During my time as a Christian, two major concerns always gnawed away at me as I spent time in the New Testament. First, while Jesus seemed like the nicest guy ever on earth, it bothered me that I could not get past his “human-ness.” What I mean by this is that all I read or studied pointed to the fact that I was being encouraged to “be like Jesus.” However, there was the realization that, loving kindness aside, I could never possibly raise the dead, heal with a touch or walk on water. I mean really…this was quite a stretch.
The other problem I had with Jesus was that I felt like my thinking processes were always caught in a kind of software “loop.” You know, like when your working diligently on your computer and the program gets stuck. The only solution is to “reboot.” However, I could never get my thinking or belief system to “reboot” out of the notion that if Jesus was born of flesh and blood how could he possibly be referred to as a god and if he was a god, then what use did he have for a father and mother or creator? What creator needs a creator? And where did this leave Mary? If a god becomes one with a woman (marries her, if you will) then how could he seemingly just “kick her to the curb” like a common “baby daddy?” What manner of god was this? To let a precious mother of a god just fade off into obscurity even to the point of denying he even knows her? What message is this for a young adolescent to take home?
Then there was the “equal time” being given to talk of or reading about demons and the satan. So much intellectual effort was put into describing demons and the satan that I concluded there were actually two gods in the Christian church. One (or three in one) who owns all that is good and one who owns all that is bad. It seemed to me that equal power was given to both in all the New Testament teachings. That both, Jesus and the satan, were distinctly separate entities being described: gods in their own right. This reminded me of my Catholic experience where the foundation teaching was to fear those things that “go bump in the night.”
No…the more I studied the more I questioned, the more skeptical I became. None of it made any sense to me. I just knew that I was becoming more and more fearful of the dark, demons and dying. What manner of creator was this that created such horrible fear in people to the point of fearing one’s own shadow. Where was the joy in this? What’s more, the Christian mentors around me did little to provide explanations that made any sense. It all sounded like they were talking in circles. “He’s god and flesh at once…but, Jesus is not god, but rather god incarnate…now let’s pray…Lord Jesus…” What the…?
Monday, July 2, 2007
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15 comments:
I do symathise with the "jesus loop" and donbt if Chritians have undrestood jesus right and the promince given to Satan.is not life enchancing !
It has caused me a lot of problems and I would realy like to understand Jesus from a jewish person point of view.
What does he look like to you as a jew ?
This response is in no way intended to offend, but rather to answer a direct query: What does Jesus look like to a Jew?
From this Jewish person's perspective...and realize that there are a variety of Jewish perspectives on Jesus depending on how one defines their "Jewishness" (ie, cultural, ethnic, or faith)...Jesus looks like you and me. Furthermore...he thinks and acts just like you and me. A person who is studying the word of G-d (Torah in the Jew's case), and reflecting on what it is that the Creator's plan is for all humankind. A person who asks questions, questions authority, and holds individuals accountable for their actions only because it is the right thing to do. More importantly, because it is what G-d wants us to do: to be our brother's keeper and helper.
I believe that Jesus' purpose was to take Torah to the community at large, versus what the temple at the time was attempting to do, which was to keep Torah teaching/learning confined to a very select community. Jesus was attempting to provide those in the community who needed Torah learning the most with the instruction manual for good living, outstanding childrearing, and spiritual nourishment. One has only to take account of his audiences in the New Testament: the poor, the criminal element, the ill, women (case in point - Mary Magdalen). These are the people of the community (the "profane") that the Temple priesthood was locking its doors against. Of what value is a buffet table to the rich versus the starving?
I believe, too, that when asked how one could learn about or reach the Kingdom of G-d, Jesus' response was merely to indicate that "through him" one could learn about G-d since he was so well versed in Torah given his years of learning at the Temple. This could easily be misconstrued as, "through me because I am god" by the desparate masses at the time who were starving for someone to take up their cause: to "save" them.
Jesus was nothing more or less than a common Jew. That said, he learned and taught from Torah and Torah recognizes that there is only one Creator that is not and should never be bound by physicality. It is also not unusual for Torah scholars to refer to G-d as "Father." It is, therefore, easy to see how non-Jews could misconstrue that Jesus was directly refering to himself as "the son" of the Creator.
Reading the New Testament from a Jewish perspective reveals that he was merely a "rogue Rabbi" providing his commentary on Torah teachings through parables/story-telling which is the common form of Torah teaching then and still today in the Synagogues. The rest of the descriptions of Jesus (water walking, raising the dead, healing the sick) can also be explained if one considers the simple degree of intellect at the time, especially where medicine is concerned. One must recall that there were Greek intellects around who practiced medicine and psychology and could have taught Jesus a thing or two about how to re-hydrate, treat fevers, and coax depressed individuals into picking up their cots and getting on with their lives. The rest of the story was mere embellishment and made for great PR.
I say, "good for him" for being the first Reform Jew in history! I really love the way he stood up for womens' rights and equality. I like the guy...but he is not the Creator of our universe. To know Hashem truly, simply turn to Torah and get with a scholarly Jewish individual or a group who can unlock the awesome beauty of the one Creator.
Thank you for your comment very helpful.
I am surprised you like Jesus because I think he is frightnening.He seems to be saying unless we shape up we will be cast into darkness.
I wonder what Jews say about satan ,do they believe he is The Prince of this world like Jesus said ?
Dear Anonymous,
Keep in mind that most of what Jesus said to have said are not exactly from direct quotes...his story was written almost 100 years after his death: that leaves a lot of room for embellishment and artistic license. As one of my Rabbi's put it simply: "he" didn't say, "it was said that he said." Again...he was just a simple Torah instructor like the rest of us. He just got caught up in a grand PR scheme to bring in the masses to form a strong political, singular voice against the, then existing, tyrannical regime.
As for the "shape up" issue...the answer is "Yes," unless we study Torah and G-d's wisdom for living a logical, peaceful existence, then we are truly doomed to live in "darkness." What is this "darkness?" It is simply "ignorance." We will ignore the needs of the poor, the sick, and our own family. For example, how many families exist today without a father figure in the home - and I'm just talking about the homes that have two parent household! You know...the neighbors whose father puts more emphasis on increasing the value of his property or bankbook than the values of his children. The mother who equally puts a greater emphasis on career, cars, and upward mobility rather than instilling a foundation for her newborn who she would rather place in the hands of a daycare provider.
"Darkness" is living in a house divided; a family who can't see the beauty and worth of caring for one another; children who constantly disrespect their parents and have placed themselves as the "heads of the household." Greed, power for the sake of overpower others, and the love of money are the food that nourish this "darkness." I believe this is what Jesus was trying to teach others.
You see, Anonymous, for a majority of Jews, the Christian concept of Heaven and Hell is foreign. There is only one mention of a "hell-like" place in Torah referred to as "Sheol." In ancient times, Sheol was the place where Pagans took human sacrifices for their Pagan gods to include newborn infants. There, horrifying atrocities, not unlike the activities that took place during the Holocaust took place. Sheol, then, is a place of total disregard for our fellow human beings. To the Jew, then, to say to someone that they deserve to go to "Sheol" is to say that the person deserves to go to a place where nothing and no one matters: what a terrible existence this would be.
As for Heaven...Torah does not teach of such a place. Beyond teaching us that G-d is the Creator of all, the Jew's only understanding of Heaven is the "Kingdom of G-d to Come" concept which is spoken of in our prayers. This refers to a worldwide condition of the earth in which there is peace in every land and all people are equally caring and concerned for each other. The "Kingdom of G-d" comes about by a process referred to as "Tikkun Olam" - repair of the world. This is enacted in our daily live - one good deed at a time (loving kindness, care for the sick, visiting the lonely, provisions for the poor and joy to the happless).
Finally...the "Satan." For some Jews, the Satan is seen as the "Accuser." It is an entity that when we arrive at a place of judgement just after our death, it will recount all of our misdeeds/wrong-doings. Based on its testimony, we will then be able to reside for all eternity either proximate or at a great distance to the Creator. You can see here, too, that in any case, we will return to the Creator. This creates a lot of discussion with regard to, "where does Hitler's soul reside?" Simply put, G-d has a purpose and plan for all persons and events (whether natural or man-made). Hitler, it can be said, played his role to the fullest.
So, Anonymous, to the Jew there is only one deserving of all glory and praise and who has the power to move the stars at night and create the light of day - Hashem (the Name). Throw away your fears and embrace the miracle and joy that is you, your existence and your opportunities to connect to others through Tikkun Olam. Help that little old lady cross the street next time and experience how good it feels just to be helpful, alive and healthy.
Thank you for taking the time to answer,that makes it clearer.
Hello, just a note: I heard that Jesus was actually a tzaddik who wanted to deter the Roman's from destroying the holy temple by giving them another religion or problem or leader, whatever, to focus on. As a result, the temple's destruction was postponed 69 years. (I have NO source for this, I heard it from a learned person offhand. Feel free to dispute.) His efforts, of course, also resulted in the creation of a belief that would eventually lead to the persecution and deaths of millions of Jews, but it wasn't his intention. On the plus side, Christianity - although only having half the story - at least has some inkling regarding the chumash, the 5 books, the truth.
Another note is that you mentioned "how can I ever be like Jesus..?" Although we are mortal and cannot be like G-d in many ways, there are deep teachings in Torah of Jewish traditions which help us emulate G-d's ways in the sense of us "creating," and doing so in a G-dly way. We can never be like Him, but it's the pursuit that defines our lives. (Kabbalah type stuff I heard off and on, on aishaudio.com.)
Also, I heard of stories of tzaddikim during talmudic times that did miracles even greater than those of Jesus'. Miracles were so common during the temple era, and even attainable by men afterwards as well. So don't give up on performing miracles. :) And let's all pray for Moshiach, that we can see and perform such miracles soon, in our time.
Hello, just a note: I heard that Jesus was actually a tzaddik who wanted to deter the Roman's from destroying the holy temple by giving them another religion or problem or leader, whatever, to focus on…His efforts, of course, also resulted in the creation of a belief that would eventually lead to the persecution and deaths of millions of Jews, but it wasn't his intention. (FIRST…MY ALL CAPS COMMENT IS NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT MY TONE OF VOICE – ONLY MEANT TO DIFFERENITATE BETWEEN YOUR AND MY COMMENTARY) I’VE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH AN INTENT ON BEHALF OF JESUS, BUT IT MIGHT BE PLAUSIBLE GIVEN HIS OBVIOUS DEDICATION TO SERVING THE PURPOSES OF G-D. JEWS, HOWEVER, WERE BEING PERSECUTED LONG BEFORE JESUS’ EFFORTS AND, OF COURSE, LONG AFTER EVEN TO THIS DAY.
On the plus side, Christianity - although only having half the story - at least has some inkling regarding the chumash, the 5 books, the truth. FROM THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVE, CHRISTIANITY HAS DONE THE ABOLUTE MOST TO MARKET AND MAKE AVAILABLE THE 5 BOOKS REFERRED TO AS THE “OLD TESTAMENT” WHEN MARKETED AS PART OF THE COMPLETE “BIBLE.” HOWEVER, WHEN DISTRIBUTION IS MADE ONLY OF THE “NEW TESTAMENT,” THEN, YES…IT IS MERELY AN “INKLING.” YOU SEE, TO THE CHRISTIAN, WHAT THEY ARE STUDYING IS MERELY A LIMITED COMMENTARY/INTERPRETATION OF THE TORAH LOCKED INTO THE BOOKS/STORIES OF THE “NEW TESTAMENT.” TORAH IS SO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT A FEW MEN INTERPRETED FROM THE ORIGINAL TEXTS. THE TORAH COMMENTARIES HAVE EVOLVED WITH EACH GENERATION EVEN IN OUR OWN TIME BY A VARIETY OF CONTEMPORARY SCHOLARS AND RABBI’S. IT IS A LIVING, BREATHING STORY THAT HAS NO BOUNDS.
Another note is that you mentioned "how can I ever be like Jesus..?" Although we are mortal and cannot be like G-d in many ways, there are deep teachings in Torah of Jewish traditions which help us emulate G-d's ways in the sense of us "creating," and doing so in a G-dly way. We can never be like Him, but it's the pursuit that defines our lives. (Kabbalah type stuff I heard off and on, on aishaudio.com.) THIS IS VERY TRUE! WE HAVE A CREATIVE, MERCIFUL AND LOVING NATURE WITHIN EACH OF US AND IN THIS WAY, WE CAN EMULATE G-D-LIKE CHARACTERISTICS. HOWEVER, SOME OF THE FEATS PERPORTED TO HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT BY JESUS ARE TO FANTASTICAL TO HAVE ACTUALLY HAVE HAPPENDED. G-D HAS CREATED ALL OF NATURE WITH A BUILD-IN SET OF LAWS. RAISING THE DEAD OUTSIDE OF OUR CONTEMPORARY MEANS OF USING DRUGS AND DEFIBRILLATORS IS NOT IN THE NATURAL COURSE OF G-D’S LAWS. I BELIEVE THAT EVEN USE OF THESE PUSHES THE ENVOLOPE. DON’T THINK FOR ONE SECOND THAT IT WAS MOSES WHO PARTED THE REED SEA VIA NATURAL MEANS – IT WAS HASHEM. IT WASN’T MOSES WHO CONVINCED THE PHAROAH TO FREE THE SLAVES – ONCE AGAIN, THAT WAS HASHEM. BUT ALL “MIRACLES” OF THE TORAH FALL THE NATURAL LAWS – THE KEY WAS THE TIMING OF THESE EVENTS.
Also, I heard of stories of tzaddikim during talmudic times that did miracles even greater than those of Jesus'. Miracles were so common during the temple era, and even attainable by men afterwards as well. So don't give up on performing miracles. :) YES…YOU HAVE HEARD/READ OF TZADDIKIM WHO FLEW MAGICAL CHARIOTS INTO HEAVEN, AND RABBI’S WHO WERE PROTECTED BY ANGELIC BEINGS HOLDING FLAMING SWORDS. UNDERSTAND THAT AT TIMES, WE HAVE HAD TO USE CHILD-LIKE STORIES (FAIRY TALES IF YOU WILL) TO ENGAGE PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR DRIVE OR SPIRIT. IT PROVIDES US WITH SOME SEMBLENCE OF HOPE WHEN ALL HOPE SEEMS TO BE LOST AND OUR MERE MORTAL ABILITIES SEEM TO BE FAILING US. THE FACT IS THAT MIRACLES HAPPEN DAILY TO US. WE NEED ONLY TO BE WATCHFUL AND TUNED-IN TO THEM. DON’T DISCOUNT THOSE “COINCIDENTAL” MOMENTS WHEN SOME TINY OR SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT EVENT HAPPENS. SOMEONE SAYS SOMETHING YOU WERE LONGING TO HEAR, A BUTTERFLY LANDS ON YOUR HAND, THE RAINS COME AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME TO PREVENT THE LOST OF CROPS. GOD’S MIRACLES ARE ALL AROUND US. PAY ATTENTION.
STAY TUNED TO LEARN OF A SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT EVENT THAT HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ON MY THINKING AND FAITH – YES, ANONYMOUS – A TRUE MIRACLE.
ALWAYS REMEMBER - SOLID MASS IS HEAVIER THAN AIR OR WATER; RAIN FALLS FROM THE SKY ONLY AT G-D'S WILL; AND WHEN YOUR HEART HAS BEAT IT'S LAST AND FINAL BEAT, NO MANNER OF MACHINE OR MORTAL MAN CAN CHANGE THAT. EVEN A PACEMAKER HAS TO USE THE HEART'S NATURAL ELECTRICITY TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.
AS FOR MESIAH...I AM OF THE JEWISH GROUP THINK THAT BELIEVES "MESIAH" IS NOT A PERSON, BUT RATHER A CONDITION OF THE EARTH - A TIME WHEN ALL PERSONS CAN LIVE IN HARMONY AND PEACE. GIVEN THAT, WE ALL HAVE A ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN USHERING THIS CONDITION IN ONE KINDLY ACT AT A TIME. OUR ACTIONS ARE OUR "PRAYER." OUR QUITE MEDITATIONS ONLY COMMUNICATE OUR HOPE.
I notice that you have concentrated on miracles possible or not but what I would really like to hear from jewish people is how do Jesus words fit in with the torah ? When he said he had not come to destoy the law but fulfill it how would the jews understand that at the time do you think ?
Please forgive my focus on the "miracles" but it seems that all too often it is the "miracles" and "fantastic" that draw the most crowds (so to speak). Hashem and Moses knew this. It was in this way that they were able to get the peoples' attention and in doing so cause Pharoah to free the slaves and cause the slaves to follow Moses out of the land of Egypt. However, except for a smattering of food and water miracles in the wilderness, Moses then focuses on intellectual instruction.
How do Jesus' words fit "in the Torah?" Rather the question should be, "How do Torah's words fit in Jesus' teaching?!" You see, the foundation for Jesus' teachings IS the Torah. What Jesus was providing to the people was merely HIS commentary on Torah teaching much like our contemporary Rabbi's.
The difficulty that Jews today have with Jesus' teaching is that it was "locked in" or canonized and turned into a "Bible." As if to say, this is the one and only meaning of Torah. In doing so, the Christians of the time called it a "New Covenant" as if to toss the previous one out.
To the faithful Jew, this is blaspheme at its best. For the faithful Jew, the Torah is the only and final word of Hashem (The Name). As Deuteronomy stated, it IS never to change: to be added to or taken from. On some obscure/absurd level of irony, the New Testament repeated this very verse. To faithful Jew, the creation of the New Testament seems an uneducated attempt to rewrite G-d's Law. As one Rabbi Scholar put it, "The New Testament is both original and good. However, that which is original is not good, and that which is good, is not original."
By Jesus stating that he had come not to destroy the Law, in essence, he was trying to convey to the gentiles that what he was trying to do was provide a more liberal view of G-d's purpose as opposed to the restrictive/gated view of Torah teaching and teachers of the time. That Torah teaching was meant for all people, not just for the Jews. That all people everywhere were in need of this "good living" instruction. Not for salvation of the soul, but rather for salvation of the living, breathing peoplehood. You see, Jews do not focus on afterlife as that is Hashem's domain not man's. We see and know our limits and leave the mysteries of G-d to G-d as it is meant to be.
Almost left out: How would the Jews of the time looked at Jesus' efforts? They likely saw him as crazy and dangerous. He was, afterall, hanging around the diseased and unrestrictive masses of the big cities trying to convert them to a liberal form of Judaism. They probably thought he was bringing too much attention to the Jews and their way of living and thinking which has always been on the fringe of every society. As such, they have always been the target of many a powerful, political figurehead (self made kings and leaders).
Even today, Jews are careful not to bring too much attention to themselves. Again, because when it comes to G-d and G-d's purposes, we act and think "outside the box" as opposed to most/all others on the face of the earth. Bottom line: it's not about me in the afterlife: it's about us here on earth (humankind). This seems to really shake people especially at the highest political arenas even today.
That is intersting that you say it is not about the afterlife.
Does Jesus comments about "the sheep and the goats" ( which seems scarey ) fit into a jewish understanding of this ... or did some rabbis consider there to be a judgment in the afterlife ?
A brief review of the “sheep and goats” parable:
Matthew 25:31"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
***What Mathew is trying to convey here (or so he says Jesus said it) is that there are definitely two classes of people: the self-disciplined, caring, and giving person and the gluttenous, self-serving person. This is not a new concept devised during Jesus’ time for all of Torah can be summarized in one sentence…”Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Genesis itself sets the stage when we are taught that, yes indeed, we are our brother’s keeper and all that that carries with it. The 613 commandments themselves contain a number of restrictions on a person in order that he/she may not become a “goat.” What is a “goat?” A goat does as it pleases for the most part, not unlike the pig. It is stubborn and hard to control. It is for this reason that Jews are forbidden to eat pork so as to recall what the animal is: cloven hooved (kosher looking) on the outside, but uncleas on the inside (doesn’t chew its cud). In essence, a self-indulgent hypocrite who refuses to follow Hashem’s law. Why? Because it feels, tastes, or looks good. The sheep, on the other hand, is milder in spirit and tends to follow its master with less effort.
33 and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. 34 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…
***Interesting that the “right” hand is used in this analogy as the right is the Kabbalistic side of “gevurah” or restriction and strength while the left is the side of “chesed” or giving such as charity or as with sharing.
35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'
***Not surprising at all as all of the above are included as part of the 613 commandments contained in the Torah. But of course we have to do these things: Hashem as decreed it.
41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' 44 Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?' 45 Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' 46And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
***As for the “eternal fire, devil and angels, eternal punishment, or even eternal life” there is no evidence of this in Torah, therefore no evidence at all as Torah is the singular word of G-d. Any references outside of Torah are merely Rabbinic or scholarly which equates to merely one’s imagination or best guess. To be considered, but no codified. One scholarly Rabbi put it…”to waste time on what came before and what comes after is mere foolishness. (paraphrased)”
***What is interesting to me is how Matthew clearly refers to Jesus saying that through “works” will one gain entry into the Kingdom of G-d. Quite the opposite of most Christian teaching today. Correct me if I am wrong, but to the Christian the general teaching is that it is through the “grace of G-d and not by works that one enters the Kingdom of G-d/Heaven.”
Stay tuned to this blog for more discussion on the Jewish view of the afterlife: a variety of perspectives coming soon. Also recommend you go to www.israelnationalradio.com for a current audio program on this subject.
Dear Jewish Soldier
You are a real trooper thanks for such helpful answers !
AS you will know some christains view the old and new T,s in a simliar way that you view the Torah --as G-d,s last word no further revelation being forthcoming from Him!
Yes I think I would now say that I personlay understand it as Jesus explaining the criteria on which we would be judged--which seemed to imply that he thought we would be.
But I do not know if he said or it was a later idea ,but now christians(some)say we can be saved by trusting in the blood in the same way as the jews were protected by trusting in the blood at the first passover and escape judgment.
This leads me to what do jews think about the requst to put blood on their door posts --what meaning does blood have for you ?
AS you will know some christains view the old and new T,s in a simliar way that you view the Torah --as G-d,s last word no further revelation being forthcoming from Him!
***This is what is puzzling to the Jew. How could G-d have studdered? How could it be that G-d created a "pre-lude only" Bible (Torah) and then said, "Hey kids! If you think that was something, stay tuned! The real show is about to begin in just a few hundred years from now."
Yes I think I would now say that I personlay understand it as Jesus explaining the criteria on which we would be judged--which seemed to imply that he thought we would be.
***To the Jew, it is, yes, a criteria for judgement, but more importantly, it is a matter of following Hashem's instruction simply because it is a matter of of "tzedakah" (fairness; just the right thing to do). The Jew does not focus on the "world to come or Heaven." We rarely discuss it in study or at Synagogue - it is simply not something to waste time on. It is more important to focus on the "here and now" and how we contribute to improving the world.
But I do not know if he said or it was a later idea ,but now christians(some)say we can be saved by trusting in the blood in the same way as the jews were protected by trusting in the blood at the first passover and escape judgment.
***The notion of trusting in something mystical/metaphysical is foreign to most Jews. While there are sects of Judaism that spend much time in mysticism (Kabbalah), it is not common Jewish practice. In many ways, it is discouraged since this type of thinking can lead to notions akin to believing in sorcery, witchcraft, card readers/fortune tellers, talismans, magical healers and ghosts. All forbidden by Torah.
This leads me to what do jews think about the requst to put blood on their door posts --what meaning does blood have for you ?
***There are a number of scholars who try to understand the practices of ancient Israelites while still under Egyptian captivity. All one can do, is conjecture/guess to the WHY of any of those practices even the ones described in Torah. What I think is important here is to recall that in the land of Egypt Paganism was the rule of the day. With that came much in the way of "sacrificing" of animals. By the way, many animals including lambs, were considered gods. So, why smear lambs blood on the Jews' doorposts? One can come up with at least a dozen suppositions.
***As to whether it was truly the blood that saved the Jews children...remember that sometimes, blood stains are just that...blood stains. Mere markers on the doors. Why? Well, if you were planning a massive exodus of only certain persons, wouldn't you want to know where to knock? Can it be said that the blood saved the Jews? Sure, but not for the mystical/magical reasons most often thought of.
***All that Hashem created in the beginning is still the "same old same old" creations around today. Blood was just that back in the day: the same as it is today. Thus, Hashem exclaiming after he was done with creation..."It is good, very good." Perfected! Does this detract from G-d's awesomness? By no means! It addes to it - I am in awe everyday my heart continues to beat and the sun continues to shine and the leaves come back in the spring.
***It isn't mystical/magical/
fantastical forces that save us. It is the use of our G-d given intellect in applying Torah instruction daily. Perhaps it was the ancient Israelite's use of advanced hygienic practices such as Jewish ritual baths and handwashing that saved them from the plagues as opposed to the flea-bitten, perfume wearing, wig bearing Egyptians collecting all of that bacteria.
***Anectodal Story: There was a time in history (can't recal when exactly) that Jews were accused of poisoning local village children because only non-Jewish children were dying of some unkown cause. As it turned out, it was discovered that Jewish children were not dying because they were following the commandment to ritually wash their hands before touch their bread/meals. What a novel idea.
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