I am a cradle Catholic but the more I look into my own religion the more questions I have about the Jewish religion. If I called a Synagogue do you think they would be open to answering my questions or would they consider that offensive or a waste of time. I have no problems with the Jew's (really I admire them) I just don't want to offend anyone but I feel like I need my questions answered or I wont be able to make an informed decision regarding what I truly believe.
2007-07-16 07:48:40 · 11 answers · asked by sarah b 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, most Rabbis would be very pleased to meet with you and answer your questions. You'd also be very welcome to attend Shabbat services.
I should know -- I'm an atheist, and the Rabbi I met with was very pleased... at least you believe in something resembling the same deity (though the trinity thing, not so kosher).
2007-07-16 07:56:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jew is a confusing term, because of how people use it. Really, a Jew is someone who practices or believes in the faith known as Judaism. However, practitioners of the faith were usually of the same ethnic group in history, so people would use the term to describe not only their religious preference but their ethnic background as well. Amongst Jews there are terms such as Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi, which describe with ethnic group you are sorted into. It doesn't help that all three are said to be descent from the name peoples (the Hebrew ethnic group), but the terms are used when you need to describe a Jew ethnically and further than the fact that he is from a general Jewish background. Now, Jews actually could care less about background most times, so they don't use it as much. Also, the public isn't really aware of these terms, too. It doesn't help that Ashkenazi people spoke Yiddish, which meant "Jewish" in the language, whereas Sephardi people spoke Ladino (also known as Judezmo or judizmoespanol) and Mizrahi a Judeo-Arabic form in many places. So, to them, their culture was Jewish as well. So, the advent of Jewish as an ethnic term arouse. It's colloquial, but it gets the trick, since in terms of the religion no one cares one way or the other what you are ethnically. So, "half-Jew" "atheist Jew", etc., mean that ethnically you may be of a Jewish origin (i.e., half Sephardic or full Ashkenazi or whatever) but you aren't religiously. Half-Jews may be half-whatever but in religious practice are 100% Jewish. It's confusing, since Jewish has two real definition, both of which apply to many people and many people only come under the aegis of one of those defintions. It's more confusing when you consider that the name Judaism comes from the tribe Judah, which is an ethnic origin, but that was the Roman's doing. Keep in mind that, really, confusing Jew with Ashkenazi/Sephardi/Mizrahi is like saying an Arab is Muslim or vice versa, except using it ethnically is more acceptable in this case. But not necessarily correct.
2016-05-19 03:13:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I don't know if calling a synagogue will be helpful, but talking to a Rabbi might. However, unlike in Christianity, Judaism frowns upon conversion. It might be easier for you to be a Noahide. Because since you are not Jewish you do not have to do the 613 Mitzvot but if you convert you will have to. l If you become a Noahide though all you have to obey is 7 laws. A Noahide is basically a righteous gentile, you can still observe all of the holidays and stuff but it just means life will be easier for you.
2007-07-16 08:00:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
All the Jews I have met enjoy talking about their religion. It's almost like a game to them. They love it when they are challenged. If you have a question call a Rabbi and I bet he'd love to sit down and chat with you. It might take a while though, so reserve plenty of time.
2007-07-16 07:54:51 · answer #4 · answered by Peter D 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
start with basics.
aish.com
judaism101.org
Find a friendly Rabbi; a reform or possibly conservative rabbi may best suit your needs as it's only for information. Tell them up front you are not looking to convert- Except for the reform movement, (and even then only in mixed families) Judaism does not encourage conversion.
if there's a JCC where you live, they often run interfaith classes / discussion groups open to the public.
2007-07-16 07:58:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you see identifiable carnal Jewish in traditional gentile forums, only Hasidim Jewish or orthodox Jewish are open to debate with those who they call gentiles.
The same carnal Jewish are divided among themselves the same as the rest of the world. The rich and the poor, The devoted and the materialistic, The idealist and the Kabalist.
So I say good luck to you. And remember that perhaps what you need to know is inside of you, don't underestimate the power of your Analysis.
Furthermore you are in Yahoo answers so just post your question.
2007-07-16 08:07:56 · answer #6 · answered by Davinci22 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes, they will be happy to answer your questions. Most Jews are very open to honest questions. Just don't call them up and try and convert them to Christianity, that would be insulting.
2007-07-16 07:53:45 · answer #7 · answered by Steve C 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about all The Jews, but if you called your local Synagogue, they would be happy to talk with you.
2007-07-16 07:53:19 · answer #8 · answered by merrybodner 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many Rabbis would be happy to answer you questions as long as they're not offensive.
2007-07-16 07:55:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why bother seeking out informed responses from career clergy when you have millions of cartoon-heads with even more ill informed opinions?
So...
what's the question?
2007-07-16 07:57:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋