Hi everyone. I have some questions about Judaism ...snip...
Although Zardoz gave some fine answers above, I'd like to put in mine just for the sake of variety, or a slightly different outlook.
For every question you've asked, there is no one correct answer. "What do Jews believe..." types of questions presume that there are one or two accepted dogmas about something, but Judaism tends to be very light on dogma. Judaism is a religion of laws, and a prime precept of Jewish law is "makhloket l'shem shamayim," or "dispute for the sake of Heaven;" that is, that different authorities may have different views of what is proper interpretation, and those differences must be respected. Which is not to say there are not divisions between Jewish communities, but that, in theory, we are to be wary of presuming that there is ever only one correct answer.
Thus, everything below should be read with "...mostly." at the end of it.
- What is the process of converting to Judaism?
- What rituals must one go through in converting to Judaism?
The basic requirements according to Jewish law are circumcision (or hatafat dam brit, as defined above by Zardoz; obviously, women have no need for circumcision or hatafat dam brit); immersion in the mikveh (see above); and the convert must, before a bet din (rabbinical court), renounce all other gods or faiths, and declare their acceptance of the responsibilities of the commandments (
kabbalat 'ol mitzvot, "reception of the yoke of the commandments"). These days, any rabbi worth his or her salt will require that the convert also engage in a course of study prior to conversion (generally, to begin learning Hebrew, to begin becoming familiar with Jewish texts, to learn the prayer liturgy, the rules of keeping kosher, and other rituals and rules of living a Jewish life), and will ask the convert for a commitment to continue study after conversion.
- What books of the Bible do Jews accept as Scripture?
Tanakh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Do Jews believe in reincarnation?
It depends on who you ask. Also, as Zardoz mentioned, of those who do believe in reincarnation, some believe it's a punishment, but others believe that one may be reincarnated for other reasons, which may have nothing to do with one's behavior.
- Do Jews believe in an afterlife?
Historically, most Jews have believed in some kind of afterlife. There has never been unanimous agreement, though, on what that afterlife might look like, or how it would be. Today, though the majority of Jews will claim some belief in an afterlife, some, if not many, do not hold such a belief at all. For the most part, Judaism does not place a high priority on afterlife, deeming it more important to deal with our responsibilities here in this world.
- What is the Jewish view on Jesus?
Runs the range from loathing and utter rejection of anything associated with him; to a belief that he was really a good person who tried hard to do what he thought God wanted him to do, but whose followers unfortunately erred in deeming him the messiah, and then deifying him; and everything in between.
- What is the Jewish view on abortion?
Depends. Most Orthodox authorities say it is not permitted except in cases where the mother's life is in danger. Conservative authorities are split on the matter: some side along the lines of Orthodoxy, but many say that it is permissible in many different situations, especially early in the pregnancy. Reform authorities caution that abortion should not be taken lightly, but (as is usual with Reform Jews) they say that each Jewish woman must ultimately decide for herself what she feels she is permitted.
- What is the Jewish view on birth control?
Conservative and Reform Jews are nearly unanimous in permitting it. Conservative authorities would add that such permission presumes that one will fulfill the commandment to procreate at least once in one's life . Modern Orthodox authorities explicitly permit some forms of birth control if one already has children, and tacitly permit some other forms of birth control, regardless. Mainstream and Ultra-Orthodoxy do not permit birth control, unless pregnancy would endanger the life of the woman.
- What is the Jewish view on premarital sex?
Orthodoxy does not permit premarital intercourse. That said, many young Modern Orthodox Jews avoid only vaginal intercourse prior to marriage, but secretly practice oral (and sometimes anal) sex when single. If caught, there is some stigma associated with premarital sex in Modern Orthodox circles. Mainstream and Ultra-Orthodox Jews generally remain celibate before marriage, though in those communities, people tend to marry young (18-24). If caught having premarital sex in Ultra-Orthodox circles, there is tremendous stigma, and whole families can be shamed by the scandal. The Conservative movement teaches that Jews ought to enjoy sexual relations in the context of committed, monogamous relationships. They do not say those relationships have to be marriage, although they teach that marriage is the ideal. But there is no real stigma to premarital sex in the Conservative movement. Reform Judaism advocates committed, monogamous relationships, but also does not particularly care about premarital sex.
- What is the Jewish view on homosexuality?
In traditional Mainstream and Ultra-Orthodoxy, homosexuality is not condoned at all, and GLBT Jews in those communities either remain deeply closeted, or they find themselves no longer welcome in the community. Modern Orthodoxy does not officially condone homosexuality, but they recognize that GLBT Jews may not have chosen their sexual orientation, and that this presents a problem that must somehow be solved justly and compassionately. Conservative authorities are divided: some take essentially the Modern Orthodox view; but most accept and welcome GLBT Jews without stigma, and the movement recently began ordaining GLBT rabbis, and approving GLBT commitment ceremonies. Reform Judaism universally and unequivocally accepts and welcomes all GLBT individuals, ordains GLBT rabbis, and performs GLBT weddings.
- What do Jews believe about angels?
Historically, Judaism has taught various traditions about angels. Some say that they are created for only one "use" or "mission," and once finished, they are "uncreated." Some say that angels are "eternal." In general, nearly all who believe in "eternal" angels believe that they are created without free will, which is why they are not superior to humans, who, being made in the image of God, have free will. It is because of their presumed lack of free will that Judaism has never accepted a notion of rebellious "fallen" angels: a being that lacks free will cannot rebel. There are many beliefs about how angels appear, and what they are and are not capable of, and what uses God puts them to. Today, not all Jews believe in literal angels: most Reform Jews, and some Conservative Jews, believe that angels are metaphorical, or mythical.
- What do Jews believe about demons?
There are, again, various beliefs. Nobody can agree on just where they come from, or what they are ultimately capable of, or how much lattitude God permits them in interfering with the affairs of the world. There are stories told in the Talmud about Shedim ("demons"), who we also know are ruled by a king, Ashmodai (sometimes Latinized in non-Jewish texts to Asmodeus): Shedim seem to be quite unpleasant, if not downright wicked, but they acknowledge the rule of God, and can be bound by the use of Holy Names. They are thought to have wings in their natural form, although they are also thought to be shapechangers; they are known to be enthusiastic fornicators, and disregarders of the commandments; and they are said to have feet like chickens. The Talmud also teaches about lesser demons, called Mazikin ("Harmful Ones," but with a sense more like "imps" or "gremlins"), which are not so powerful or intelligent, but are multitudinous, invisible, and addicted to destructive and annoying behavior, like poltergeists. There is also the demoness Lilith, who was said to be the first wife of Adam (she got "written out" of Genesis): she and her brood of daughter demonesses are succubi; Lilith is also said to be a hater and harmer of infants. Needless to say, many if not most Jews today no longer believe in demons. Most-- but not all-- who do are in the Ultra-Orthodox communities.
- Does the devil exist in Judaism? If the devil does not exist in Judaism, what is the source of evil?
No. Jews believe that only humans are created with free will, thus no angel or demon can ultimately rebel against God's authority. Also, if there is only one God-- and all Jews steadfastly believe that-- then that one God must be the ultimate Source of all things, good and evil. And indeed, that is explicitly acknowledged in
Isaiah 45:7. There is, however, a belief that was widespread in the tradition but is less prominent today, in ha-Satan, which is not Satan the devil, but is, in fact, a title (The Satan, meaning in Hebrew, "The Anti-advocate," meaning more or less, "The Prosecutor"): this title is given to an angel (not always the same angel), who is designated by God to stand forth and confront and provoke people, in order to test their faith. These days many, if not most Jews outside Orthodoxy do not believe in the Satan.
Obviously, all of these answers are greatly incomplete and rough. If you like, I can recommend some further reading on topics of your choosing: just let me know.