Is Judaism a relatively simple religion to practice?

Question

I wonder this b/c I have known a few Jews in my life, and I never saw them go thru procedures to practice their religion or observe jewish holidays. Does this depend on whether they're orthodoxed or unorthodoxed jews?

Answer 1

You are correct, it depends on what form of Judaism the individual follows. Some are far harder than others to adhere to. YBIC

Answer 2

No. This means the Jews you have known were unobservant or secular Jews.

There are different kinds of Jews. There are Unobservant/Secular/non-practicing Jews; Reform Jews; Conservative Jews; Orthadox Jews; and Hasidic Jews.

Orthadox and Hasidic are the most extreme. They keep Kosher and observe all of the holidays and near to all of the traditions.

The reform and conservative Jews are regular practicing Jews and will observe many to most of the holidays and many of the traditions.

A Unobservant/secular/non-practicing Jew will either do absolutely nothing as far as the holidays and traditions are concerned or the most they will do is have some family over for dinner on the high holidays and only practice certain traditions like at a bar mitzvah, wedding and funeral but that would be the extent of it.

Anyway, I hope that helped answer your question somewhat.

Answer 3

Different branches of Judaism (there is no branch called unorthodox) have different levels of what they must do to worship. All branches that I am aware of observe the high holidays, have services on the sabbath, etc.

Judaism requires MORE study and education to practise then most branches of Xianity that I am aware of. Almost every branch of Judaism REQUIRES the use of Hebrew just to understand the services. Many of our holidays requires fasting and sacrifice. Strict observance of Judaism mandates no working, cooking, etc. on the Sabbath (day of rest). We have dietary restrictions.

There are even restrictions on the cloth construction of clothing for the very orthodox (very few follow these rules). The talmud has far more regulations then I am aware of any Xtian branch of having.

Many Jews, like myself, are non-practising. If I had to guess, I'd say that as a group, or culture, we're less religious then Xtians. We're more likely to be agnostic or atheist, or non-practising. However the actual practise of Judaism requires more commitment then any branch of Xianity that I am familiar with.

Rabbis are required to undergo far more religious training then any Christian group.

Answer 4

as said, most who do actively observe, do it in ways you probably wouldn't notice without knowing what to look for.

theres no reason to make a big production of it.

the most important parts are really quite simple lifestyle things, personality traits and behaviors.

enormously complex? theres, aside from the sabbath, one holiday almost every month, most of which are relatively minor. most of the food limitations are really not that complicated, and boil down to a few relatively simple rules, that are quite easy to follow, with easy definitions of how observant you are going to be.

some of the rules are simply impractical to follow to the letter for most people.
so many follow the general idea of it, and trust god to be able to distinguish that there is that intent.

I think there are *far* fewer jews that don't know their own beliefs, than there are christians who don't know their own beliefs.

in Judaism your allowed to question and doubt.

Answer 5

No. Judaism is enormously complex, with fast days and festivals and prohibitions on all kinds of foods and practices. However, most Jews take a very liberal attitude to their religion, and ignore most of the commandments.

Answer 6

No true Judaism is a way of life and a thought process that takes many, many years to learn, even for a convert. I don't know where you live, but contact your local Jewish Temple or Synagogue and ask the rabbi and he will tell you.

Answer 7

Many Jews do not practice their religion, and frankly, when we do, we don't do it in a way that would always be that obvious to someone not looking for it.. I dont feel the need to invite everyone I know to my religious celebrations and events...

Answer 8

No, no, no. Not if you're going to do it right. Islam is almost as difficult and ridiculous, but not quite.