The Manger: A Jewish Love Story

“The Manger: A Jewish Love Story” by Becky Reagan, is a unique account of some of the most famous stories of all time: The marriage of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. Reagan offers Mary’s personal interpretation of events and poses thought-provoking questions about the meaning of God’s decisions during this important time.

Reagan reexamines the story of Jesus’ birth through a Jewish lens, offering a new way of viewing Mary and Joseph’s relationship. The story begins in the hills of Nazareth when Mary and Joseph are engaged to be married, and continues through the biblical events of Christ’s birth. Readers see Jewish marriage traditions and other cultural norms played out in “The Manger: A Jewish Love Story” as well. Throughout “The Manger: A Jewish Love Story,” Reagan provides stimulating questions to engage the reader actively. Among these questions are: Why, in God’s infinite power, did he choose to have Jesus born in a manger? And how do the seven annual Jewish feasts, which Reagan writes are opportunities for the faithful to celebrate and reconnect with God, relate to Jesus’ birth?

“In this story every attempt has been made to align, or rather entwine, the feasts of God with the people and passions and traditions of the day,” Reagan writes. “What if God intentionally planned for his son to be placed in a manger? What if he didn’t leave out any important details? What if he was teaching significance – not only during the life of Christ – but for each one of us every single day? Perhaps, just perhaps, God was painting a picture; a graphic visual aid to give us direction and wisdom in our lives.”

“The Manger: A Jewish Love Story” presents a fresh interpretation of the biblical story of Jesus’ birth and the love between his parents. Promoting a deeper understanding for Christians and Jews alike, “The Manger: A Jewish Love Story” discusses the birth of God’s only son and the relationship his birth has to the Old Testament and the traditions of the Jewish faith.

(Source) Press