Okay, I know there must be people on here who can help me. I have a new boyfriend who is Jewish, and I (being Christian), don't know much about the beliefs or traditions of the Jewish church (other than the very little that I remember from elementary school that focused on certain holidays)...can anyone help me to learn more about the Jewish traditions? I love to learn about different religions, and I would really like to do some homework before I meet his parents so that I can make certain to be respectful in their home. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
2007-06-14 11:32:15 · 7 answers · asked by Kellye B 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't want to ask my boyfriend, because I don't want him to think that I'm too nervous or worrying about meeting his parents...I just don't want to do anything disrespectful...I really like him!!
2007-06-14 11:43:26 · update #1
You will have to know something about his family's level of observance before you meet them, so when the time is right, ask him. In the meantime, I've put a bunch of links below that should be of help. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.
2007-06-14 16:43:39 · answer #1 · answered by Mark S, JPAA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you need to do is find out how Jewish he is. If he didn't go to Jew school as a kid, then chances are more Hebrew and less Jewish. However, if he did I think you may want to learn a little Hebrew. Their langauge is almost considered a sacred part of being Jewish. Orthodox jews would not eat pork, shellfish, or consume dairy and meats at the same time (ie no cheeseburgers); however, most Jews I know do not keep to these laws. But if they do, do those things, then they also probably will not actually write the name God, but rather G-d. I am not sure if they will say God? The Torah is the Jewsih Holy book and is comprised of the first 5 books of the Old Testament, so reading that through a few times will give you a good sense of their religious background. Other than that I would learn about a few of their Holidays, Chanukah is not a big one actually. Passover is by far the biggest Jewish holiday. Also, keeping the Sabbath is very important. Many big retailers in NY even are run by Jews but you can not place an internet order during the Sabbath.
2007-06-14 18:48:10 · answer #2 · answered by johnbucktcu 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What a sweetheart you are for asking!
Why not check out a Jewish holiday book out of the library? They are written simply and describe the Jewish holiday - I think there are 11 of them!
But, mostly, if I were you, I would focus on the Jewish Sabbath. That starts on Friday night and lasts to Saturday night. In the customary Jewish home, on Friday nights, the family says a blessing in Hebrew over bread and wine. The wife usually lights some Sabbath candles. The family has dinner together.
Depending on if they are Orthodox, Conservative or Reform Jews, is whether they will be strict, conservative or liberal in their relationship to their faith. Ask your boyfriend is they are orthodox, conservative or reform jews.
And ask him, what he thinks you should do, if you are included in a Friday night Sabbath dinner or a Jewish holiday.
But - don't sweat it! His family doesn't expect you to know everything in their faith. It's a great learning experience.
2007-06-14 18:45:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anna Lynn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to beliefnet
Oh and they don't have a church.
You could always read the Torah (part of the old testament) -it should be in your bible.
EDIT:They reject Jesus being God. They don't understand the Trinity. If they want their kids to be considered Jewish the mother has to be Jewish too...so if things progress he may ask you to convert.
Anna Lynn is correct a lot depends on how liberal or conservative they are.
2007-06-14 18:40:41 · answer #4 · answered by Sassafrass 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out Holidays on the side of the page, it will help you understand the Jewish holidays and how they're celebrated.
2007-06-14 18:38:09 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry.
If your boyfriend is Jewish and you are not, it is very likely that neither he nor his parents know much about Judaism.
Still, if you want to learn about Judaism, look here:
http://www.whatjewsbelieve.org/
http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=325184
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism
And one last thought:
Wouldn't it be better for you to date someone who shares your background and religion???
2007-06-15 02:03:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ummm...why don't you ask your boyfriend?
2007-06-14 18:38:50 · answer #7 · answered by Timmy!!! 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋