I wish that I was in fellowship with (Jewish) people who have a deep understanding of the historical Judaism and tradition and culture and just everything about Jewish history. Especially ancient Jewish history.
There's nothing wrong with being a Gentile and not knowing any Jewish people. About the 'ancient Jewish history' part, perhaps consider 'Hebrew and Jewish' studies.
Jewish scholars that I could get to know well enough that I could ask them questions of regularly?
Did you mean Jewish or Hebrew ? Hebrew or Christian ? Follower of tradition or follower of Christ ? Physically circumcised or spiritually circumcised ? Because contrary to common knowledge there are many types of 'Jews' and without checking you may find yourself dissapointed. See discussion here,
https://www.quora.com/Are-Jews-and-Hebrews-different
Many diaspora Jews I know are practically atheists who attend synagogue out of cultural / traditional obligation. And other Jews may be Christian
sympathisers, not necessarily Christians. i.e. Nicodomites, who publicly misrepresent themselves, sympathising with Jesus by night.
The expression 'Hebrew of Hebrews' is used by Paul for this reason. He is the kind of teacher you want, not any old 'Jew' or 'Jewish scholar'.
"Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:5)
This is why some have broken away from being 'Jews' and have chosen to be Messianics Jews or Hebrew Christians, focusing on Christ, not human tradition. Others have assimilated into Christianity. All focusing on Christ.
You could begin by asking a question or two here. Members are more than willing to attempt to answer your question(s). Do you have a preference whether the Jewish scholar is Orthodox, Messianic or Christian? Even within Messianic Judaism you'll find "scholars" of Jewish ancestry have their own unique perspectives just as do members of this MJ forum.
Why don't you begin by asking a question on this MJ forum as members are quite knowledgeable of reference books, articles, links, youtubes of Jewish scholars as well as their/our own insights into Hebrew/Jewish history.
This is a good point, it raises the debate around
means of learning, formally vs informally, one-to-one vs one-to-many, structured programs vis independent learning, etc. Philosophy of education being a debate in itself.
It also raises the issue of
submission to authority, submission to elders and church / synagogue authority, and the issue of
true religion, as opposed to tradition of men, or ethnic/linguistic advantage being Jewish (Jewish believers, not unbelievers). i.e. what it means to a member of a church, as part of the body of Christ.
See Hebrews 13,
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. ... Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Heb. 13:7-9, 17)
i.e. Elders who preach Jesus Christ, spiritually and joyfully.
Seeking out true teaching (not traditional teaching) is right in principle, but often what is in front of us already is what God has provided, and to a degree we must be content with that (whatever it is), remembering not to covet after '
any thing that is thy neighbours' (10th commandment).
Blessings
