In this lecture, Professor Schiffman, a leading scholar of the Dead Sea Scrolls analyzes the origins of the texts. After surveying the contribution of the Scrolls, he compares the Jewish legal position of the authors of the scrolls to that of the Pharisees and early Christians demonstrating how early Christianity deviated from the fundamental beliefs of Judaism and why it was rejected by Jews and accepted only by Greco-Roman non-Jews.

Please Note:  In this fast-paced, nuanced lecture, Prof. Schiffman makes quick references to fundamental Jewish laws and beliefs regarding monotheism and the Messiah. We recommend it as viewing for those who are well-versed in the subject matter.

This lecture took place at the 11th annual National Jewish Retreat. For more information and to register for the next retreat, visit: Jretreat.com.