2007-12-19 21:24:54 · 8 answers · asked by Ella A 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Torah/Old Testament says:
"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God."
So most Jewish congregations should welcome you in their midst if you are respectful of their service.
It doesn't matter whether you are religious or not, Christian or atheist. God wants people to come to Him, and the Judaism provides for people to come into a relationship with God even if they are not ethnically Jewish.
Similarly, a Christian congregation should do the same, since it is based on a foundation of Judaism.
But most importantly, you should approach the moment with respect for those who are worshipping, and try to be attentive to their expectations for visitors as much as you can. I think they would be very welcoming. :))
2007-12-19 21:42:09 · answer #1 · answered by Trin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians are welcome in synagogues; everyone is welcome. If you are interested in attending a service, you can call the office of any synagogue in your area and ask for their help. If you have any Jewish friends, ask if you can go along with them, I'm sure they will be happy to help.
Just to clarify: as Jews we have no problem with Christians. We just have a problem with evangelical Christians who now tell us that we are not understanding our own scriptures and that THEY understand them far better.
If you plan to attend a synagogue, do be aware that there are different types :) For example, in a Reform synagogue, men and women sit together and there will be both English and Hebrew.
In an orthodox or convervative synagogue, men and women sit separately, and there will be more Hebrew. Some synagogues are more 'atmospheric' than others, if that makes any sense :) !
Hope this helps, feel free to post any more queries :)
TRIN - Christianity is not based on Judaism. In fact it is profoundly different to Judaism. Yes, the first Christians were Jewish but back then, Christianity was nothing like the religion we know today. Back then, it started out as more like Reform Judaism. It was the people who came along decades after Jesus died, who helped Christianity to evolve into what we see today. People such as Paul, who never even met Jesus.
2007-12-20 05:32:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Anyone, even Christians, may attend a prayer service in a synagogue. You should respect the rules - like wear a yarmulke if you are male. Talk to a Jewish friend about it if you want to go. There will be no problems.
2007-12-20 05:32:49 · answer #3 · answered by tentofield 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Our local Jewish Temple in Long Beach welcomed us. Our Baptist youth group would visit occasionally and have some great discussions afterward with the Rabbi. We were always welcomed and people were really nice about explaining things.
It was a predominantly Black Church and once when we were out evangelizing the neighborhood, I inadvertently entered a Black Muslim Coffee shop and was handing out invitations to our church. I am very white,( blond blue eyed devil if you will)
and the members of the Nation of Islam were respectful and amused as they pointed to the Crescent and Star and told me where I was.I thanked them and left as fast as I could, more surprised than scared.
I wish all communities were as tolerant and respectful as that community was in 1972.
2007-12-20 06:04:16 · answer #4 · answered by patrick m 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
LOL christians can enter synagogues dude. If it's a high holiday sometimes you have to reserve seats because it gets crowded but not always and it's a myth that you HAVE to buy seats.
2007-12-20 05:29:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Christians and non-christians even sgnostics and atheist can attend services... you just wont be counted as part of the minyans
2007-12-20 05:35:08 · answer #6 · answered by dangroner2000 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
lol...
Being Jewish and orthodox, I can tell you that EVERYONE is welcome in a synagogue!!!!
Please fell free to email me if you have any questions:)
2007-12-20 05:53:46 · answer #7 · answered by kismet 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of such a thing. Ask a Rabbi first.
2007-12-20 05:30:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋