Sharing Some Information On Major Religions Of the World: The Jews And Judaism

Article Title: Sharing Some Information on Major Religions of the World: The Jews and Judaism (Part One)
Submitter: Craig Lock
Line Space: 65 characters
Category (key words): religion, religions, Judaism, Jews, religious tolerance, faith, beliefs, spirituality,
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All my articles may be freely published, electronically or in print. n *
SHARING SOME INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD: THE JEWS AND JUDAISM

INTRODUCTION: Craig is studying the teachings of different religions, as he researches and writes his latest novel, titled 'A New Dawn' set in the Middle East. To attempt to find 'common ground'/principles between the major religions of the world...and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to 'enlighten' (himself and perhaps others). Hope this piece may be of interest to you too.nn* This information has been sourced from http://www.jewfaq.org/beliefs.htmn n *
WHAT DO JEWS BELIEVE?nn© Copyright 5756-5761 (1995-2001), Tracey R Rich

This is a far more difficult question than you might expect. Judaism has no dogma, no formal set of beliefs that one must hold to be a Jew. In Judaism, ACTIONS are far more important than beliefs, although there is certainly a place for belief within Judaism. The closest that anyone has ever come to creating a widely-accepted list of Jewish beliefs is Rambam's thirteen principles of faith. Rambam's thirteen principles of faith, which he thought were the minimum requirements of Jewish belief, are:
1. G-d exists
2. G-d is one and unique
3. G-d is incorporeal
4. G-d is ete
al
5. Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other
6. The words of the prophets are true
7. Moses's prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets
8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses
9. There will be no other Torah
10. G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of men
11. G-d will reward the good and punish the wicked
12. The Messiah will come
13. The dead will be resurrected

As you can see, these are very basic and general principles. Consequently, there is substantial room for personal opinion, Judaism focuses on relationships: the relationship between G-d and mankind, between G-d and the Jewish people, between the Jewish people and the land of Israel, and between human beings. because Judaism is more conce
ed about actions than beliefs... and books about Judaism tend to do the same. Most books emphasize holidays, practices and observances. As with other religions, Jews probably have more in common than many of them realize. nn © Copyright 5756-5761 (1995-2001), Tracey R Rich nn^ Sourced from the web sitenhttp://re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk/gcsere/revision/judaism/jud1/page1.html

I hope that this information may be of interest to you... and that's my reason for sharing.

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCEnandnwith TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.

"God is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, nwe are to share in the light."

May the Grace of our loving Creator care for and watch over you alln,,, alwaysncraig

"There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female,
Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity."

"Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision - to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become."n - craig

About the submitter:
In his writings Craig strives to break down social, cultural, nreligious and economic barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.

The various books that "Craig felt inspired to write" are available at:nwww.lulu.com/craiglocknhttp://www2.webng.com/write
z/ andnhttp://www.craiglockbooks.com

These writings may be freely published with acknowledgment, thanks