I need to interview a Jew for my world religions class, so if you don't mind, answer these questions for me.

Question

I have to write an essay after interviewing an adult of Jewish faith, and I don't know any Jews, so it would be great if some of you could help out...
1) What does it mean for you to be Jewish in contemporary America?
2) How do you live and celebrate your Jewish faith or tradition?
3) How have the Holocaust and the establishment of the modern state of Israel impacted your personal life?
4) What other comments would you like to say to a non-Jew who would like to better understand the Jewish faith and traditions?

I'd really appreciate a few insightful and thorough answers, even if you spend just a few minutes on it. It would help me out alottt. Thanks =)

I'd go and visit a synogogue to do it, but I'm running out of time...my report is due Tuesday!

Answer 1

you ask a lot of good questions. And as any good question the answers are never simple or the same ;)

1. Its a ballencing act. On the one hand you have traditions and practices that are thousands of years old some which are very dear to you and those around you. On the other you have modern society that often clashes with views on everything on how one should model their lives to how one should dress. naturally you try to find a ballence where ever posible, but sometimes you need to decide with one or the other.

2. It depends sometimes on the day of the week. Often like I said I feel the outside world stops me from leading a more Jewish life, but if I were to say things I do. It would be everything from celebrating hollidays, praying, studing Torah, humanitarian projects, even to what I read in my free time.

3. The Holocuast is an auful cap on what was 1,800 years of Europen anit-semitism. If anything I have learned is that Jews are never compleatly safe anywere in the world, this includes America. This leads me to the State of Israel in my opinion Israel has only one big positive asset. That is that Jews who have no where to go will always have a home. This was key after the Holocaust, for the Arab ews and the Jews of the Soviet Union. If their is any reason to support the existaince of a Jewish state of Israel that is it.

4. Education is key. If you have a question dont be afriad to ask. With all the messages that are floating around today about Israel about Jews is critical to get both sides so one can make an informed decition. Jews are not afraid to disscus or talk about issues as long as the questions are asked in a respectful manner.

Ps sorry for the spelling mistakes I was in a bit of a hurry

hope his helps




ok,

My name is David Gratvol I am 20 years old I was born in a suburb outside Houston, Tx. and I have been lucky enough not to experiance any serious anti-semitism in my life.

also I will try to get some others to answer this question if you want.

Answer 2

Animal sacrifices might want to easily be finished contained in the Tabernacle and later the temple hence animal sacrifices are literally not finished. besides the undeniable fact that, Jews atone in the course of the ten Days of repentance which commence on Rosh HaShonah (the Jewish New three hundred and sixty 5 days - starts on 30 September this three hundred and sixty 5 days) and end on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). We also say repentance prayers for a month formerly Rosh HaShonah. jamieoh - as a Jew who's ever purely attended Orthodox facilities, i have by no potential ever considered a silver horn used, on any day, that is continually a Ram's horn and that it purely used on 3 days a three hundred and sixty 5 days (providing none coincide with the Sabbath)- lately are both days of Rosh HaShonah and today after the speedy ends on Yom Kippur.

Answer 3

1) It means I get to live in a wonderful country where I can practice my religion in peace.
2) too numerous to list. it affects just about every decision I make.
3) The holocaust claimed many of my older family and the state of israel has made it possible for many jews to live there. (I myself lived there for 3 years. It was a very moving experience and definitely brought me closer to my heritage.)
4) a) Judaism is NOT "christianity minus jesus". don't think you understand judaism if youre only "exposure to it" has been through christianity.
b) Jews don't beleive that everyone has to be a jew. non-jews can, in the words of the talmud, "reach the level of the high priest" (!) by keeping the noahide laws.
c) study judaism. its complex and there are very many misconceptions about it. I recommend aish.com

cheerio

Answer 4

Hey, I'm not Jewish, but I wanted to say kudos to you - I was *so* afraid when I opened this question LOL that I was going to find a bunch of slurs and stuff, but it was really nice to see this post is actually real.

Hope you get a lot of answers!

Answer 5

Interview someone in person.

There are synagogues & temples & congregations in all 50 states. You will get fuller answers & learn alot more if you engage someone directly - I know, because I had to do this when I was in school, & it was one of my most memorable educational experiences.

Good luck!

;-)

Answer 6

You really need someone who has the time and the space to write you a book. Sorry. I am a Jew---but, this would be too long.