​                         What I Learned from Judaism

 
Solomon Maimon wrote, “My religion [Judaism] compels me to believe nothing and instead to pursue the truth and perform good deeds.”  I resonated with this comment because I find truth in many religions and fields of knowledge.  Below is what I have learned from Judaism.

Without asserting their inerrancy, the Commandments are universal Laws that apply to all people no matter what spiritual or religious affiliation.  The Decalogue is reproduced below in summary form.

1. You shall have no other gods other than the one God.
2. You shall not make an idol of God.
3. You shall not take the Lord’s name in vain.
4. Observe the sabbath.
5. Honor your mother and father.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or belongings.

These laws are important because they provide wise and practical guidance.  God must remain an entity we honor to stay in healthy relationship with God even when we have contrary ideas.  No one has ever seen the face of God because no two people discern the same unique face of God.  We see God through our faith and the words and actions of others who are near to us (physically, emotionally, culturally, ethnically, religiously, linguistically, ideationally, and/or spiritually).  Even after we die, there is no single being who is all of God – we are individual parts of God much like a ray on the sun.  Because of the multiplicity of God’s oneness and the Deity’s dynamic being, idols do not represent God even when others use them as reminders to pray and worship religiously.  Jewish aniconic worship reminds us that God is found in our hearts and spirits.

Respect for our parents is important in all cultures; parents are our genetic sources and usually our guardians, most important examples, and initial liaisons to all other families, communities, and social groups.  Murder is never acceptable because each life is precious and the law provides another way to handle conflicts.  The marital family is the cornerstone of every society.  It does not work as well in non-monogamous relationships.  Respect for property that is not yours is necessary for the rule of law.  Lying leads to more lying to cover up the first untruthful statement; thus, avoid dishonest statements to steer clear of an unvirtuous cycle.  Circumcision is a commitment not to allow sexual desire to control one’s mind and behavior.  According to Romans 13:10 (NRSV), love for neighbor and for God is “the fulfilling” of the other Commandments. 

The aspects of Judaism listed above are as true now as they were almost thousands of years ago.  Of course if all the tenets above were not factually true or practical, there are still many reasons to observe Jewish customs and practices.