Orthodox Jew stopping by temporarily

[Slibhin]

What is an Orthodox Jew, if you don't mind me asking?

Orthodox Judaism - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Yusuphhai]

Pesach in Beijing 2023

 

[Slibhin]

View attachment 346005
Pesach in Beijing 2023

I didn't know Christians celebrated Passover.

 

[Yusuphhai]

I didn't know Christians celebrated Passover.

They are not Christians or Messianic Jewish, they are members of Kehillat Beijing(Beijing Jewish Congregation of reformed Judaism).

Orthodox Judaism （Chabad）invented Noahidism(Noahide,Son of Noah) to respond to Christian missionary work.

​

 

[Jonaitis]

Orthodox Judaism - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Could you tell me about it from your experience? I'm interested from someone from the inside and their perspective.

 

[Slibhin]

They are not Christians or Messianic Jewish, they are members of Kehillat Beijing(Beijing Jewish Congregation of reformed Judaism).

Orthodox Judaism （Chabad）invented Noahidism(Noahide,Son of Noah) to respond to Christian missionary work.

​

I see.

 

[Slibhin]

Could you tell me about it from your experience? I'm interested from someone from the inside and their perspective.

That is such a broad question I wouldn't know where to begin. You ask what you like and I'll do my best to answer.

 

[Jonaitis]

That is such a broad question I wouldn't know where to begin. You ask what you like and I'll do my best to answer.

I totally understand! What does it mean to be an Orthodox Jew yourself? You can begin anywhere you would like.

 

[Slibhin]

I totally understand! What does it mean to be an Orthodox Jew yourself? You can begin anywhere you would like.

You're asking me the same question in a different way. Like I said it's so broad I don't know where to begin. I'm not trying to be difficult and I'm happy to answer you, but narrow the scope please.

 

[Jonaitis]

You're asking me the same question in a different way. Like I said it's so broad I don't know where to begin. I'm not trying to be difficult and I'm happy to answer you, but narrow the scope please.

Okay,

1. What is the Orthodox approach to religious observance of the Torah? Is it different than other sects of Judaism? Could you explain it for me?

2. Will you share some of your personal and meaningful experiences within this tradition? What are some beautiful aspects of it in your view?

3. What is the community involvement in this tradition, and how does it work?

4. What are some of the challenges in your tradition? Is it in relation to integrating in society or applying it in everyday life?

 

[Slibhin]

Okay,

1. What is the Orthodox approach to religious observance of the Torah? Is it different than other sects of Judaism? Could you explain it for me?

2. Will you share some of your personal and meaningful experiences within this tradition? What are some beautiful aspects of it in your view?

3. What is the community involvement in this tradition, and how does it work?

4. What are some of the challenges in your tradition? Is it in relation to integrating in society or applying it in everyday life?

1. The Torah is the five books handed to Moses by G-d: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. We also follow an oral tradition called the Talmud (actually written down so calling it oral is incorrect at this point). They are the foundation of Jewish law called Halacha. There are 613 laws in the Torah called the Mitzvot. We do out best to follow these laws as closely as possible. The rest of the scriptures are called the Tanakh which contains the same books as your "Old" Testament, (we don't call it the Old Testament because we don't believe there is a new one). The translations and arrangements are different however.

The other major "branches" of Judaism are conservative and reformed Jews. We consider these groups to be apostate and not "real" Jews. We are particularly hostile to Messianic "Jews" and Jews for Jesus types who we do not accept as Jewish whatsoever. I want to stress that I am very libertarian in my mindset and firmly support a "live and let live" society. I would never go to one of these groups and start trashing them or in some way infringing on their rights to believe whatever they wish.

2. This is a very broad question that time and space are inadequate to answer. Jewish people have a very long cultural history and identity and tend to be pretty insular, depending on the group. I'm what's called "Modern Orthodox" which basically means we're a little more "liberal" the others... but not by much.

3. Shabbat and Passover are usually celebrated with family and guests. Community also handles disputes and some legal issues. Most marriages and major holidays are social.

4. The only challenge is dealing with the prejudices of some other people, much like any community that isn't the majority. The only time I face issues are sometimes socially, such as being unable to eat out with friends because of strict kosher laws. I'm also not allowed to touch unrelated men which can cause friction if I'm in a business situation that requires a handshake. I get mistaken for a Muslim frequently because when a Jewish woman marries she has to cover her hair, so I've been on the receiving end of misplaced islamophobia also.

 

[Jonaitis]

1. The Torah is the five books handed to Moses by G-d: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. We also follow an oral tradition called the Talmud (actually written down so calling it oral is incorrect at this point). They are the foundation of Jewish law called Halacha. There are 613 laws in the Torah called the Mitzvot. We do out best to follow these laws as closely as possible. The rest of the scriptures are called the Tanakh which contains the same books as your "Old" Testament, (we don't call it the Old Testament because we don't believe there is a new one). The translations and arrangements are different however.

What is the main and central message of the Hebrew Bible according to Judaism?

The other major "branches" of Judaism are conservative and reformed Jews. We consider these groups to be apostate and not "real" Jews. We are particularly hostile to Messianic "Jews" and Jews for Jesus types who we do not accept as Jewish whatsoever. I want to stress that I am very libertarian in my mindset and firmly support a "live and let live" society. I would never go to one of these groups and start trashing them or in some way infringing on their rights to believe whatever they wish.

Interesting! So, Jewish is more of a theological position, like Christians, when it comes to other members that believe differently than a particular sect, according to the Orthodox tradition, since some who identify as such is labeled an apostate by other groups?

2. This is a very broad question that time and space are inadequate to answer. Jewish people have a very long cultural history and identity and tend to be pretty insular, depending on the group. I'm what's called "Modern Orthodox" which basically means we're a little more "liberal" the others... but not by much.

How much liberal, and on what points do you diverge from the others within the Orthodox tradition that is more conservative?

3. Shabbat and Passover are usually celebrated with family and guests. Community also handles disputes and some legal issues. Most marriages and major holidays are social.

How is Shabbat services and gathering held according to your tradition? Like, what are the customs or practices, in alignment with the Torah and Talmud, during that day?

4. The only challenge is dealing with the prejudices of some other people, much like any community that isn't the majority. The only time I face issues are sometimes socially, such as being unable to eat out with friends because of strict kosher laws. I'm also not allowed to touch unrelated men which can cause friction if I'm in a business situation that requires a handshake. I get mistaken for a Muslim frequently because when a Jewish woman marries she has to cover her hair, so I've been on the receiving end of misplaced islamophobia also.

Interesting. I know that it is very similar to Islamic culture when it comes to women as well.

 

[Slibhin]

What is the main and central message of the Hebrew Bible according to Judaism?

Interesting! So, Jewish is more of a theological position, like Christians, when it comes to other members that believe differently than a particular sect, according to the Orthodox tradition, since some who identify as such is labeled an apostate by other groups?

How much liberal, and on what points do you diverge from the others within the Orthodox tradition that is more conservative?

How is Shabbat services and gathering held according to your tradition? Like, what are the customs or practices, in alignment with the Torah and Talmud, during that day?

Interesting. I know that it is very similar to Islamic culture when it comes to women as well.

I don't want to discourage you from asking questions or make you think I'm not happy to answer, just some fo what you're asking is not something I can answer without sitting and writing a small essay. If you really are truly interested in greater details about Jews or Judaism I really encourage you to do some research online.

The bible says G-d liberated the Jews and gave them the Torah on Mount Sinai. The covenant is we are to follow the Torah and in return G-d offers his protection and blesses us. The 613 Mitzvot are only for Jews (with some exceptions) and non-Jews are not required to follow them. That is why you don't see Jews trying to convert people, we don't the laws of Moses apply to anyone else other then the exceptions, such as not murdering or being a blasphemer.

Orthodox is orthodox, and we all follow the same halacha , the only real difference is how strictly. For example I will shake hands with men in business settings where ultra-orthodox women will not under any circumstances. I'll listen to music and dance etc..., ultra-orthodox people will not. At the end of the day however, a sin is a sin and we don't get the option of picking and choosing. When I use the term "more liberal" I mean in relative to the stricter groups. I'm still pretty conservative in my beliefs and lifestyle.

 

[hal4x]

I've been aware of this forum for quite a while because my Christian sister in law uses it. I held off on joining for numerous reasons but now I have decided to stop by and post some rambling.

I just spent a couple of years on several Christian forums, mostly American Evangelicals, and have come away with all kinds of new insights and opinions. Most of them are negative, but educational none the less. I'm working on an essay about my experience with these groups that I may have published and thought I would share my thoughts here over a series of posts to see what people think. Because this forum is pretty diverse I am hoping to get some diverse opinions as well.

About me:

I'm an Orthodox Jew
I'm a widow (yes at 27 years old)
I was born in Israel, raised in Ireland
I work as a multimedia editor
I was once a professional model
I was married to a Christian husband (I don't recommend interfaith marriages)

Well I am a jew who never knew Jesus was a jew. On Feb 9 1985 after my daughter was born I went home to end my life. I didn't have the ability to love or be loved and was on drugs thinking that would take the pain away but it didnt..we I got home I went in kitchen to get matches and underneath it was a book called power for living. I thought it was a book on the occult so I figured let's have my final laugh. After awhile I didn't understand anything and was about to toss the book when I felt led to read 1 more page. There was this picture of a man standing on a cliff and in distant figure on another cliff there was God. In the gap was religion philosophy good deeds and sin. The next picture was a cross bridging the gap between the man and God it was at this point God revealed to me who jesus was. So I kept reading till it came to a place where God was willing to forgive and take all my sin away and give me eternal life and adopt.me as.his child and best of all God would.put his Spirit in me.so I can live for him and I thought this is the deal of a lifetime so I took the deal and it feels like it happened yesterday. God want to have a relationship not a religion with you. Selah shalom

 

[Hazelelponi]

Evangelical Christianity and antisemitism go together like peanut butter and jelly, so I am quite used to it. There won't be much discussion to argue against because it's not allowed anyway. I personally won't argue against anyone because I am not interested in converting people or convincing them of my point of view.

You won't like me at all because I do support Trump for the US presidency, but it's likely your opinion on American politics is colored by having little experiences with American Republicans.

I had kinda hoped for some interesting conversations with you but I guess not.

Well I still welcome you and hope you enjoy your time here. There's good people here on all parts of the political aisle so I'm sure you'll find your group.

 

[Slibhin]

You won't like me at all because I do support Trump for the US presidency, but it's likely your opinion on American politics is colored by having little experiences with American Republicans.

I had kinda hoped for some interesting conversations with you but I guess not.

Well I still welcome you and hope you enjoy your time here. There's good people here on all parts of the political aisle so I'm sure you'll find your group.

Well when someone supports a authoritarian psychopathic narcissist and a bigot, it's hard to really want to be friends with that individual isn't it? I do find it ironic that you support a guy who wanted to racially profile Muslims and Arabs.

I am a professional model that has travelled all over the world including the United States extensively. I have plenty of experience with American Republicans, at least what's left of them. While I personally have an intense disdain for Trump and his MAGA cult followers, I'm at the end of the day a live and let live kind of girl. It's amazing how the MAGA cult always assumes people don't like Trump because they are ignorant or brainwashed by the news, and not because he is an odious human being. At the end of the day it's not my country and you guys can burn it down all you like, my only concern is how it affects the rest of the world.

Now I suppose I could have had a conversation with you, but since you wrote me off without knowing me and assumed things about me without evidence I suppose it's okay for me to do likewise.

 

[Slibhin]

Well I am a jew who never knew Jesus was a jew. On Feb 9 1985 after my daughter was born I went home to end my life. I didn't have the ability to love or be loved and was on drugs thinking that would take the pain away but it didnt..we I got home I went in kitchen to get matches and underneath it was a book called power for living. I thought it was a book on the occult so I figured let's have my final laugh. After awhile I didn't understand anything and was about to toss the book when I felt led to read 1 more page. There was this picture of a man standing on a cliff and in distant figure on another cliff there was God. In the gap was religion philosophy good deeds and sin. The next picture was a cross bridging the gap between the man and God it was at this point God revealed to me who jesus was. So I kept reading till it came to a place where God was willing to forgive and take all my sin away and give me eternal life and adopt.me as.his child and best of all God would.put his Spirit in me.so I can live for him and I thought this is the deal of a lifetime so I took the deal and it feels like it happened yesterday. God want to have a relationship not a religion with you. Selah shalom

I'm not in a position to question your statement, but you don't sound very Jewish to me. Why would a Jew have a Christian living book in her house? I've also never ever met a Jew who was unaware of who Jesus allegedly was. Taking what you say at face value I'd say you may have been Jewish by birth but clearly you were not Orthodox or particularly religious.

I am happy you are alive, and glad that you have found what makes you happy also.

 

[hal4x]

I'm not in a position to question your statement, but you don't sound very Jewish to me. Why would a Jew have a Christian living book in her house? I've also never ever met a Jew who was unaware of who Jesus allegedly was. Taking what you say at face value I'd say you may have been Jewish by birth but clearly you were not Orthodox or particularly religious.

I am happy you are alive, and glad that you have found what makes you happy also.

Firstly I don't know how book came into house. Secondly your orthodox is based on what you say it is but not what God says. I think somewhere moses said don't judge but that's shows how orthodox you really are. How does God deal with sin since there's no temple or sacrifice or priesthood?

 

[Slibhin]

Firstly I don't know how book came into house. Secondly your orthodox is based on what you say it is but not what God says. I think somewhere moses said don't judge but that's shows how orthodox you really are. How does God deal with sin since there's no temple or sacrifice or priesthood?

Oh, so when HaShem said to keep his laws and statutes he actually meant not to keep his laws and statutes?

The Torah says in Leviticus 19:15 to judge people fairly and not show favouritism. "Never judge others" is a statement that does not appear in the Torah or the entire Tanakh. We do however have a teaching that goes "Do not judge others until you've arrived in their place", in others words walked a mile in their shoes. Therefore I guess I am pretty Orthodox since at least I've actually read the Torah and try to follow it.

You were obviously not a religious Jew and I don't say that as a dig or insult. G-d deals with sin through sincere contrition and repentance. There is no temple therefore sacrifices are not possible... nor are they required and never were. Hosea 6:6 says G-d wants kindness and devotion to him more then sacrifices... and there are many times where he forgave people without benefit of such.

 

[Joseph G]

John 14:6-7 NIV

"Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”