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I was born into a Jewish family and belong to the Reform branch of the religion (Judaism has several groups of thought, I do not claim to speak for all Jews). I would like to answer any questions about Judaism as unbiasedly as I can. I have visited Israel but do not have a deep understanding of the nation, so I request that any questions be about the history, culture, and religion of Judaism and not about the politics of Israel or the Zionist movement.
Enophos fucked around with this message at 04:38 on May 14, 2015 |
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Apr 21, 2015 05:52
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Lord Windy posted:Why does everyone hate the jews? I will say up front that this is a subject that I cannot be unbiased about. I think that this hatred is an accident of history. When the Roman Empire converted to Christianity, they had to find a scapegoat for the story of the death of Jesus in the New Testament and ascribed it to the Jews since the Romans themselves were the ones who were written to have crucified him. In medieval Europe the Jewish people were a way to get loans, since usury was forbidden to Christians, getting loans from Jews was not considered immoral. No one likes owing money, so it was easy to vilify the Jews when governments and prominent people found themselves in debt. The term “Chosen People” raises a lot of hackles and suggests that Jews believe they are the “best” of all people. However this term (in my understanding - note that most of the Book of Genesis chronicles people before the covenant of Abraham) only means that Jews were "Chosen" to have a specific covenant and must obey certain rules – not that they are better than anyone else. Jews have also been a distinct and visible minority throughout history and easy to single out. When problems in countries arose, it could be easily blamed on the Jews causing "divine wrath" due to their lack of belief in the dominant religion. Lastly, the creation of the modern state of Israel has raised tensions in many places against Judaism. Modern Israel was created following the Shoah of World War II - its creation is a product of this war and this time in history. Enophos fucked around with this message at 09:15 on Apr 21, 2015 |
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Apr 21, 2015 07:37
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Sorry for the delay, I have had a lot of of things come up at once in my life.Kaislioc posted:How did Poland end up with so many Jews in 1750/1933? Were they just the least likely country to be assholes at the time? Several Western European nations expelled the Jews in the Middle Ages through the Renaissance - Poland never enacted any such edict, so many Jews ended up settling there. Enophos fucked around with this message at 04:29 on May 14, 2015 |
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May 14, 2015 03:09
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The Macaroni posted:Are you open to interfaith dating or do you stick to dating other Jewish folks? What do your folks expect? I am - Reform Judaism made a very controversial stance in the 1980's that a child born of a Jewish Father could be considered Jewish. Traditionally, the status of a child came from the mother. I believe this tradition originates in the Book of Ruth, where Ruth converts and her great-grandson is King David who is incontrovertibly Jewish. However, this is not explicitly stated in scripture. My parents used to expect me to date Jewish, but have moderated over time. I would like my children to be Jewish, so I have mostly dated Jewish since I believe the mother should have a very important say in the matter. I don't think that anyone who is Goyim (non-Jew, literally meaning Nation) is wrong to date, but since I am committed to Judaism I want my partner to respect my views. Enophos fucked around with this message at 04:41 on May 14, 2015 |
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May 14, 2015 03:18
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Grand Prize Winner posted:Do you know my neighbor Ben? He's Jewish. He borrowed my copy of Bowfinger last week and like the first 10 minutes glitch out and won't play any more. He says it was like that when he got it but I watched it the week before last and it worked fine. Nope.
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May 14, 2015 03:19
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Blurred posted:Could you tell us what Jews generally - or you particularly - think about the afterlife? I'm aware that Judaism tends to think of itself as a more earthly religion than, say, Christianity or Islam and that there is typically much less focus on the afterlife in Jewish teachings than in the other monotheistic faiths, but is it still generally expected that the dead will go to heaven, for example? Or is it left more as an open mystery? The Torah does not specifically describe an afterlife. As you say, the notions of Heaven and Hell are mostly influenced by Christian and Islamic thought. In my experience, Judaism concerns itself with life in the here and now without relying on the idea of an immutable afterlife. Living a good life now is much more important than relying on a hereafter. I myself do not hold a belief in an afterlife. I would like to be surprised, but I think life now is gift enough to be thankful. A traditional belief is that when the Messiah comes, the dead will rise back to life on earth. This is why many Jews are buried facing Jerusalem and why dismemberment or burning of corpses is seen as wrong.
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May 14, 2015 03:29
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thrakkorzog posted:Thank you. That's one of the more succinct explanation for anti-semitism I've ever seen. I keep Kosher since I believe that these rules are important in keeping mindful about my life and how I act. However, I do not condemn any Jews who live by different rules. An important part of Reform Judaism is that is up to the individual to interpret scripture. Traditionally, Rabbis and teachers of earlier ("Biblical") times are seen as authorities since they are closer to the origins of scripture. However, I believe that the broader understanding of human history and access to multiple translations of source documents we have today means that contemporary thought can carry just as much weight.
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May 14, 2015 03:37
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rock rock posted:Do any jews still make sacrifices? Like killing a sheep for god type dealio. If not when and why did it stop? Sacrifices ended with the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans. In the Reform tradition, this was an "evolution" of the religion. People 3000 years ago could only understand a value in materiel sacrifices to G-D, but with centuries of understanding, we can see many subtleties in spirituality that do not require these methods. I myself believe that the Temple was destroyed by the free will of humans, but since G-D allowed it to be destroyed it was an important step it the history of Judaism.
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May 14, 2015 03:44
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Baron Porkface posted:On this subject, why not rebuild the temple now that Isreal holds Jerusalem and has 200 Piety? This will have different answers in different traditions of Judaism. In Reform tradition, the "Third Temple" consists of the many congregations of Jews who have come together across the world in the last 2000 years. In other traditions, this is the role of the Messiah - to rebuild the Temple. In secular Israeli history, the presence of the Dome of the Rock and the political ramifications of altering it have prevented building a new Temple.
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May 14, 2015 03:49
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archbrolan posted:Are all Jews circumcised? Or is it something secular jews "opt out" of? As was said, this comes from the Torah in Genesis: "This is my covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Circumcise every male." Secular Jews can "opt out" of this, but many Jews hold to this.
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May 14, 2015 03:52
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OMFG PTSD LOL PBUH posted:Reform Jews are like girls who say it doesn't count if you finish in their mouth or rear end. I try to live by the rules of Halakha, however I do not believe this is an imperative for all Jews. I follow the Reform tradition since I believe it is important for every Jew (and human) to make their own judgements on scripture - otherwise, what is the point of free will? Reform Judaism has existed for 200 years, since the liberation of the Jewish ghettos across Europe by Napoleon in the 19th Century. In this tradition, unquestioned ceremony and belief in the words of humans could get in the way of what G-D truly wants. I believe that the interpretations of people 3000-1000 years ago should be questioned since every human is fallible. Enophos fucked around with this message at 04:25 on May 14, 2015 |
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May 14, 2015 04:00
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icantfindaname posted:How similar do we think modern Rabbinic Judaism actually is to Temple-era Judaism around the time of Christ? (Second) Temple-era Judaism was dominated by the Sadducees. This was a movement stressing the importance of the Tribe of Levi as the Priestly Caste and the descendants of Moses's brother Aaron as the High Priests in communion with G-D. Rabbinic Judaism does not have anywhere near the belief in the authority of the religious leaders of Judaism or their absolute authority on Earth. Rabbis are fallible and anyone can become a Rabbi (if they convert to Judaism - Rabbi just means Teacher), and nowadays they have no special secular role. In Temple-era Judaism, Earthly rulers had to listen to the advice of Priests or they would incur the wrath of G-D. Rabbinic Judaism is a new approach to Judaism with the fall of the Temple and the absence of Priests. Enophos fucked around with this message at 20:48 on May 14, 2015 |
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May 14, 2015 04:10
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Viola the Mad posted:Hey Enophos, do you mind if I pitch in? I'm a Conservative Jew with a Jewish education. If it helps, I can probably answer some questions about Zionism, since I'm a history buff. Please go ahead, I welcome other viewpoints into Judaism. Enophos fucked around with this message at 06:00 on May 16, 2015 |
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May 14, 2015 04:12
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thrakkorzog posted:As a fellow history buff, what is your opinion on Josephus's description of the Jewish War? While this was not directed at me, I would say that Josephus was clearly beholden to his Roman masters and his description of the (First) Jewish War and Jewish history have to be understood in the context that he was trying to make the Emperor Vespasian and Rome as a whole look good for his patronage and livelihood. If you take note of this and read him critically, I believe he is a reliable source. Enophos fucked around with this message at 04:23 on May 14, 2015 |
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May 14, 2015 04:16
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salisbury shake posted:If there's one thing that makes you say "that's SO jewish" what would it be? For me (I have more than one), it's when I see my dick, weird fish sandwiches or all the unintentionally jewish things my family says when they open their mouths The saying "Two Jews, Three Opinions." Judaism (as exemplified by Abraham, Moses, and many others) encourages questioning G-D, so the idea of questioning nearly everything and forming unique opinions is a cornerstone of Jewish tradition. Enophos fucked around with this message at 07:16 on May 16, 2015 |
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May 16, 2015 06:10
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Basebf555 posted:Is it only Jews who eat chopped liver? I've never seen it anywhere else except my family functions, and even then nobody eats it. I think my grandmother makes it out of tradition. As was said by "Viola the Mad:" Viola the Mad posted:I will admit that I haven't read Josephus (yet). Most of the primary sources which I've read are 1800s+, with some exceptions. A lot of what is considered "Jewish Tradition" comes from Jewish communities in Germany and Eastern Europe (Ashkenazi). Life in Eastern European added many things to Jewish culture that are historical rather than rooted in the religion or culture. Enophos fucked around with this message at 07:16 on May 16, 2015 |
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May 16, 2015 06:17
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Last Buffalo posted:I grew up as a semi-religious reformed Jew in America, but I've been dating a Persian orthodox girl for the past five months or so. One thing that has been made pretty clear so data is that So, so much of the food and dress culture, in addition to some rules, that people think of as standard Judaism is actually just the Eastern European Ashkenazi tradition. As a Sephardic Jew I agree. Judaism is a Religion and Culture of the "Middle East." Especially in America, the traditions that were started in Europe have become emblematic of Jewish culture as a whole. I have often been told that I do not have a "Jewish Name." However, the stereotypical names like Einstein and Goldberg are just European names - Ashkenazi tradition is a product of Europe. I do not want to belittle these traditions, but they are not only ones that are "Authentically" Jewish. Enophos fucked around with this message at 06:39 on May 16, 2015 |
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May 16, 2015 06:27
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Last Buffalo posted:I don't think Seraphim ever suffered discrimination from other Jews in America. If anything it was the other way around. From what I know, the first communities in America were Sephardim. A lot of them came to America and Israel after the 1960s when most of the Muslim world's Jewish communists were no longer welcome. Sephardic Jews were some of the first settlers in American because they were fleeing persecution from the Spanish Empire (started by the Edict of Expulsion in 1492). However, the waves of immigration by Jews in the late 19th and early 20th century were mainly from Eastern Europe and shifted the cultural origin of American Jews to mostly Ashkenazi. Many Sephardim settled in the Middle East under Suleiman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire following the creation of the Spanish Empire in the 15th Century. Sephardic Jews immigrated in droves to Israel and the U.S. in the 1950's-1970's because of persecution throughout the Islamic world following of the creation of a "Jewish State" in 1948 and the resulting wars and political fallout. Enophos fucked around with this message at 07:15 on May 16, 2015 |
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May 16, 2015 06:35
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Anyone who would like an overview of Judaism should read "Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs & Rituals": "http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Judaism-Complete-Beliefs-Customs/dp/0671034812" This is the best one stop resource I have found on the subject. I have nothing to do with the author and only recommend it following years of reading about the topic. I will preface this that the author follows the Reform tradition so may have an unintentional bias.
Enophos fucked around with this message at 07:32 on May 16, 2015 |
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May 16, 2015 07:28
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Jeek posted:It seems that the mainstream Jew culture comes from the European ones. What are your opinions on those who migrated to somewhere else, like that group of Jew who somehow managed to move to the middle of China of all places? The destruction of the Temple and later expulsion of the Jews by the Romans led to migrations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Jews had already spread in these areas along trade routes, but without the Temple to serve as a center point for Jewish culture and religion, Jews continued to spread an integrate into many nations. I think it is fascinating that Jews were and are able to live in so many societies around the world while retaining many cultural and religious beliefs. No group of Jews today maintains the exact beliefs and practices of 2000 years ago, so I think that all of these migrant communities are important to Jewish history and culture.
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May 31, 2015 01:28
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du -hast posted:What is the deal with stomping on a glass a Jewish weddings? It seems pretty un-Jewish to break perfectly usable silverware. Like many Jewish Traditions, no one really knows. As Viola the Mad said many ascribe stomping on a glass to commemorate the destruction of the Temple, but there is no strong evidence or consensus of what it means. Modern Israel is a difficult subject. It was founded by refugees of WWII and has become a nation shaped by people who were desperate to survive. Its its politics, relation to Palestine, and the religious decrees of its chief Rabbinate should be understood in those terms. I do not think that it speaks for all Jews any more than Saudi Arabia speaks for all Muslims or the Vatican speaks for all Christians.
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May 31, 2015 01:40
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Y-Hat posted:Fellow Reform Jew (if you can even call me that) checking in. What makes the Satmar Ultra-Orthodox sect unique? If you go south of Broadway in Williamsburg, you end up in a big Satmar neighborhood. It's like walking into Bizarro Williamsburg- there's nothing to do, the people are dressed the same, and everything is so dead. At least the Lubavitcher section of Crown Heights is lively, even though it's also creepy in its own way. Orthodox Judaism is a modern understanding of the religion and culture shaped but its differences with other communities that either hold "additional" views or interpret Torah differently. I am not familiar with the Satmar sect, but it appears to be Hasidic which means it was strongly influenced by Eastern European Jewish culture and the the development of theology along Kabbalistic or "mystical" lines.
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May 31, 2015 01:50
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Basebf555 posted:Agreed that America is the best place for Jews right now, but yea that 70% approval stat is definitely deceptive. As a Jew I get a lot of the more subtle, friendlier, more insidious kind of racism. I've never been openly called a dirty Jew or a kike or anything like that, but you get a lot of people who will have that "I like Jews, so it doesn't matter that I make broad sweeping generalizations about them" attitude. Like you'll hear people say that they are looking for a lawyer, but its gotta be a "Jew lawyer" because Jews are the best lawyers. Or they may say that they really respect Jews because they are so good with money. These are backhanded compliments at best, but most people that say stuff like that aren't self-aware enough to realize the racist ideas that are at the root of them. I don't look stereotypical Jewish so I have seen some bigotry in America from people who didn't know they were talking to a Jew. It has mostly been things like people saying they were "Jewed" out of money - that greedy Jewish bankers are somehow robbing them, or that Jews control the U.S. media and government for our own benefit. I think this is less malice directly towards Jews and more that people can blame their own problems on a convenient "other" group. The only outright hatred I have experienced was not by an American but by a Jordanian visitor who wanted to warn me as a "Christian" that Jews were destroying the world. Jordan has had a difficult relationship with Israel with several wars, so I can understand why someone from there would have a negative view of Jews as a whole. Enophos fucked around with this message at 03:03 on May 31, 2015 |
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May 31, 2015 01:58
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MJP posted:Do you believe Israel has a right to exist based upon the Jewish-centric belief that it belongs to the Jewish people? I believe that Israel is a home of the Jewish people as told to Abraham by G-D 3000+ years ago. However, its settlement by other groups in the centuries after the Roman expulsion of the Jews greatly muddies the issue. I think that it has a right to exist as a nation - but all those who see it as a homeland, Palestinian or otherwise, should have a right to live there. Enophos fucked around with this message at 03:11 on May 31, 2015 |
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May 31, 2015 02:13
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Noctis Horrendae posted:Do you think there's such a thing as a Jewish race? I know this is a controversial topic. Judaism is interesting, because it can be defined along religious, cultural, or genetic lines. It starts with the family of Abraham and Sarah - but anyone can join the religion, and being Jewish has traditionally been determined only by the Jewish religious or cultural affiliation of a child's mother. This means that people from many backgrounds can be Jewish based on their father or family prior to conversion. I don't think a "Jewish race" has ever existed. Enophos fucked around with this message at 03:17 on May 31, 2015 |
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May 31, 2015 02:23
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ZeusJupitar posted:Historical discussions and depictions of medieval and early modern Jewish people seem to focus on the educated urban middle class. Where there many/any Jewish peasant communities outside of the Levant after the diaspora? The depictions of Jewish people as an educated urban middle class come from the fact that many European nations did not allow Jews to own land. Without being able to grow crops themselves, Jews in these areas had to become craftsmen to survive. In those areas where Jews were allowed to work the land, Poland and Russia for example, Jewish "peasant" or agricultural communities existed until their destruction in WWII.
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May 31, 2015 02:29
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khwarezm posted:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CwHISOKIrY This is over the top, but Kosher rules can be very strict. The dietary laws in the Torah such as to not cook a calf in its mother's milk, not eat an animal with blood still in it, and the prohibitions against eating specific and general groups of animals were expounded upon in the Talmud (the commentaries on the Torah compiled in 100-500 CE) to create many strict rules. A principle to "fence the Torah" arose to make sure Jews didn't break these rules. A classic example is that you can't eat chicken and milk together - this doesn't break the rule against "cooking a calf in its mother milk," but a Jew might not know what meat they were eating an unintentionally break the law or see someone eating them together and think beef and cow's milk were OK to eat together. This principle has also led to the need for two sets of cookware for meat and milk to avoid ever breaking this one specific rule. This skit shows how convoluted Kosher rules can be. Enophos fucked around with this message at 06:43 on May 31, 2015 |
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May 31, 2015 02:40
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Private Eye posted:So it recently came out that an ultra-orthodox sect in north london is discouraging women from driving: As Obdicut said - ultra-orthodox and orthodox are not at all the same thing. I am not aware on any rules prohibiting women from driving in Judaism and I have not seen orthodox Jews impose any such rules, but this group has created one. Many people (Jews included) see Judaism as a monolithic entity, but - just like within all cultures, religions, philosophical schools, etc - the specific cultural and theological backgrounds of different groups have led to many different traditions. Enophos fucked around with this message at 02:53 on May 31, 2015 |
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May 31, 2015 02:47
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Noctis Horrendae posted:Have there been any notable Jewish terrorist organizations besides the Israeli state throughout history? Yes, during the British occupation of Israel from 1919 through 1947, there were many terrorist organizations who fought against the European domination of the middle east. This movement ultimately lead to the modern state of Israel. 
Enophos fucked around with this message at 02:35 on Jun 2, 2015 |
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Jun 2, 2015 02:12
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Mad Wack posted:How does one become a jew? Is there a book or ehow article I can read? The Book of Ruth is the most authoritative source. When Ruth says "thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." she becomes fully Jewish. Most modern sects require you to live a Jewish life and accept certain prohibitions over time, but ultimately, the Book of Ruth is the only source in the Tanakh that records a conversion. Enophos fucked around with this message at 02:23 on Jun 2, 2015 |
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Jun 2, 2015 02:18
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MrWilderheap posted:I'd be interested to hear more about the origins of Reform Judaism, or any of the other branches. Reform Judaism came from Napoleonic Europe (1800-1815). For unknown reasons, Napoleon allowed Jews to live as normal citizens in his empire. This allowed Jews who had lived in Ghettos for centuries in Europe to live the same as everyone else - the movement could not be stopped even after Napoleon's downfall. Jewish life in the Ghettos had centered around religious practice with Rabbis serving essentially as judges/mayors. Now that Jews could live in common society, many turned away from the religion. Jewish Leaders in Germany tried to make the religion relevant to the then modern world. They looked to the Protestant Christian churches and structured services and congregations around the models they used at the time, since they were "relevant." There were many debates about what was Jewish tradition, and what really mattered to G-D - simple tradition and dogma were seen as obstacles to living according to G-D's Commandments. Around the late 19th century, Reform Judaism moved to England and America with Western European immigrants. Customs have changed greatly over the years, but today it is up to each individual to live as they understand the Torah and G-D's will. Scripture can be G-D's word or human invention, and thus biblical rules are not absolute. I live a more traditional life than many Reform Jews, but I do not see others as deficient or less "Jewish." I believe it is peoples' right as beings with free will to interpret scripture for themselves - my interpretation is not the only one. The only absolute in Reform Judaism is that G-D exists and has some sort of relationship to the Jewish people. Conversion is different in each tradition. I spoke to my Rabbi about his beliefs, and in the Reform tradition it is up to each congregation's Rabbi. A year or more course of study and practice, circumcision form men (or the drawing of a symbolic drop of blood for those circumcised already), a Beth Din, a Mikveh, and a cerebration can be required. A Beth Din is a panel of three Rabbis who ask the convert their intentions. Joining the religion is not seen as a simple thing, because people can live full lives outside of Judaism - thus the year or more of study, practice, and questioning. Joining the religion imposes a different relationship to G-D, so it is important to know why people want to join and that they know they are joining a covenant. Most significantly, there is no way to "opt out" of Judaism - you and your descendants are joined to the covenant. This is a life and family altering choice. A Mikveh is a ceremony of immersion in natural water seen as purifying a person. This is not the same as a baptism, but could be the origin of that practice. Lastly, the celebration is a time to receive your Hebrew name (all Jews traditionally have a Hebrew name as their first, or in addition to their first name, as this is the language of the Jews and our region). The convert is welcomed as a literal child of Abraham and Sarah - as fully Jewish as anyone who has ever lived. Enophos fucked around with this message at 05:24 on Jun 15, 2015 |
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Jun 15, 2015 04:08
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Cheesus posted:From a couple of pages and months ago, thanks for this explanation. This is one of the main reasons I follow Reform Judaism. I think that it is important for every Jew to have an informed and reasoned approach to Biblical law rather than trying to follow everything, but finding "loopholes" when this is impractical or impossible.
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Jun 27, 2015 05:31
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Tarantula posted:Hey thanks for starting this thread, I always seem to learn something new in them. My grandmother on my dads side of the family is Jewish and given what you said about reform Judaism this would mean I might be considered jewish as well? In Reform Judaism if you have a Jewish mother or father and follow the religion you are Jewish. If you don't believe in the religion, it is up to you if you want to be considered Jewish.
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Jun 27, 2015 05:38
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Baron Porkface posted:Was the Shiloh temple legit before the Northern apostasy? The idea that the Temple in Jerusalem is the absolute center of the Jewish world comes from a tradition that the Foundation Stone, the first creation of the world, is located here. However, this tradition does not appear until after the Roman rule of Judea around 100 CE. The Torah does not state anything about a sole Temple. The closest idea is the Tabernacle - the tent of meeting - containing the Ark of the Covenant, but this was mobile. It is only later books of the Bible, most likely written around the Babylonian exile of around 600 BCE that give this site in Jerusalem great importance. There may have been multiple sites of worship before and during the breakup of the original Jewish state into the Kingdoms of Judea and Israel and later Babylonian rule. Enophos fucked around with this message at 06:16 on Jun 27, 2015 |
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Jun 27, 2015 05:49
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Animal-Mother posted:Do you consider yourself a "minority?" It seems to me that Jews are one of the smallest and most persecuted minorities in the world, but it doesn't seem like people generally are including Jews when they talk about minorities. Yes, unfortunately Jews have been persecuted for religious or cultural reasons for centuries. Jews only make up about 0.2% of the world's population, but have communities in most every nation. Israel has around a 70% Jewish population and the U.S. a 1-2% population, but outside of these countries Jews are an almost invisible minority.
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Jun 27, 2015 06:03
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thrakkorzog posted:Because Jews have historically been treated as second class citizens, so they empathize an advocate for other second class citizens. The Jewish Freedom Riders had some brass balls. I agree. Jews have a history of being persecuted so many if not most Jews will empathize with other marginalized groups. Working to counteract bigotry helps all minority groups.
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Jun 27, 2015 06:06
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Basebf555 posted:Judaism doesn't really encourage actively trying to convert people, and there's nothing in the religion that really suggests its some special unique way to get to heaven and everyone else will burn for eternity. Its a pretty chill religion as far as all that stuff goes. This is the main difference between Judaism and the other Abrahamic religions. Judaism is only the practice and religion of the Jewish people. Everyone has a relationship with G-D as part of G-D's creation. Jewish rules are only required for those in the Covenant of Abraham. No one else needs to follow these rules - this is why Judaism doesn't try to convert people. Jews are not better than any other people in G-D's estimation. Jews generally only hope that other people recognize G-D as the creator of the universe and live in peace. Christianity and Islam set rules for how people "have to" reach G-D. Judaism does not believe these are the only ways to have a relationship with G-D and that these do not supersede the Jewish peoples' Covenant. Enophos fucked around with this message at 07:01 on Jun 27, 2015 |
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Jun 27, 2015 06:30
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Following this topic, this is why I believe and follow Judaism. The prophet Isaiah said that the Jews or Jewish Kingdom was to serve as a light unto the nations, otherwise known as Goy or Gentiles - non Jews. Many people believe in G-D, even thought they may have a understanding of G-D I do not agree with. I believe this is a necessary consequence of free will and that the continued existence of Jews and the belief in G-D means that there must be something to it. As a follower of Reform Judaism, this is good enough for me and I would never try to force someone to follow my beliefs.
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Jun 27, 2015 06:57
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Obdicut posted:That's a very modern re-interpretation of the passage, and the context generally is other nations being super-impressed by the kingdom of Zion, not that it'll be a moral or spiritual guiding light, viz. 4:23: I have not read Robert Alter's re-translations of the Tanakh, however I will and will reply to your comments once I have done so.
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Jul 3, 2015 08:23
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emanresu tnuocca posted:What do you think of the notion proposed by Israel Jacob Yuval and other scholars of the history of judaism that many Jewish customs originally evolved out of a 'dialog' with early Christianity rather than the traditional jewish view that Christianity adapted preexisting jewish customs into more universalist ones? Early Christianity evolved as a sect of Judaism. Due to the greater popularity of Christian customs throughout Europe, specifically in the Roman Empire, Judaism had to "evolve" to generate answers to this religion. Thus, I agree that many Jewish customs were originally created as a response to Christianity throughout Ancient and Medieval Europe.
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Jul 3, 2015 08:34
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