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jewish religion and culture

Lintu

Active Member
One of the religions I'm seriously considering looking into is Reform Judaism. I was just wondering, for those of you who chose Judaism: What is it like to be a part of a religion so closely tied to culture? In the US of course, there is such a strong Ashkenazic (sp?) culture. Is it hard to participate in the religion when the culture is not what you were brought up with? What about Jewish holidays? Is it weird to celebrate them if your own heritage isn't Jewish?

(I've heard it said that the souls of future converts were present at certain events in Jewish history...fascinating!) :)
 

jewscout

Religious Zionist
I've found that the congregation i go to, a modern orthodox one, is a very warm and inviting one. I really don't find the difference in culture all that difficult, but then again i've always been a person who likes to experience different cultures so it wasn't that far of a stretch. I think as far as, say, holidays go the only thing that becomes an issue is living in a non-jewish nation and trying to participate in jewish life. By this i mean there are times when you have to take off for holidays that get in the way of normal american life. It's not that bad a day here a day there but they all tend to fall at the same time. I think the holidays can be a little weird if your not familiar with them but they are also excellent experiences. Have you participated in Shabbat yet? Its a wonderful experience that i look forward to each and every week. Just a day to reflect and to get in touch with my spiritual side.

I have heard that those who are non-jews and are called to Judaism were there at Sinai in a former life:jiggy:
 

Lintu

Active Member
I'm going to Erev Shabbat this Friday. I'm excited about it, but a little scared. It's at a synagogue well known for being open and welcoming, but it's always scary to stick out.

I was reading a Jewish prayer last night, the Hashkiveinu, for stress relief, and I really and truly felt comforted. It was great. So, I can't wait til Friday :)
 

Jayhawker Soule

-- untitled --
Premium Member
Lintu said:
I'm going to Erev Shabbat this Friday. I'm excited about it, but a little scared. It's at a synagogue well known for being open and welcoming, but it's always scary to stick out.
You'll be just fine. Have a great Shabbat.
 

Jayhawker Soule

-- untitled --
Premium Member
jewscout said:
I've found that the congregation i go to, a modern orthodox one, is a very warm and inviting one.
If you ever have the chance, attend a Yemenite Shabbas. It's almost revivalist.
 
I have heard that those who are non-jews and are called to Judaism were there at Sinai in a former life
I like that, I have a friend that has converted to Judaism and another in the process. They have both expressed that they have always felt they were born jewish, just not raised as such. Isn't it said that all Jewish souls were at Siani?
 
I am sure you will be able to find a nice synagogue where ever you go. My husband is not Jewish but he seems to like celebrating all the holidays. That being said, I think that it has been difficult for him to not really celebrate Christmas in the house (we go to his parents house). The rest, however, is easier.
 

Pah

Uber all member
jewscout said:
I've found that the congregation i go to, a modern orthodox one, is a very warm and inviting one. I really don't find the difference in culture all that difficult, but then again i've always been a person who likes to experience different cultures so it wasn't that far of a stretch. I think as far as, say, holidays go the only thing that becomes an issue is living in a non-jewish nation and trying to participate in jewish life. By this i mean there are times when you have to take off for holidays that get in the way of normal american life. It's not that bad a day here a day there but they all tend to fall at the same time. I think the holidays can be a little weird if your not familiar with them but they are also excellent experiences. Have you participated in Shabbat yet? Its a wonderful experience that i look forward to each and every week. Just a day to reflect and to get in touch with my spiritual side.

I have heard that those who are non-jews and are called to Judaism were there at Sinai in a former life:jiggy:


Jewscout doen't know it yet but I'm going to ask him to take me to his temple one day. Not for conversion but to learn more about the traditions of Jewry. Will they allow "whispered" instruction?

Bob
 
In most temples, people talk pretty much non-stop throughout the service. Sometimes not in whispers either. In some congregations the congregants don't even face the bima (alter) but rather each other - so to better discuss the reading of the day. It varies from congregation to congregation but generally, expect it to be a lot louder and less formal than a christian service.
 

Greyprophet

Member
I figure most Jews are a mix of Levites and Judites. Perhaps even Benjemites.

What about the Kennenites? During David's time didnt many Kennenites join up and mingle with them? I've read documentation/history that says so....

Just wondering why christ said 2 out of 3 Jews who say they are jews are not.

Just wondering why he would say that.
 

Greyprophet

Member
Another thing. What does race have to do with anything anymore? And do you really follow the religion? I think most will find they really dont. They say they do ...but don't.

I know what the Mosiac laws are. And they are not possible to hold nor where they ever.
 

jewscout

Religious Zionist
Simon the Cat said:
In most temples, people talk pretty much non-stop throughout the service. Sometimes not in whispers either. In some congregations the congregants don't even face the bima (alter) but rather each other - so to better discuss the reading of the day. It varies from congregation to congregation but generally, expect it to be a lot louder and less formal than a christian service.
Ha! Yeah damn schmoozers lol:jiggy:
It's like, damnit man i'm trying to Daven over here, schmooze during kiddush that's what it's for!:D
 

jewscout

Religious Zionist
Greyprophet said:
What about the other 10 tribes? Where are they? Lost?

Is God not the God of Isreal (not just Judah).
G-d is the G-d of the universe. He has a special covenant with the children of Israel but heeds the prayers of non-Jews as well.

Yeah the 10 tribes were lost during the Babylonian exhile.
 

jewscout

Religious Zionist
Greyprophet said:
I figure most Jews are a mix of Levites and Judites. Perhaps even Benjemites.

What about the Kennenites? During David's time didnt many Kennenites join up and mingle with them? I've read documentation/history that says so....

Just wondering why christ said 2 out of 3 Jews who say they are jews are not.

Just wondering why he would say that.
I wouldn't be surprised if there was a mix amongst the tribes.
I'm not familiar w/ the Kennenites maybe someone else can point out some good sources....
I don't know why Jesus would say that. Perhaps they weren't following halachic laws correctly. Or, more likely, something added later when the gospels were compiled for purposes of the church.
But then i'm not sure.
 

jewscout

Religious Zionist
What does race have to do with anything anymore?
nothing really

And do you really follow the religion?
I do my best, then again...i'm only human

I know what the Mosiac laws are. And they are not possible to hold nor where they ever.
Maybe for you. I mean aside from shabbat rules, like no driving and stuff, they aren't that hard to keep up. They can seem a little silly at times but they aren't that difficult to do, just that some feel that they may be a little unnecessary.
The only ones of the 613 mitzvot which would be impossible right now would be those dealing w/ the temple.
 
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