Benjamin grew up in a Reform Jewish household in America, with both parents being Jewish. Reform Judaism, which began about 200-300 years ago during the European Enlightenment, represented an attempt to modernize Jewish practice. But Benjamin’s journey led him somewhere few would expect: to Islam, where he found the pure monotheism of Abraham and a faith that honors Jesus as the Messiah and prophet of God, something his Jewish upbringing never allowed.
A Jewish Man Discovers Islam’s Connection to His Heritage
Benjamin explains that there is a deep history of Jewish people accepting Islam throughout the centuries, from the Bani Israel (Children of Israel) who followed the prophets to modern-day reverts. His journey was not a rejection of his heritage but a return to the original monotheistic message that all the prophets of Israel taught. In Islam, he found what Reform Judaism had moved away from: a direct, uncompromised relationship with the One God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
“There’s a deep history of Jewish folks reverting to Islam, accepting Islam. I can cite sections in the New Testament that I find personally problematic. I have never studied the Talmud. I would never recommend anyone to study the Talmud.”
What Benjamin Found Problematic
Benjamin openly discusses how the Talmud, a central Jewish holy book, contains teachings about Jesus that are deeply offensive, including claims that Jesus is burning in hellfire and excrement. He also addresses the historical injustices committed in the name of Zionism, where millions of dollars worth of property, cars, buildings, hospitals, and entire cities were stolen from the Palestinian people. His honesty about these uncomfortable truths reflects the courage that comes with following truth wherever it leads.
“The Talmud, a central Jewish holy book, teaches that Jesus is burning in hellfire and excrement. They stole millions of dollars worth of money. They stole cars, buildings, hospitals, entire cities.”
Key Insights from Benjamin’s Story
- Islam is the only major religion where believing in and loving Jesus as the Messiah and prophet is a requirement of faith
- Jewish people accepting Islam is not unthinkable but has a rich historical precedent going back centuries
- Reform Judaism’s modernization moved away from the original monotheistic teachings that Islam preserves
- Benjamin found in Islam a direct connection to the God of Abraham without the problematic theological additions found in both modern Judaism and Christianity
- Honest examination of one’s own religious texts and traditions is the first step toward discovering the truth of Islam
