Educate me about Judaism; its history and its criticsms.?

Question

All over in this section there are criticisms of Christianity, Islam and atheism...but I hardly ever come across anything about Judaism. Frankly, I dont know much about it. I went to Catholic schools and come from an Islamic family but am an atheist...so im clear on all those. But Judaism is almost elusive.
What are its origins? What are its main tenets, its holy books?
And what are its criticisms? Because frankly, I think the other three seem to get bashed all around but it appears there are no criticisms to be had of Judaism? Im not calling for hate, Im simply asking why is there no discussion of it?

And also, what are the views that Jewish people usually hold of non-believers, homosexuals, abortion, afterlife etc. From what Ive gathered, they are more tolerant than the other two religions...but I could be wrong.
And also...is the Old Testament a part of Judaism? I remember hearing that it was the Torah...once more, could be wrong.

Educate me!

Yes I apologize that my question is broad but I was hoping an actual Jewish person might respond or perhaps someone who knows of good sources of literature. The internet is full of junk and I simply want valid and credible sources to read up on something I dont know.
I was simply asking for help.

Answer 1

I'd be happy to try and help but your question is a bit big... :)

A very helpful and clear website is: http://www.whatjewsbelieve.org/

To answer briefly:

As Jews we believe that everyone goes to heaven, no matter what their religion, if they lead a moral life here on earth.

We believe in one G-d and only one G-d

We believe in the old testament, actually its' proper name is the 'Tanakh'.

Judaism was the first organised faith to recognise only one G-d; in other words, the first monotheistic religion

Jesus was Jewish. He lived and died as a practising Jew; he never renounced his faith. As Jews we view him as just an ordinary man; a young Jewish radical, one of many. He is neither a prophet, nor a deity, nor part of a deity, to us. He does not feature at all in Jewish theology.

We do believe that a messiah will come: the Tanakh details very clearly how we will recognise him, because he/she will do specific things, such as bring peace on earth. If the person claiming to be the messiah fails to do even ONE of the things we are waiting and watching for, then he is a false messiah. This is how we know that Jesus was NOT the messiah.

If you have any more specific questions, please do post them either in this forum, or in the Israel forum, under Travel :)

Answer 2

I am afraid Vampie you have never heard the real New Testament..

The O.T. was given to the Hebrew children until the time of Jesus. thru Jesus God revealed His mystery not only to the Jews but to the whole world.

Jesus is high priest to the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek was a King to the cursed tribe of Canaan.
Melchizedek was and still is priest to the most high God.
Melchizedek was a Spirit that roamed the earth [ angel in human form ].. The same as angels in the O.T.

God is showing that He has been in all religions of the world, giving the laws of God as the Jewish prophets and messengers, of the most high God.

Jesus' high priesthood has nothing to do with the Levite priesthood or the Old Testament..

It is all to the Spirit world and the forth coming kingdom/Government of God.

See website..

In Jesus' true ministry it went into all religions of the world or of no religions.

Answer 3

One of the best books on Judaism is Israel Shahaks "Jewish History, Jewish Religion" - its written by an Aushwitz survivor and takes a fair accurate look at the Jewish faith.
Its available on line.

Answer 4

I found the best way to learn about any culture properly, is to live within it - day by day - adapting their way of life as much as possible and enduring their hardships as well as sharing in their conversations. (There is possibility of varying answers and opinion too, from 2 different people of one culture!) It is never quite the same, to read about it or discuss it especially with those who have never touched a certain culture in any way that is deep and meaningful. I learned this for example by living and working in the Deaf Culture as a hearing person. Doing ministry, attending meetings, having personal friends and sharing in their struggles to be accepted and part of society was quite a shock to me. I thought we were helping them all these years, when in fact we were supressing them more by not letting them learn and "do it themself".....It became more apparent to me as time went on, that "they" were actually holier than much of the rest of the world through their being rejected, living poverty and all in humility. They live on the edge of society and are almost forgotten. Please pray for them and thank you!

Answer 5

People don't have the nerve to judge or make fun of jews since the Holocaust.
and I'd go ask a actual Jew or maybe research it.

Answer 6

You shouldn't worry about the criticisms coming from such an anonymous place as the internet. You will eventually go with what makes sense to you anyway, so it should be more about your own personal quest for knowledge, and answering your own criticisms.

Answer 7

Jewish people don't judge others. If you want to learn more, start with your web browser and favorite search engine. Your question is far too broad for anyone to answer here.

Answer 8

Jews tend not to get bashed on groups such as these because Jews tend not to be holier than thous who claim that everyone but theey are going to hell simply for their belief in the wrong god. Haven't you noticed?

Answer 9

5. From Islam - Jesus of Nazareth did not die in reality, but in appearance (i.e. Jesus of Nazareth was not executed by crucifixion) [6] Actually they say it was Judas LOL. Go figure that one. Do get it right.

Answer 10

you be lucky jews are closet people they change their names and never tell you they jewish because they too ashamed of their religion.