Is there some point that this continued practice would be viewed as disrespectful or inappropriate by the Jewish culture and Jewish faith, considering I have no intentions of converting, and don't even keep to Noahide laws, let alone the Mosaic laws?
I certainly mean no disrespect. I rather find I enjoy the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and ritual, even if I do not share the faith. I've not lied about my atheism with any of the people there, and I seem welcome, but I also know that sometimes people can be too polite for their own good, refusing to say, 'That offends me' even though it does.
Your thoughts?
2007-10-01 19:49:05 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jaye16:
613 Mitzvot.
2007-10-01 19:54:18 · update #1
Macaw's Wing:
The Conservative synagogue I'm attending is heavily Kabbalistic. It's honestly a bit of a Simon Says game -- roughly the same prayers every Shabbat, with no Torah reading. I'm looking to find an Orthodox synagogue that would accept me, something with a little bit richer a ritual.
2007-10-01 20:05:20 · update #2
Rodney, please take your false preaching elsewhere.
Even if Yahweh exists, the New Testament condemns Jesus as a liar and fraud. http://www.jewsforjudiasm.org has all the proof you could need.
2007-10-01 20:09:09 · update #3
JewishGirl:
I've studied Kabbalah from an Orthodox point of view. I have a deep, deep appreciation for the more Orthodox forms of Judaism. To be honest, Reform felt a little... well, I mean no disrespect but... "Happy Happy Joy Joy," and somewhat dissociated from the cultural struggles of the Jewish people.
2007-10-01 20:31:39 · update #4
As a Jew all are welcome in our synagogues who are people of good intention, If you enjoy our culture go for it I can not believe that these Jewish people you are talking about are "too" polite We have a saying in Hebrew that goes baruch ha'ba It means "Blessings to those who come."
2007-10-01 20:06:24 · answer #1 · answered by devora k 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm Jewish, and I think it's rather sweet that you enjoy the synagogue service. It's clear you are nothing like the 'messianic jews' who are Christian, as they believe in Jesus as the messiah, and yet who claim to be 'Jewish'.
Rather, you are totally upfront about your religious beliefs, yet find the synagogue an enjoyable place.
I personally would not find this in the least offensive and if you belonged to my synagogue, I would welcome you.
In terms of what an orthodox synagogue's attitude would be.... I'd hope they would be welcoming and besides, if it's a big synagogue, they won't know you're not Jewish, unless you're attending a very small synagogue and everyone knows everyone.
A word of caution re kabbalah: Judaism teaches that no person should study this if they are under the age of 40. I don't know if this applies to you or not, but just be a bit wary; that mystical aspect can prove very powerful and can affect some people rather adversely in the long term.
I'd suggest you visit a few more Reform and/or Progressive synagogues, and see if you can have a chat with one of the Rabbis there, they may well be able to advise.
By all means, if you find an Orthodox synagogue you like, then visit. I hope you continue to find the services enjoyable - sometimes the Rabbis can be very witty and include humour in their talks and it can be great to share a laugh!
2007-10-02 08:41:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
they are probably not offended that you are an atheist who attends synagogue. they probably think it is sweet. maybe you say things that offend them once in a while, but if you do, it can't be that bad if they keep welcoming you back. maybe they even say things that offend you sometimes, although i get the feeling that you go to a reform synagogue, so probably their opinion on most things is very similar to yours.
just remember that culture and ritual is not the core of judaism. those are just the outer layers that the outside world sees. its an attractive picture, sure, but when you dig deeper than the attractive shell, you may find a different judaism than what you think it is. what makes judaism what it is are not the blessings and holiday songs. judaism is what it is because of its unique theology, its ethics, its laws, and all of those other things that you probably DON'T relate to, and that you probably find oppressive, and perhaps might even find quite offensive to your own beliefs. traditional judaism has very firm ideas about right and wrong, and from comments i have seen you make elsewhere, i think you might be disappointed if you ever strayed beyond modernized jewish synagogues into the old school judaism. but maybe i am wrong, and maybe you have studied traditional judaism and find it just as nice as reform-style judaism.
either way, enjoy your synagogue visits and have fun in whatever kind of judaism you feel comfortable in.
2007-10-02 03:17:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are exactly where you should be in you life at this time. There is something at the synagogue that has started to fill a void, something which feels right. You should not focus on the people at the synagogue, but instead keep nurturing your desire to reach for that spiritual fullness. Being an atheist negates the thought of a deity, but does it say anything about filling that personal emptiness which is inexplicably seen through out cultures and generations. Seeking is the first step one must take on the road to discovery. My void was filled in 1996, when I was stripped of my security and made aware of my personal emptiness which the whole world could not fill. Two years passed before that glorious month came and I was exposed to the real truth, which I longed for and which all humans need in order to be complete. Regardless what people think and what there take on Jesus is! No one can tell me what I went through and what I obtained after placing my faith in Jesus was fake or wishful thinking. I now I now walk in the Light and I know the Light resides in me.. I pray that you will someday fill that emptiness with the only One who's real... Keep on searching for you shall find...
2007-10-02 03:05:51 · answer #4 · answered by Moe Hawk 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Well, I can't speak for a member of the Jewish Faith, but in our church all are welcome to attend and hear the Gospel. If they've made you feel welcome, accept their hospitality and relax, Hun. There's no harm in what you're doing......I'm sure they're genuine in their welcoming of you!
Hugzzz
2007-10-02 03:09:30 · answer #5 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not Jewish, but I can't see why it would be a problem. (although they do seem to have about 30k laws, so I could be wrong.)
:)
*EDIT* Okay, maaaybe I exaggerated a bit. LOL!
2007-10-02 02:53:06 · answer #6 · answered by Jaye16 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
funny how we get older, and religion gets more important, no church or synagogue is going to turn someone away, all faiths are welcomed.
2007-10-02 02:54:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
congratulations .... I think Einstein carried the banner of politeness from the other side but you should realize that.
2007-10-02 03:11:15 · answer #8 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
U could b our secret athiest spy, maybe we can send an army of athiests out there and infiltrate all religions,tell us all u know.......
2007-10-02 02:58:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow, what's it like?
2007-10-02 02:53:43 · answer #10 · answered by Somewhat Enlightened, the Parrot of Truth 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋