Was Moses a Jew, and did he practice the Jewish traditions as we know them today?

Question

Moses' parents were both Levites. He was not born into the tribe of Judah.

Please note, a descendant of Judah (a Jew) is a member of the House Of Israel. However, a member of the House Of Israel is not necessarily a Jew.

Answer 1

First of all--

That makes no sense. A Jew is not one from the tribe of Judah. This is something people who are not Jewish like to say to sound like they know there is a difference. Yes, it's true, Jews got their name from the tribe of Judah. Kohanes and Levites and Israelites are all Jews.

It doesn't matter what tribe you're from anymore.

Answer 2

Ok well the official answer is that it depends. Moses received the Law on Mt. Sinai during the Exodus. Prior to that he could not have practiced something he did not know.

After the giving of the law he practiced the law as it was given by God minus the "traditions" of the fathers that developed over time.

Paul brings out a similar discussion in Romans in regard to Abraham being justified by his faith in God prior to the giving of the Law.

Further, even after the fall of the Northern Kingdom to the Assyrians, the Kingdom of Judah was made up of, Judah, Benjamin and some Levites.

Answer 3

All semantical wrangling to the contrary notwithstanding, YES, Moses was a Jew. This is not merely a matter of a specific tribal affiliation, but of a broader geneological association, of general culture and of religion. While one may argue whether or not Moses practiced traditions in precisely the same way they are found in modern Judaism (which is not at all monolithic in practice / interpretation, btw), this is really a moot point. Some modern practices are an extrapolation or further development on the foundation laid by Moses, as all Jews know and accept. But, more to the point: there is little doubt that many, many of the traditions in modern Judaism come to us through Moses. In fact, the codification of that tradition in the form of laws (national laws, as well as laws of purity/holiness) comes to us through the five books attributed to Moses.

I would go so far as to say that if you believe Moses in fact wrote these five books, then the answer to at least the first part of your question MUST be yes, since that Law so characteristic of Judaism was received through "Moshe Rabbenu" -- Moses, Our Teacher.

Answer 4

Moses was born of a Hebrew Woman and thus a born Hebrew. Moses was brought up in the theology of Egypt and as an Egyptian. Moses had a revelation, but there wasn't much to learn because 99% of Hebrew rituals, protocols, and rules came forth during and after his leadership. He became a leader of slaves seeking their God and their Promised Land.

It's that straight forward.

One Aside: The Levites are those who sing praise.

Answer 5

Moses was a Jew

The tribe is named after Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (also called Israel). Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (Genesis 46:11). Kohath was the father of Amram; Amram was the father of Moses, Aaron and Miriam.

Jochebed wife of Amram. Amram is also her nephew, Kohath's son. Jochebed is the mother of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam (Exodus 6:20).

Jochebed was born to Levi and Melcha

20 Amram married his father's sister Jochebed, who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years. (Exodus 6:20)

The Levites were the only one of the Israelite tribes who received cities but no tribal land when Joshua led the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The Tribe of Levi served particular religious duties for the Israelites and had political responsibilities as well. In return, the landed tribes were expected to give tithe to the Levites, particularly the tithe known as the Maaser Rishon or Levite Tithe. They were set aside for Priestly duties, but the are still Jewish, actually the Priests of and teachers of the Jews. Please note, Moses is continuely referred to in relation to the other Israelites as BRETHEN.

Brethen is defined as (Blue Letter Bible / Strongs Concordance)

1) brother

a) brother of same parents

b) half-brother (same father)

c) relative, kinship, same tribe

d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

e) (fig.) of resemblance


BTW, Moses was one of the originators through God of the laws practiced by the Jewish people.

Answer 6

Yes Moses was a jew..Jewish is a race.levites is one of the tribes included in a Jew race.Moses was a taukhid (monothei
sm )religion prophet.He was raised in Egypt with his brother Harun.Moses implemented Torakh in his life because Torakh was dedicated by God for Jews. through Moses the messeng
er of God.So he did not practise the Jewish tradition like today.

Answer 7

The term "Jew" now refers to the entire Jewish people (anyone who practices Judaism.) That includes the descendants of the tribe of Levi.

Moses would have practiced some of the traditions we have now; the historical basis for others did not occur until after his death.

Answer 8

Obviously he was not a Jew. The term jew does not appear in scripture until 2 Kings 25:25

Moses was a Levite, an Israelite and a Hebrew but never a Jew.

Answer 9

You are thinking exactly how I've been thinking lately. I even asked a question about whether anyone can even know if they are a descendant of one of the tribes of Israel or not (I think NOT). The religion of Judaism is largely influenced by the Babylonian Talmud, rather than Torah, and I don't believe the Jews of the Bible were "Jewish", as we know them today.

Answer 10

eoredd's answer is great. the midsection of what he's saying is: Oral Torah isn't "given", this is "finished". along with a learn important different, along with a sturdy instructor who knows all of the greater memories and legends and data that would desire to lead you interior the pursuit of a particular subject remember. connect a type on Mishnah, at a Reform or Conservative synagogue. There are some very discovered human beings available you will no longer locate an answer lots greater suitable than E's that suits in Yahoo solutions. next step, bypass in authentic existence!