NationStates Jolt Archive

Also Known As: Ask a Jew (Take Four!)

Well, the company where I work is finally going full-time for the summer, so I'm bound to be getting a bit more time off. This is good, since yesterday and the day before were the first weekened I've had off in June. I get more time off and more time to spend here on NS. So, I think it's as good a time as any to bring back this most excellent wisdom-increasing thread.

A lot of people are clueless as to the practices and beliefs of Judaism. I don't claim to be a master of the subject (I don't speak Hebrew, I need a calendar to remember when all the Holidays are, and I don't know even a tiny percentage of the history and teachings) but I am better informed than the majority of Earths populace.

So, if you have any questions about Judaism feel free to ask them here. I will answer to the best of my knowledge, but please do not expect exact and perfect explanations. What I don't know I will attempt to look up for you, and if I can't find it I will tell you so. I'll try not to make up to much stuff, but I make no promises ;)

As the whited out sentence says, this is the fourth time I have posted this thread. Just in case you want to look anything up, or check to see if you've already asked something, here are the past three threads.

The original thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=361180&

The second thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=405332&

The third thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=415641&

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is 'Kosher' food?

Kosher food is food that is 'clean' (legal) to eat in the Jewish religion. The source of the food has to fit a number of specific criteria, it has been prepared a certain way, and it even has to be eaten a certain way. Pork is the most commonly known Un-Kosher food, since pigs do not have cloven hoofs (one of the requirements of the source animal) or chew their cud (another requirement). All meat/dairy combinations are also Un-Kosher, so no Orthodox are going to be having a cheeseburger anytime soon.

2) What's the difference between Orthodox Judaism and other forms?

Unless you want to discuss minute and individual branches that are caused mainly by isolation from the rest of Judaism or extreme local situations; the only differences are the level of observance. The same laws exist for Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform and we use the same holy books (Unlike the seperate branches of the Christian religion) but each level down the followers are less and less strict. For example, the Orthodox will not even turn on their stoves to cook a meal on Saturday, even going so far as to ask passer-bys outside to come in and do it for them (I'm serious here, I know Orthodox who do this). The Conservative will not spend the entire day inside doing massive amounts of physical labor and paper work on Saturday, but we'll turn on a microwave if we need to. Look at it this way, it's the difference between a person who will always drive the exact speed limit and never jay walks and a person who might drive 5 mph over the limit and will cross at a non-crosswalk.

3) What's your stance on Israel?

Though Israel is officially a Jewish nation and the majority of the nations population is Jewish, I view it as simply one of hundreds of governments on Earth and judge it no differently. I judge it based on its actions, not on whether or not it's supporting Judaism. I do often root for it when it comes into conflict with other nations and neither side is clearly right, but not when it is obviously in the wrong.

Nice post.

I've got some questions. 1) Why the no meat/dairy combination? 2) What's the stance held most common on homosexual relationships, and the passages from the Torah (If you happen to know them) that support them? 3) Do you have various clergymembers like the Christians do, or is it just the Rabbis? What about a single unifying body that presides over them?

1) I'm not sure where the No meat can mix with any dairy came from, but it started with the rule that 'no animal should be served with the milk of its mother', since even I (A man who loves both a nice glass of cool milk and a nice juicy hamburger) think that'd be a bit over the line.

2) Most individual Jews I know (Including my Rabbi) are of the opinion "If they want to get married and have sex with each other then go for it, it's their choice", but I don't know what the official stance is. There are both supporting and condeming events in Jewish history, and I'm not sure which have been invalidated (Yes, for those who don't know, we do stop listening to laws that were written millenia ago when it's obvious that they're bad laws and shouldn't be followed)

3) There are many different offices in the Jewish religion, not just the Rabbi. However, there is no single leader (Like the Pope or the Caliph). There are many conferences held each year where Rabbis from all over the world congregate and discuss the religion and debate new laws and whatnot, but even those conferences don't have definite authority over the religion or represent every Shul and grouping across the world.

Here is a question, why is tinfoil, some soap and other things marked as Kosher? last I checked normal people do not eat that stuff, so why waste money to get it certified as kosher?

Nice post.

I've got some questions. 1) Why the no meat/dairy combination? 2) What's the stance held most common on homosexual relationships, and the passages from the Torah (If you happen to know them) that support them? 3) Do you have various clergymembers like the Christians do, or is it just the Rabbis? What about a single unifying body that presides over them?

I know the PRACTICAL answer to number 1. besides the passage in the Torah, only eating milk or meat in a meal was healthier and when you are in the desert, such commodities may be rare and harder to come by. To have them both at the same time can be seena as a waste of resources. Thats my personal view on the matter. And I am a Jew by the way.

Here is a question, why is tinfoil, some soap and other things marked as Kosher? last I checked normal people do not eat that stuff, so why waste money to get it certified as kosher?

I actually wondered this myself for a while (Specifically about salt, which is neither meat nor dairy) and I was told that it's because many non-meat/dairy products often come in contact with non-kosher things during production. For example, glue used to be made out of some parts of horses (Personally, I'm quite glad this isn't the case anymore) and thus that glue would be unkosher (since horses aren't kosher). I assume that those products have some animal products in them or were treated by them or something along those lines.

Ah..Thank you, Klonor. If I think of any more, I'll come back.

Leliopolis, yes, I do suppose that makes sense.

I have a question! Do you regard the old law as presently applicable (specifically, the parts about uncleanness and what not)? If not, what would be the most orthodox sect? I love the topic of Judaism! :)

As I said earlier, Jewish laws are invalidated as time passes and it becomes clear that they're no long applicable and moral. Certain of the ancient laws are still in effect (Don't murder, don't steal, do good deeds, etc.) but others have long since passed out of use (stoning, murdering heretic priests, etc.)

I have a question! Do you regard the old law as presently applicable (specifically, the parts about uncleanness and what not)? If not, what would be the most orthodox sect? I love the topic of Judaism! :)
In my group (Reform Judaism), we don't believe the Bible to be the literal word of God. Many portions are a result of human misinterpretations of God's will and anachronistic products of the time they were written. So we don't follow some of the more absurd rules about stoning adulterers and such.

I once was told that the body produces very different enzymes for dairy vs. meat that can easily conflict with each other. I'm culturally Jewish, btw.

I have a question! Do you regard the old law as presently applicable (specifically, the parts about uncleanness and what not)? If not, what would be the most orthodox sect? I love the topic of Judaism! :)
well Klonor if you dont mind I will answer this one. My topic of study.

To answer the easier question first. What is believed to be the most Orthodox sect is Hasidism, while there are others that rival it, in my studies and as viewed by most, it is the winner.

to answer the first question in the shortest form possible and simplified version. Most conservatives and up are followers of the laws of cleanliness, and of course Rabbis. In lesser conservative or difficult areas to follow these laws, or if they are reform, they are often minded but not watched fully. Like I have never heard of a conservative eating ham.


Klonor, I want to applaude you for this thread. It is very well written and makes clear points. As I work for the Israeli government and am I now located in the US, I hope you didnt mind I took that question.

In my group (Reform Judaism), we don't believe the Bible to be the literal word of God. Many portions are a result of human misinterpretations of God's will and anachronistic products of the time they were written. So we don't follow some of the more absurd rules about stoning adulterers and such.
Neithed does Hasidim, doesnt make you special. The ToRah is opEn Fully tO intRepretation. While your group's is a little More absurd even Foolish sOmetimes, they all are One in the same cuLture.

I actually wondered this myself for a while (Specifically about salt, which is neither meat nor dairy) and I was told that it's because many non-meat/dairy products often come in contact with non-kosher things during production. For example, glue used to be made out of some parts of horses (Personally, I'm quite glad this isn't the case anymore) and thus that glue would be unkosher (since horses aren't kosher). I assume that those products have some animal products in them or were treated by them or something along those lines.
actually to be quite blatant. To keep items kosher they must be made on kosher items. If those were somehow drgraded in a process, it would lead to it being unkosher and the food thus used unkosher. And for now a days where in some areas keeping Kosher is a real task, the use of paper plates and tinfoil is a common practice.

The religion of Islam can be traced to Mecca and the arrival of Mohammed, the religion of Christianity can be traced to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (or his crucifixion in Judea). I was wondering what would be the approximate date, event and founder of the Jewish faith.

The religion of Islam can be traced to Mecca and the arrival of Mohammed, the religion of Christianity can be traced to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (or his crucifixion in Judea). I was wondering what would be the approximate date, event and founder of the Jewish faith.


While I am not Jewish I believe that it first started with God's covenant with Abraham

While I am not Jewish I believe that it first started with God's covenant with Abraham

When and where did that take place?

When and where did that take place?

Roughly 425 years after the Flood in the city of Haran is when God told Abram to go to the land God showed him, at least according to Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible, but the Torah could have it at a different time/place.

...Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible, but the Torah could have it at a different time/place.


if im not mistaken (and i might be).. the old testament and the torah are the same thing. Being as Christianity was sort of like a 'schizm' (love the word) from Judaism.. im thinking the christians continued to use the old testament (ie: torah) and then from the 'split' and onwards, created the new testament as the religion grew and separated more from judaism.

heres a question: are jews for jesus ('jews gone wild') kindof just like christians. b/c the original christians, when the religion began, were really just 'jews for jesus' ... ?

if im not mistaken (and i might be).. the old testament and the torah are the same thing. Being as Christianity was sort of like a 'schizm' (love the word) from Judaism.. im thinking the christians continued to use the old testament (ie: torah) and then from the 'split' and onwards, created the new testament as the religion grew and separated more from judaism.


Actually the Old Testament does not include some of the "books" in the Torah, at least from my understanding

Actually the Old Testament does not include some of the "books" in the Torah, at least from my understanding
The old testament is known in Judaism as the Tanakh, which in hebrew is an acronym for Torah, Nivi'im, and another word which I forgot. Torah is the 5 books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Nivi'im is hebrew for Prophets, and includes writings by various prophets whom I cannot recall. The last one is hebrew for Judges, and I'm not sure of anything in it.

heres a question: are jews for jesus ('jews gone wild') kindof just like christians. b/c the original christians, when the religion began, were really just 'jews for jesus' ... ?
According to my rabbi, Jews for Jesus are not Jews. The most important difference between Judaism and Christianity is that Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah and the son of God and a bunch of other stuff, whereas Jews do not. That's not to say we deny he existed, and he may have been a very good person, but Jews do not believe in Jesus as a savior.

Roughly 425 years after the Flood in the city of Haran is when God told Abram to go to the land God showed him, at least according to Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible, but the Torah could have it at a different time/place.

I'm not familiar with the Flood in the city of Haran, so I have no idea when or where the flood took place. What I'm trying to find out is the actual location and date, in which the Jewish faith originated. (ie. 3333 B.C. in Jerusalem)

I realise that since it is a much older religion than Christianity or Islam it might be harder to pinpoint, but I'm curious to understand the historical context in which the religion was created.

Approximately, Judaism was founded around 4,000 years ago when, as was said, God first gave his message to Abraham. Moses, one of the most well-known Jew to non-Jews, lived around 3,500 years ago. To stall the forthcoming question, the Jewish calendar (Which is nearing 6,000) does not count from the origin of Judaism, but instead from the creation of the world (As descriebd in Genesis).

Abraham did not live in Israel originally (Israel did not exist) but was instead told by God to journey to Canaan (What is now Israel) and to settle there.

even going so far as to ask passer-bys outside to come in and do it for them (I'm serious here, I know Orthodox who do this)

Just a quick note here ... calling upon a "shabbos goy" is forbidden.

The old testament is known in Judaism as the Tanakh, which in hebrew is an acronym for Torah, Nivi'im, and another word which I forgot.

Kethuvim

Approximately, Judaism was founded around 4,000 years ago when, as was said, God first gave his message to Abraham. Moses, one of the most well-known Jew to non-Jews, lived around 3,500 years ago. To stall the forthcoming question, the Jewish calendar (Which is nearing 6,000) does not count from the origin of Judaism, but instead from the creation of the world (As descriebd in Genesis).

Abraham did not live in Israel originally (Israel did not exist) but was instead told by God to journey to Canaan (What is now Israel) and to settle there.

Based on what you wrote I'm guessing the Jews are not originally from Canaan (modern Israel). If this is correct, where did they originally come from?

Also you said the Jewish calendar is nearing 6,000, which marks the creation of the world. Do Jews believe this to be so or are there Rabbis (I don't know if this is the correct word) trying to resolve this with theories of evolution.

* I am using the term "Jew" in this thread, but I was wondering if it would be more approapriate to use the word "Hebrew" when talking about the history of Judaism.

Based on what you wrote I'm guessing the Jews are not originally from Canaan (modern Israel). If this is correct, where did they originally come from?
I don't think anyone knows for sure where Abraham was. It was, I believe, somewhere close to Canaan, but a bit to the east.

Also you said the Jewish calendar is nearing 6,000, which marks the creation of the world. Do Jews believe this to be so or are there Rabbis (I don't know if this is the correct word) trying to resolve this with theories of evolution.
This website (http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/passover/jewish-calendar-hebrew.html) resolves that issue rather nicely near/at the bottom of the page.

* I am using the term "Jew" in this thread, but I was wondering if it would be more approapriate to use the word "Hebrew" when talking about the history of Judaism.
We use "Jew" as well. So no biggie. Either one is chill.

Torah is the 5 books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Jews call them the five books of moses rite? the jewish people in my city time the oven and the lights for the sabbath. apparentli they aren't allowed to CHANGE THE STATE of anything. so where most jewish people in my city congregate the lights change automattically so orthodox jews don't to press the buttons.

Torah is the 5 books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Jews call them the five books of moses rite? the jewish people in my city time the oven and the lights for the sabbath. apparentli they aren't allowed to CHANGE THE STATE of anything. so where most jewish people in my city congregate the lights change automattically so orthodox jews don't to press the buttons.
It's not anything, it's just electricity and other things like it. Where do you live? I like the support system.

It's not anything, it's just electricity and other things like it. Where do you live? I like the support system.

just electricy? ok sorry. I live in Sydney. An earstern suburb called Bondi has a large Jewish population and the council I think pushed to help the Orthodox jews there. its also home to the best beach in sydney. (or i think so :) )

just electricy? ok sorry. I live in Sydney. An earstern suburb called Bondi has a large Jewish population and the council I think pushed to help the Orthodox jews there. its also home to the best beach in sydney. (or i think so :) )
It's not just electricity - it's other types of labor. You're not supposed to do work; you can pray but not do paperwork, walk but not drive, etc, etc.

Also you said the Jewish calendar is nearing 6,000, which marks the creation of the world. Do Jews believe this to be so or are there Rabbis (I don't know if this is the correct word) trying to resolve this with theories of evolution.



As I said, the Jewish calendar marks the date of the Earths creation as it is stated in Genesis (Six days, "Let there be light", Adam and Eve, etc.)

I, personally, believe in both evolution and the creation theory. I simply think God caused the Earth to be formed after the Big Bang, he caused animals to evolve, and Adam and Eve were simply the first evolved humans.

It's not just electricity - it's other types of labor. You're not supposed to do work; you can pray but not do paperwork, walk but not drive, etc, etc.

is getting very confused

I don't think anyone knows for sure where Abraham was. It was, I believe, somewhere close to Canaan, but a bit to the east.


This website (http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/passover/jewish-calendar-hebrew.html) resolves that issue rather nicely near/at the bottom of the page.


We use "Jew" as well. So no biggie. Either one is chill.

I checked out the web site and have a few questions.

1. If Aviv means "spring" what does Tel Aviv mean?

2. The web site makes a distinction between Christian and Gregorian calendar, is this merely semantics or is there a reason for this distinction?

3. Why was Ezra exiled to Babylon and since he created the calander does this mean the Hebrew calendar is based on the Babylonian calendar?

4."...the Hebrew year number is not necessarily supposed to represent a scientific fact." Does this mean that early Hebrew history is mythological? If so, at what point in the Jewish faith do accounts become historically accurate?

Just a quick note here ... calling upon a "shabbos goy" is forbidden.

..err..What's a "shabbos goy"?

..err..What's a "shabbos goy"?

I'll second that question.

..err..What's a "shabbos goy"?

It's the Yiddish term for the non-Jew you get to do things for you on shabbat (sabbath) like turning on lights or carrying a package. You're not supposed to do that.

Really? Wow, you learn something new every day.

I'll have to scold them the next time I see them. ;)

1. If Aviv means "spring" what does Tel Aviv mean?
"Hill of spring." There are no prepositions in Hebrew.

2. The web site makes a distinction between Christian and Gregorian calendar, is this merely semantics or is there a reason for this distinction?
Two options: Either there's no real distinction, or "Christian" means the pre-Gregorian Christian calendar.

3. Why was Ezra exiled to Babylon and since he created the calander does this mean the Hebrew calendar is based on the Babylonian calendar?
Nebuchadezzar, the Babylonian King, exiled the Jews from what's now Israel after he conquered it - the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora. The Jews created their own subculture in Babylon, and thus the calendar is entirely a Jewish invention.

4."...the Hebrew year number is not necessarily supposed to represent a scientific fact." Does this mean that early Hebrew history is mythological? If so, at what point in the Jewish faith do accounts become historically accurate?
This only refers to the first 7 days in the creation story in Genesis, which aren't meant to be taken literally. So the starting point for the Jewish calendar in a Gregorian system is not knownnn. But once that's found, subtract seven days from the Jewish calendar and, if the Bible is accurate, it's accurate.

Really? Wow, you learn something new every day.

I'll have to scold them the next time I see them. ;)
There are certain exceptions to that prohibition, detailed here (www.nyu.edu/clubs/shalhevet/ files/The%20Shabbos%20Goy-overview.doc).

Dude, I'm not really going to scold them. I mean come on, I don't even keep completely kosher (I love shrimp and lobster so very much) or go to shul except on the High Holidys (WHere I actually do make a point of going). I have no right to scold what I consider to be better men/women, and I'd never dream of it.

Dude, I'm not really going to scold them. I mean come on, I don't even keep completely kosher (I love shrimp and lobster so very much) or go to shul except on the High Holidys (WHere I actually do make a point of going). I have no right to scold what I consider to be better men/women, and I'd never dream of it.
I just wanted to point that out. I guessed from the smiley you weren't particularly serious :p

"Hill of spring." There are no prepositions in Hebrew.


Two options: Either there's no real distinction, or "Christian" means the pre-Gregorian Christian calendar.


Nebuchadezzar, the Babylonian King, exiled the Jews from what's now Israel after he conquered it - the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora. The Jews created their own subculture in Babylon, and thus the calendar is entirely a Jewish invention.


This only refers to the first 7 days in the creation story in Genesis, which aren't meant to be taken literally. So the starting point for the Jewish calendar in a Gregorian system is not knownnn. But once that's found, subtract seven days from the Jewish calendar and, if the Bible is accurate, it's accurate.

I'm sure it's obvious that I don't know much about the Jewish religion, but I'm interested in discovering the historical context in which the faith evolved to better understand how certain values came to exist. From the highlighted part of your post I'm left with the assumption that the current Jewish calender is not accurate, which might be why Christians chose to "restart" the calender with the birth of Jesus. Is this a valid assumption or did I miss something?

Just a question, how many jew is there on earth?

I've heard some time ago it was around 10 000 000, but that seem pretty low and I can't find any source.

I'm sure it's obvious that I don't know much about the Jewish religion, but I'm interested in discovering the historical context in which the faith evolved to better understand how certain values came to exist. From the highlighted part of your post I'm left with the assumption that the current Jewish calender is not accurate, which might be why Christians chose to "restart" the calender with the birth of Jesus. Is this a valid assumption or did I miss something?
It depends on the meaning of accurate. If you mean does it measure accurately the entire span of human existance, no - unless you believe in literal interpretations of the Bible. But it does measure the amount of years since the Bible says the world was created, if taken literally.

Just a question, how many jew is there on earth?

I've heard some time ago it was around 10 000 000, but that seem pretty low and I can't find any source.
13 Million in 2001.

Source:
http://www.jfed.org/jewishmap.htm

It depends on the meaning of accurate. If you mean does it measure accurately the entire span of human existance, no - unless you believe in literal interpretations of the Bible. But it does measure the amount of years since the Bible says the world was created, if taken literally.


Would you be able to trace, with reasonable historical accuracy, events like of the flood and Noah's arc or the reign of King David?