Book Shelf
This is a list of books recommended by Altarnate Media Staff to help you grow in your faith in Messiah, your understanding of Ancient Texts, and your walk in Jewish Observance
Rabbi Elijah Pinchas
This book will abolish antisemitism and replacement theology once-for-all, digging through dead branches and dirty dogma into the Judean roots of the Christian faith, and attempting to unveil the true Jewish identity of a certain rabbi from Bethlehem who forever transformed the world for good. The intention of this book is to make known the prophetic role of the Jewish writings called, ‘The New Testament,’ especially in the unfolding of G-d’s plan throughout history. In the spirit of Elijah the Prophet, this book reveals truths which are only now coming to light as preparation and heralding for the revelation of the Messiah and complete world restoration.
Rabbi Elijah Pinchas
“The concept of the exiled Messiah is known in many Jewish sources, but in the form in which it is retold here, many of the details have clear kabbalistic connotations: the storm that carries the Messiah off is a symbol of the forces of evil, and the place of his refuge reflects the kabbalistic idea that the soul of the Messiah resides in the Garden of Eden until the time comes for him to appear… In a tantalizing detail, [Rebbe] Nachman seems to imply that the true Messiah has indeed come once, only to be rejected. To whom was he referring? Who among the false messiahs was the true one?”
-Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, The Tales of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav: Selections with Commentary, p. 32, 33
Rabbi Elijah Pinchas
In Christianity, it is thought that the Messiah alone is the redeemer and that he redeems us. However, in the most foundational Jewish sources, it is the Messiah who is exiled from his people due to our sins. It is the Messiah who needs to be redeemed through our repentance. This is the Final Redemption, and once he is redeemed, he will come immediately. Where is he then and how do we redeem him? This book will also demonstrate from Jewish tradition and interpretation of the Scriptures the prophetic expectations of the Messiah and how only one Jew in world history has thus far met them.
Altarnate Media
"Preparing the Way" is not just a collection of essays; it's a groundbreaking journey towards understanding and unity. Compiled by the discerning minds at Altarnate Media, this book delves deep into the rich tapestry of Orthodox Judaism and Christianity, revealing the often overlooked Pharisaic roots of Yeshua (Jesus). This compilation bravely addresses the misconceptions clouding the perceptions of both Jews and Christians about each other. It brings to light the common language of faith that has been obscured by centuries of misunderstanding. By setting aside these misconceptions, "Preparing the Way" aims to foster a dialogue that transcends traditional boundaries, paving the way for unprecedented unity. For Christians, this book offers a profound insight into Judaism, a key to truly comprehending Jesus - not just as a figure in Christian theology, but as a Rabbinic Jew. It challenges Christians to see beyond their conventional understanding and appreciate the Jewish essence of their faith. Simultaneously, it invites Jewish readers to reconsider their views of Jesus. Moving past the misconstrued image of a rebel or a heretic, "Preparing the Way" presents Jesus as a figure deeply rooted in Jewish traditions, challenging Jews to see him in a new light - not as a detractor from their faith, but as a man and righteous peer of the Pharisees, who fulfilled the role of Moshiach ben Yosef and through his death, brought billions to repentance. "Preparing the Way" is more than a book; it is a call to both communities to embark on a journey of discovery - about each other, about Jesus, and about the shared path that has the potential to unite them in understanding and respect.
Austin James
Discover the profound depths of your beliefs with "Defining the Faith," a masterfully illustrated and insightful guide designed to enhance your scriptural understanding through the power of Hebrew language. This book stands as a bridge across time, reconnecting modern believers with the ancient roots of their faith by shedding light on the original meanings and intentions behind pivotal English terms found in the scriptures, now revealed in their Hebrew essence.
"Defining the Faith" is not just a book; it's a beautifully crafted journey through the sacred texts. Each spread is a testament to the richness of scripture, featuring a vibrant illustration on one side that visually captures the essence of each Hebrew term, and an in-depth definition on the other that enriches your understanding with historical context, usage, and spiritual significance.
Austin James
"Understanding the Faith" delves into the profound spiritual journey of connecting with the Divine, exploring the essence of goodness, the purpose of existence, and the moral dichotomy of life's paths. Through a deep dive into questions of G-d's nature, human purpose, and the dynamics of good and evil, the author offers readers a comprehensive guide to navigating faith, repentance, and the pursuit of righteousness. Drawing from the richness of Torah teachings and integrating insights from the Gospels, this book presents a unique blend of wisdom that encourages introspection, ethical living, and spiritual growth. Whether discussing the importance of commandments, the challenge of overcoming evil, or the transformative power of repentance, the author invites readers on a journey toward fulfilling their divine mission, emphasizing the importance of choices and the eternal impact they hold. "Understanding the Faith" is not just a book but a roadmap for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with the Divine and find lasting fulfillment in aligning with a higher purpose.
Pamela Eisenbaum
Pamela Eisenbaum, an expert on early Christianity, reveals the true nature of the historical Paul in Paul Was Not a Christian. She explores the idea of Paul not as the founder of a new Christian religion, but as a devout Jew who believed Jesus was the Christ who would unite Jews and Gentiles and fulfill God’s universal plan for humanity. Eisenbaum’s work in Paul Was Not a Christian will have a profound impact on the way many Christians approach evangelism and how to better follow Jesus’s—and Paul’s—teachings on how to live faithfully today.
Abraham Cohen
Long regarded as the classic introduction to the teachings of the Talmud, this comprehensive and masterly distillation summarizes the wisdom of the rabbinic sages on the dominant themes of Judaism.
"To some readers of this book, the Talmud represents little more than a famous Jewish book. But people want to know about a book that, they are told, defines Judaism. Everyman's Talmud is the right place to begin not only to learn about Judaism in general but to meet the substance of the Talmud in particular . . . In time to come, Cohen's book will find its companion-though I do not anticipate it will ever require a successor for what it accomplishes with elegance and intelligence: a systematic theology of the Talmud's Judaism."
—From the Foreword by Jacob Neusner
What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. For example:
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When Western readers hear Paul exhorting women to "dress modestly," we automatically think in terms of sexual modesty. But most women in that culture would never wear racy clothing. The context suggests that Paul is likely more concerned about economic modesty―that Christian women not flaunt their wealth through expensive clothes, braided hair, and gold jewelry.
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As Westerners, we tend to give much attention to avoiding vices and not much to developing virtues. We tend to think that virtuous acts are spontaneous. But what went without saying in Paul’s day was that it is not enough to remove vices; you must acquire virtues to replace them with, just like changing clothes (Col. 3:12).
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Western individualism leads us to assume that Mary and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem. What went without saying was that they were likely accompanied by a large entourage of extended family.