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I’m a Christian but I’m also interested in Judaism and would like to know what it means and what it is like to be a person of Jewish faith. I’m quite ignorance in that regard. I know throughout history and in the current world there are many successful scientists, doctors, architects, bankers, financiers, businessmen, artists, musicians and movie stars who are of Jewish descent. The list goes on and on.
I truly believe that people of Jewish faith are special and that they are God chosen for a divine reason. They also have a great sense of community united by their religious faith which is rare in other cultures. It seems to an outsider like me, it is almost like an exclusive club which membership requires a birth right. Of course, it is just my ignorant observation. I obviously need help in getting a better understanding.
So what it is like and what does it mean to be a person of Jewish faith both in religious sense and in everyday life?
I am not Jewish and am primarily nothing more than an observer here.
But I have noticed something about the Jews that post here.
They are Human beings like you and I.
Like all people very much individualistic. I don't think it is possible to pigeon hole Jews into a one-size-fits-all package. I have often seen a phrase posted. "If you have 2 Jews you have 3 opinions" I find that to be quite appropriate.
I think I have learned why people are reluctant to reply to threads like this.
As I consider myself to be Native American trying to live as a Lakotah, I am curious about white people and their beliefs.
1. How much white are you?
2. I am part white myself, you know.
3. I learned your peoples ways in the Boy Scouts.
4. My great-great grandmother was a full-blood white
princess.
5. Funny, you do not look white.
6. Where is your powered wig and knickers?
7. Do you live in a covered wagon?
8. What is the meaning behind the square dance?
9. What is your feeling about river boat casinos? Do
casinos help your people, or are they a short-term fix?
10. Hey, can I take your picture?
You may find it more productive to browse through the different threads and ask specific questions Rather than trying to get replies to a thread like this.
I can't speak for all Jewish people, but my experience, as a convert to Judaism, was revolutionary in my life. I felt like I was living a lie as a quasi-Christian/Methodist/Catholic. I connected to Judaism and the people. They welcomed me with open arms. Not at first, of course; I had to prove my sincerity to many and undergo many hardships. It was all worth it.
I experienced a mosaic of sensations, from the relief of feeling like I finally could be who I was in my heart all along, to being welcome in the kitchen of Jewish women cooking, hearing their tips for me and having them welcome me warmly. This is after I underwent a conversion which included having to read Hebrew in front of a Rabbi that speaks many languages and grew up speaking Hebrew. It was intimidating, but a welcome experience for my Jewish life. I then realized that I would never know everything, and realized that I must stay humble and learn that I will never know everything I want to or need to.
And that's just the very tip of the iceberg. It's beautiful, glorious, and it completed my spirituality to get to become Jewish.
I don't think it is possible to pigeon hole Jews into a one-size-fits-all package.
Thanks Woodrow for your comment.
However, I'm not trying to pigeon hole anyone or any ethnic group into a package. I'm hoping to read a great variety of comments with many different points of view and from as many individuals as possible. I made a sincere attempt in trying to understand and learn more about a religion and culture which I'm interested in but know very little about. I'll be grateful if they'd write back and teach me a little. It's perfectly understandable if they don't feel comfortable doing it. It might be a sensitive subject to some, I guess, discussing a particular religion and culture. It might be too personal for some. Hope they'd have an open mind and realize that I'm respectful and sincere in my quest.
However, I'm not trying to pigeon hole anyone or any ethnic group into a package. I'm hoping to read a great variety of comments with many different points of view and from as many individuals as possible. I made a sincere attempt in trying to understand and learn more about a religion and culture which I'm interested in but know very little about. I'll be grateful if they'd write back and teach me a little. It's perfectly understandable if they don't feel comfortable doing it. It might be a sensitive subject to some, I guess, discussing a particular religion and culture. It might be too personal for some. Hope they'd have an open mind and realize that I'm respectful and sincere in my quest.
I believe in this post you may have broken the ice and some will see you are sincere.
Sadly this forum gets many threads started by insincere people and has caused many here (Including the grouchy mod) to be a bit gun-shy.
(Now I remember why I rarely reply to these things. I put a lot of information about something deep in my heart out here on the forum. Awkward! But sincere.)
I’m a Christian but I’m also interested in Judaism and would like to know what it means and what it is like to be a person of Jewish faith. I’m quite ignorance in that regard. I know throughout history and in the current world there are many successful scientists, doctors, architects, bankers, financiers, businessmen, artists, musicians and movie stars who are of Jewish descent. The list goes on and on.
Not all Jewish people are successful in their careers they have chosen. Many are bi-polar, schizophrenic or other mental issues to handicapped and can't work or they are beach bums and live on the beach trying to get money or food from you. There are all types of people in this world, all colors and faiths including agnostic and atheist. Also, you can't base religion on their success because success can come in all colors and religions or people who are agnostic and atheist.
I assume you have been reading some of the many, many posts in this forum. What have you learned so far?
On Judaism and what I'm hoping to learn from this thread of mine, not much so far. I rely heavily on inputs from others.
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