What Does It Mean To Be Jewish?

Submitted by Seamus MacNemi (United States), Dec 12, 2007 at 08:07

I would consider a Jew to be anyone who seeks to live his or her life with an attitude of reverence and gratitude to the G-D of Israel. An individual who recognises him or her self as an equal partner with G-D in the work of creation and accepts the responsibilities entailed in such a partnership. Such a partnership is and must be voluntary for both parties for there can be no thought of compulsion in a relationship of mutual respect and understanding.

That is the real substance of the difference between Judaism and Islam. In Judaism, Man is G-Ds partner. In Islam, man is Allahs slave. In Judasim, the Covenant between Man and G-D is the defining factor. There is no such covenant in Islam. In Islam, there is only compulsion with no guarantee of agreement or even the fulfillment of an agreement. In Islam, man is no more than Allahs toy to be done with as Allah pleases with no recourse to either law or justice. In Islam, man can expect nothing from Allah but Allah will expect everything from man. In Judaism, by contrast, Man has a right to expect something from G-D.

The "GREAT LAW" is based upon the principle of reciprocity: "Everything in life is an exchange of values for the enhancement and continuation of life" What ever does not contribute positively to the enhancement and continuation of life is of use to neither G-D nor Man. The geatest sin is the abdication of responsibility. This was the sin of Adam HaRishon.

The Elders have taught us that the greatest wisdom and the greatest virtue is "KINDNESS". A man might have great knowledge but if he has not "KINDNESS" then his knowledge is as naught before the Seat of Heaven.. So much then for the Muslim.

If a man seeks G-Ds wisdom then he may attain to great power and prominence among men. The man who seeks G-Ds power merely for its own sake will attain only to his own doom. Such is he who wields the sword of power with an unskilled hand.

The tongue is a two edged sword. With one edge you smite your enemy. With the other edge you smite yourself. Far better it is to hold your sword in its scabbard than to unsheath it with an unskilled hand.

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