divisions withing judaism

[izzieamy]

'Jews should try to overcome their differences between groups and unite'

Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer
Many thanks x x x

(the two groups being orthodox jews and reform jews)

[Lonnie]

Not really, in an ideal world, yes, but maybe Christians and Muslims could set the Jews an example by uniting first.

Not forgetting, that within those two groups, there are splinter groups,

A bit like all the other major religions

[jno]

that's the trouble with religions: if you don't agree with the next guy, you don't agree. You can't compromise on religion to get a quieter life.

Actuially, many people do, which is why Christians don't burn each other at the stake any more. But it means their believes are rather more wishy-washy than the Bible suggests they should be.

I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I immediately ran over and said �Stop! Don�t do it!�

�Why shouldn�t I?� he said.

I said, �Well, there�s so much to live for!�

�Like what?�

�Well � are you religious or atheist?�

�Religious.�

�Me too! Are you Christian or Jewish?�

�Christian.�

�Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?�

�Protestant.�

�Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?�

�Baptist.�

�Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?�

�Baptist Church of God.�

�Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?�

�Reformed Baptist Church of God.�

�Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?�

�Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!�

So I said, �Die, heretic scum!� and pushed him off.

(Emo Philllips)

[Lonnie]

Thats terrific jno. a good ananology.

[TorahBoy]

Although variously described as a people, a nation, a community and a faith, there has never been ONE form of Judaism. Ever since Moses led us out of Egypt we have been bickering with one another. Whilst God and Moses were busy with the ten commandments, the children of Israel were making themselves a golden calf to worship! and ever since then, we have been arguing over every aspect of our faith. To describe the current state of Judaism as being split between Orthodox and Reform is in itself somewhat missing the point. From the Ultra Orthodox on one side of the Judaic spectrum, to the Liberal ‘Jews for Jesus’ on the other, we are splintered into very many factions, each proclaiming our own version of Judaism to be the truest. We also jealously guard our territory, and refuse to accept that someone approved for conversion by one section be recognised by another. I myself am a convert to (British) Reform Judaism. As such, most Jews consider me non-Jewish. Nowhere on earth is the division of our people more evident than in our spiritual homeland, Israel, where the issue of ‘Jewish Status’ (who is, and who is not a Jew) is all encompassing. As an example, some Israeli servicemen and women, who died in defence of their country, are denied a formal Jewish burial, as the Orthodox refute their Jewish Status. If there is a positive side to all this, it is that we constantly question our own beliefs as often as we question the beliefs of other Jews. Not for us the opiate of mindless obedience.