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Heriberto Rosario wrote:

Hi guys,

As you know, Orthodox/Conservative Jews believe that Moses received an Oral Torah as well as a written one at Mount Sinai.

  • Is it acceptable for a Catholic to believe this [and/or] to draw on Pharisaic/Rabbinic biblical interpretations in [his/her] study of the Scriptures?

I'd like to know because I have gleaned many insights into the New Testament from my perusal of the Midrashim and other Jewish biblical and legal commentaries.

I also have an interest in religious studies.

Thank you,

Heriberto

  { It is acceptable to draw on Pharisaic/Rabbinic traditions to help understand the Scriptures? }

Mary Ann replied:

Hi, Heriberto —

Of course, it is acceptable to draw on the Rabbinic traditions to help understand the context of the Scriptures at the time of Christ.

Be aware that they weren't written until after the Synagogue expelled the Christians and are somewhat skewed in the direction of the Pharisees of that era, who were not the only tradition of that time.

Nevertheless, it is wonderful and very helpful to be aware of Jewish biblical and legal commentary. It is not, of course, authoritative as to the theological meaning of Scripture.

Mary Ann

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