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Judaism

Judaism questions and answers

Find more information on Judaism @ The Adherents Religion Website.

Q: judaism???
What is judaism? What is the history of it? Who are the leaders? In what region is it? What is the population today? What are the practices and belifs? any other interesting things about judaism?

A: Judaism = Religion of the jews. Their "leader"? Moses. Their practices and beliefs? The Torah (First 5 books of the Bible).

Q: How does religious polity work in Judaism?
A few questions wrapped into one: 1. Is there any form of hierarchy in Judaism? Any final arbiter of doctrine? 2. Is there any sect/denomination of Judaism that has legal dominance in the state of Israel? 3. If the temple were to be rebuilt, WHO would be in charge of it? Would only members of a certain branch of Judaism be allowed to attend?

A: 1. Hierarchy, in charge, final arbiter, in Judaism? Very funny. No, everyone is in charge. Rabbis are more studied but still are not authority figures in the way the other religions use. 2. Legally Israel is a secular democracy. Every religion has it's own self-rule there. The legal system is not Jewish. Within Judaism, Orthodox dominates the Jewish religious "courts". For a while it was two chief Rabbis (instead of one) but I think it's down to one now. 3. Jews would be in charge. Jewish branches or movements are more fluid between them than Christianity & regardless of internal disputes, are part of the same religion. I go to services of any of the branches & fit in fine. At any point in my life I could join a synogague from any of the branches. Not only would Jews be able to attend the Temple, but same as in Temple days, non-Jews would come to worship at the Temple. I dont' know that anyone would want to when it's finally rebuilt, but they could. We don't sit around waiting for the Temple to be rebuilt; it will happen when it does & meanwhile there's a lot to do in the here in now to improve the world. ============== Asher - You're thinking of for the law of return & converts only. Otherwise, orthodox jews can marry non-orthodox in Israel & the courts don't get involved in much else! For converts because reform & conversative use different standards, there's an issue. I would also think it wouldn't take years of discussion at all to decide who could attend. Any Jew could (& non-Jew). Orthodox would run the rituals since they'd be more knowledgable on that & Reform & Conservative wouldn't have a problem with it. There would be years of debate on the specifics of the rituals though :). ==================== DSM Your answer in no way reflects accurate knowledge of how Judaism operates which is clearly what the asker was asking for... rather than a bashing with non-Jewish taught misconceptions about Judaism. It's been your policy to run after Jewish questions & do this. That's called bigotry. To give clarity: 1. After 2000 years in disapora jewish beliefs were stunningly similar across groups from as wide as Europe & India, when they gathered in Israel. There's a religious concept in Judaism that topics should be debated to look for truths -- so the idea of authority truth is irrelevant in the religion, hence Amibivlant's answer. 2. If you read the other answers, atheist is obviously only the older political bashing answer that Israel was founded by secular Jews. Two problems, first a misunderstanding of secular & thinking that's atheist or similar to how the words used in the US. It means less observant vs. more observant is all. Second it's stuck in a political commentary rather than the reality of the country. 3. Your answer is just a bashing of Judaism has not having a valid way to relate to God as though Jewish prayer doesn't work because it's Jewish (rather than to the holy spirit, I've seen this completely my Xtians before) or Judaism can't exist without the Temple, or Elijah, a beautiful concept, has anything to do with any of this. Also, the lineage to Aaron is so well preserved that a genetic link to the levites & cohens has been found in 75% of Jewish men who say they are from the lineage.

Q: What ideas from judaism did we implement in our democracy?
Its on my homework and as far as I knew, judaism had a monarchy. Anyone know?

A: Judaism introduced to the world many basic concepts of justice. Among these are the principles that murder, theft, adultery and slander are crimes, that no matter who commits a crime, the punishment should be the same, and that every life is equally valuable.

Q: What are the most important parts of the beginnings of Judaism in a quick summary?
I am taking notes on Judaism, but I can't seem to find anything good. Does anyone know a quick summary only on the beginnings of Judaism? Thank you and I appreciate your time.

A: In one sense, of course, you could look at the roots of Judaism in the roots of the "Jewish" (earlier "Israelite" or "Hebrew") people, esp two formative events: 1) The call of Abraham, from whom the tribes of Israel descended 2) The giving of the LAW (Torah) of Moses (after the "exodus" from slavery in Egypt) But to say that Abraham was "the first Jew" is not very helpful -- leading to a lot of confusion and assumptions. And there is much in "Abraham's religion" and, more importantly, in the Law of Moses and the religious practices of ancient Israel that are NOT part of what we know as "Judaism", esp. the whole system of ritual cleansings and Temple sacrifices. So to call Abraham's faith or that of Moses "Judaism" is not necessarily all that helpful. The distinctives of what we now typically call "Judaism" came much later, related esp. to the following three events: 1) The "diaspora", esp. the results of the Babylonian Exile (6th century BC). The peoples living far away from the "Promised Land" and often unable to even visit the Temple (or to do so often), esp. when it was destroyed for a time, had to meet in other ways and adapt to the practices they could not carry out away from their land. It is generally believed that the system of the SYNAGOGUE (local meetings for prayers and reading the SCRIPTURES) began to take shape at this time. 2) The work of the scribe Ezra after the return from the Exile, organizing the Scriptures and arranging for its regular reading and teaching. But the truth is that, for several centuries there were still SEVERAL "Judaisms". The one (or cluster) that eventually became what WE call "Judaism" might more specifically be called "rabbinic Judaism". 3) The fall of the Second Temple to the Romans in AD 70. With the destruction of the Temple the LAW (and teachings and traditions about how to follow it) became even MORE central and rabbinic Judaism 'won out'. Against this backdrop we can see that what we now call "Judaism" took firm shape at about the same time as early Christianity. In a sense BOTH were responding to key changes and seeking to 'carry on' what the believed was the heart (or esp in the case of Christianity the 'fulfillment') of the religion of ancient Israel. (That is, Christianity was NOT an 'offshoot' of the Judaism we know... but in a sense a 'sister religion' from some common roots.)

Q: What is the difference between Buddhism and Judaism?
So this is for my religion class.. I don't know too much between the two religion. How would you criticize Buddhism from the perspective of Judaism? How might someone practicing Judaism criticize Buddhism by arguing that Buddhism is not a religion?

A: They were 'Religions' that were created way after the fact of the ancient Hebrew belief and worship of God Yahweh of the Israelites. Judaism is not the same as the belief of Moses and the Israelites.

Q: What will happen in the end of time according to judaism, christianity and islam?
"Judaism, christianity and islam believe in the resurrection of the body. What will then happen in the end of times according to each of the 3 religions?" I'm having a really hard time finding good answers to this question, without reading the whole testaments and the qur'an. From the little I have found, the end of time seems to be pretty similar, but judging from the question I'd say the end of the times are a bit different in the 3 religions. Thankful for any help.

A: i believe, the 3 religions come from the one God, but the books of Christianity and Judaism have changed by human in time. One of the miracles of Islam is that the words of Quran will never change in time. So we should be expecting the little bit differences. i think this will cover what Islam tells about the end. http://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-5.htm

Q: Would kosher and other food restrictions be considered as contributions by Judaism?
I need to double-check for a project on Judaism. Thanks!

A: I'm not sure what you are actually asking here. Do you mean contributions to a culture? If so, my answer is no. Historically, communities at large have not taken on the kosher lifestyle even when they had a Jewish community living amongst them. They have adopted some specific foods, but not the whole lifestyle.

Q: How long does it take for a woman to convert to Judaism?
I know they have to go through the process of learning about the religion and the history of the Jewish people, but in reality, how long would it take for a woman to convert to Judaism? I'm not talking about being Orthodox, more like Conservative.

A: In Reform Judaism, it is usually a year long process of weekly meetings with a rabbi which would include much reading and discussions as well as attending all shabbat services and holiday services. You DO NOT have to have a bat mitzvah ceremony to convert. When the rabbi thinks you are sufficiently ready, you will receive a blessing in front of the congregation, possibly be given (or choose) a Hebrew name and be welcomed as a Jew- just as much as if you had been born a Jew. I would assume it might take a little longer in the Conservative tradition. If you choose this path for your life, mazel tov! Good Luck!

Q: What are the core differences between Judaism and Christianity ?
Only serious answers only please. I need core differences of Judaism and Christianity - I need a few of them and I have to explain each thoroughly. I also need core similarities of these two religions. Please and thank you !

A: JUDAISM - says that no human can ever die for the sins of others CHRISTIANITY - says that Jesus died for the sins of mankind JUDAISM - says that all humans are born pure, and innocent CHRISTIANITY - says that all humans are born with 'original sin'. JUDAISM - says that G-d would never allow/enable a 'virgin birth' CHRISTIANITY - says that Mary gave birth, though a virgin JUDAISM - says that no man gets a 'second coming' CHRISTIANITY - says that Jesus will have a 'second coming' JUDAISM - says that every human should speak directly to G-d CHRISTIANITY - Jesus claims in the 'new testament' that the 'only way' to G-d is via him JUDAISM - says G-d is one, indivisable, cannot be separated into three aspects/incarnations CHRISTIANITY - some sects speaks of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit JUDAISM - says that we are ALL equally G-d's children CHRISTIANITY - says that Jesus was 'god's son' above all others JUDAISM - has no concept of 'hell' CHRISTIANITY - *some* Christians non believers to 'hell' JUDAISM - has no 'devil', the Jewish 'Satan' is just an ordinary angel, under G-d's control CHRISTIANITY - describes 'Satan' as a devil and 'fallen' angel JUDAISM - the 'messiah' will be a normal, mortal man who must fulfill all the Jewish messianic prophecies in one normal, mortal lifetime CHRISTIANITY - Jesus was the 'messiah' and will fulfill the prophecies when he 'returns' JUDAISM - says that the righteous of ALL faiths will reach 'gan eden' or 'garden of eden'. CHRISTIANITY - some Christians insist that only those who 'know Christ' can reach heaven JUDAISM - forbids Jews from trying to convert anyone to Judaism CHRISTIANITY - believes in actively 'witnessing' and encouraging people to convert to Christianity JUDAISM - no concept of original sin CHRISTIANITY - some sects of Christianity believe in “original sin” to justify the need for a savior. Others believe that humankind cannot keep from sinning and requires a savior to cleanse them. Thanks Paperback for the majority of this with some tweaking by Qua Patet Orbis and Myself. http://www.angelfire.com/al/AttardBezzinaLawrenc/JewCathDifference.htm http://www.ajewwithaview.com

Q: If Judaism is the oldest Religion why does it not have major followers?
Judaism ranks third on a World Religion 2008 chart. Why is such a old Religion ranking third and not first. Isn't it the movement God himself indoctrinated on a people known as the Jews.

A: The fact followers of Judaism still survive after so many centuries of persecution is a pretty astounding tribute to the religion. It seems to indicate that those who follow it are devout and willing to endure a lot for their faith. What Judaism and Jewish people have given to the world cannot be measured in mere numbers. Being the biggest doesn't always mean the best.

Q: How do you feel about the trend of celebrities converting to Judaism and interest in Kabbala recently?
I was wondering how Jewish people felt about this, as it is my understanding that unlike Christianity for example, there is quite a bit of preparation one must undergo to convert to Judaism, and that celebrities and their trends can be exploitative at times. I had the understanding that studying Kabbalah was granted from prayer and fasting and obeying Jewish laws, and was reserved for those men most devout and pious, not red strings and bottled water. I hope I am not offending anyone, I really want to get the view from some Jewish people about how this looks to you. Does it bother you? Do they look silly to you? Do you feel that it is exploiting your beliefs and background? Please let me know. I appreciate your responses, and hope to learn much from you all. Thank you, L'Chaim and Shalom.

A: I think many of the celebrities who practice Kaballah look very silly. And on some level, I find it very offensive that people are trying to exploit religion to satiate their own greedy desires. To me, the Kaballah that many celebrities practice seems to be just another Hollywood fad than a thoughtful and respectful handling of a serious religious philosophy. It cheapens the religion (as if one's religiosity could be qualified in terms of dollars and cents). I have no problem if people chose to convert to Judaism, but I would hope that they would do it for reasons that are right for them and not because they want to be part of the latest Hollywood fad.

Q: What are the main differences between Judaism and Christianity?
I would like it if someone can tell the the differences in their own words. I am asking this from BELIEVERS who follow Judaism or Christianity. Thanks If you are going to post remarks like "they are both in denial", "there is no religion/God", etc. then please just hit the backspace key and find another question to answer that actually requesting YOUR opinion.

A: Contrary to popular belief, there are actually MANY differences between Xianity and Judaism--Xians will say the only difference is J*sus because they don't know much about Judaism at all. I'm Jewish, so here is my answer: Judaism believes that only you can be responsible for your sins. Nobody else can take them on or ask forgiveness on your behalf. Yes, we used to do animal sacrifices SOMETIMES, but most sacrifices were a mix of flour and oil. Still, sacrifice alone cannot atone for sin (and human sacrifice is ABHORRED by G-d). To atone for sins, a person must do teshuva, which includes: 1. recognizing the sin [knowing you did wrong] and feeling remorse for it 2. asking forgiveness of the wrong by the person you wronged (example: if you broke a Jewish law, you apologize to G-d, but if you broke your neighbor's favorite flowerpot, you must apologize to your neighbor for no one else can forgive you) 3. try to right the wrong you did--if you broke the flowerpot, either buy a new one or try to repair the old one sufficiently 4. actively resolve and try not to commit the wrong again--if you broke a law, create a reminder for yourself so that next time the opportunity comes up, you will remember. Xianity believes to get forgiveness from your sins, you need to ask J*sus because he sacrificed himself for the sins of the world. Judaism thinks that this is crazy. We do not believe in proselytizing because we believe that nobody has to be Jewish to warrant a place in heaven. A non-Jew has as much right to the World to Come as a Jew does--a Jew just has more rules to follow to get there. We do accept converts (we are NOT a race!!) although it is a hard road because Judaism is a hard life to live. [notice I say life, not religion. Judaism is a way of life, not just a religion.] It takes years of study to convert and the rabbi wants to make sure the convert is sincere because nobody wants to waste at least a year of the rabbi's life (or the convert's life, for that matter). Once you are Jewish you can never be a non-Jew again UNLESS you take on another believe system directly contrary to Judaism's. For example, you can be an atheist but still be Jewish because your believe system does not contradict with Judaism--you do not believe in G-d, but you don't believe in another false god either. But you cannot be a Jewish Xtian because Xtianity is contrary to Judaism. If you are a Jew and suddenly start to believe in Xtianity, you are an apostate and not Jewish unless you repent and come home to Judaism. Xianity believes that you have to be Xian and accept J*sus as your savior to get into heaven. (I'm sorry my sentences on Xianity are so short--the Judaism ones just require more explanation, I think) Of course, Judaism does not believe in the trinity. The belief that G-d can be three gods while still being one doesn't make sense. Xians believe in the trinity. Oh, and Judaism does not always take the Bible literally. For instance, the creation account. Most of us realize it is not to be taken literally. But in the writings of the prophets, however, they are to be taken literally in most places (unless the scripture says otherwise) because the writings of the prophets are what the prophets actually saw. Xianity does the opposite: takes the creation account literally and the prophets metaphorically (for example, it says that the messiah must re-build the Temple. Obviously, this has not physically happened yet. But Xianity says J*sus rebuilt the Temple in heaven.)

Q: In what ways is Islam different from Judaism and Christianity?
In what major ways is Islam different from Christianity and Judaism? I also have one more question too: Does Islam make it easy for someone to convert to become a Muslim, how does that conversion process work in Islam? (I'm just curious, and please could people who are actually Muslim answer)

A: Noor is accurate in several things, but is wrong in two major issues. 1. Christians believe there is but one GOD, but since we are made in HIS image and since we are 3 parts, Body, Soul(or mind if you prefer) and Spirit, then so too GOD is Triune, still one but three if you will. 2. But the major difference is that Christianity is the only religion in the world that understands that GOD is so far above us in Holiness and Purity that there is absolutely nothing which we can ever do to make ourselves right with GOD. Never, never can our "good works" be anything but filthy rags (the actual Greek in the New Testament which is translated into the English of "filthy rags" is actually menstrual rags just to give you an idea. So, since we can never reach up to a HOLY GOD, he reached down and sacrificed HIS only SON, (part of HIMSELF) to pay a price we cannot pay. So, we don't Work our way to Heaven, we inherit it as adopted sons of the Living GOD. 3. If you are really seeking truth about this, then I suggest the source link to

Q: Why were there religions that predate Christianity and Judaism?
If you believe the scholars, there were organized religions, like Hinduism and Zoroastrianism, that were older than the Abrahamic religions . Would this fact affect your belief that either Christianity or Judaism is the one true religion?

A: Judaism doesn't think it's the one true religion, so the question doesn't apply to us. That's purely a Christian & Islamic concept. We don't think we have the only path to God. Judaism in Torah is the telling of the journey of spiritual growth of a community of people. It's about how to live life in a moral way that connects your to your better self & brings in God. We were a journey from previous religions! That's how we define ourselves. So, if we adjusted & added ideas from other religions, that's fine. We know our holidays & rituals are grounded in their deeper beginnings. For example, Succot is a harvest holiday, but a connection to God was added to it. As a matter of fact Judaism has elements of many of those earlier religions incorporated into it. (Not Zoroastriaism from what I've seen.) And we've added new concepts such as monotheism. Good truths tend to stick around & get reused. That's good. ===== Cheir's comment on Abrahamic religions It isn't the best term. The three are very different & it lumps us Jews in with the others & makes it even harder to explain our religion. Fritoori That's really cool!

Q: What are some social similarities and differences between Christianity and Judaism?
What are some similarities and differences between the social classes, social inequality, and gender relations of Christianity and Judaism?

A: The BIGGEST "difference" between Christianity and Judaism is that Christianity (BELIEVES) In JESUS CHRIST !