"They think it would have been a scandal had Mary lived a chaste life while married (a violation of the Torah); and they see it as entirely appropriate that, if it is true that Jesus' family did not recognize his Messiahship, her care would have been entrusted to one of his followers since. The Messiahship/discipleship question was what was a scandal and was far bigger than familial responsibilities." What about James? If, as some of you think, he was Jesus' literal brother he was not only a believer, but he has pushed Peter out of First Place Apostle. I don't agree with your Rabbi. My guess your Rabbi was Reformed and my Rabbi was Orthodox. gms+