We respond to every follow-up question submitted, but only publish selected ones.
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personalities.
I heard that Isaiah 54 is never read in any synagogue service or any Jewish feast. Is it true that this is because it somehow shadows the validity of Jesus’ claim as the Jewish messiah?
There is no source anywhere for the assertion that Isaiah 54 is not read in the synagogue because it portrays the Messiah. Most chapters in the Prophets are not read simply because there are only 52 weeks a year, and many more chapters in Prophets than that. There is nothing in Isaiah 54 that Jews have to be afraid of. There is ample commentary explaining the verses, and nothing whatsoever that alludes to JC anymore than to any other individual.
Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
Cleveland, OH
