passion for teaching from computer science to Jewish and Bible studies, he became an adult Jewish educator for several education programs, including the Haberman Institute, where he continues to teach today.