2006-11-28 02:16:15 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know what a 'lesser Jew' is.
Judaism teaches two different, but complimentary aspects to this question. Emunah, which is belief or faith in God and Bitachon which is trust in God. It is imperative that a Jew STRIVE to have both perfect emunah and bitachon. These are absolutely the hardest tasks that face any Jew.
When the world around us is seemingly spiralling out of control and nothing makes sense, all we have to rely on is our emunah and bitachon. At those times, it is difficult because we can't see the overall plan. How we react to those circumstances dictates how merit and where we need to work on ourselves.
Questioning one's faith and/or trust in God is easy and natural. Finding the answers is spiritual.
2006-11-28 02:52:01 · answer #1 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure not everyone would agree with me, but I believe the beauty of religion is the opportunity to explore what it means to you personally. If it weren't for religious texts and study opportunities outside of your temple you would be hearing nothing but the same services over and over again. A book I would suggest is Jewish Literacy by Joseph Telushkin. Also, check out www.aish.org, I've taken some courses from this organization and I've increased my Jewish knowledge ten-fold. Judaism may be your birthright, but if you don't look into finding the answers to your questions it won't mean anything to say you're a Jew.
2006-11-28 10:35:27 · answer #2 · answered by sjn4g9 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the concept of a "lesser Jew" dose not exist. You either are a Jew or not.
as for questioning in large part is encouraged because it leads to more knowledge and understanding.
any religion that demands blind acceptance and dose not explain itself is dangerous.
2006-11-28 10:19:52 · answer #3 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. If your mom is Jewish or if you converted you are a Jew, period.
FYI: Jews are supposed to question, they are not supposed to blindly accept. Israel means to wrestle with G-d.
2006-11-28 10:19:01 · answer #4 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its encouraged. it motivates learning. studying and learning are very stressed in judaism, which is why jews are usually over-represented in most fields, not because of some global jewish conspiracy to take of the world or the atlantic or whatever.
2006-11-28 23:58:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You can be Jewish ethnically or spiritually, so even if you don't practice the religion, you'd still be Jewish.
2006-11-28 10:19:44 · answer #6 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you are supposed to question.
2006-11-28 10:26:16 · answer #7 · answered by james.parker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋