DURING THE RECENT Jewish holy day of Shavuot, we reflected on the story of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. It is said that other nations were offered the Torah, but only the Israelites chose to accept it. Ever since then, Jews have made the choice to follow the precepts in the Torah.
The key is that, rather than God choosing the Jews, from which came the problematic phrase “the chosen people,” they were the ones who chose God and the obligations in following the Torah’s principles.
Since the first century, when Jews were executed for converting others, Judaism has not been a religion interested in seeking converts because Judaism sees other faiths as a valid way to a connection with God.
Though Judaism is the oldest of the Abrahamic religions, this lack of concern for conversion has contributed to its small numbers.
Sadly, today, with the exponential rise of antisemitism and deadly attacks on Jews, conversion can still be something that might cause a person to think about seriously before embracing Judaism.
One of the five questions asked in the final conversion process is “Do you pledge your loyalty to Judaism and to the Jewish people under all circumstances?” (Emphasis mine.)
Considering the history of pogroms, the Holocaust and continual attacks on Jews throughout the world, the implication in that question can be sobering, not only to the convert, but to their family.
One doesn’t simply say “I accept Judaism” and it’s accomplished. It is expected that a potential convert will study Jewish traditions and history, learn basic prayers, blessings, the roots of holiday rituals and the essential tenets of Jewish beliefs. There must be a certain depth of knowledge and an understanding of exactly what is being accepted to become Jewish. Though this process can take up to a year, and require studying with a rabbi, it is a journey of joy.
Another factor which may account for Judaism being only 0.2 percent of the world population is that it doesn’t claim it has absolute answers to life’s most perplexing questions. What happens when we die? What is the nature of heaven and hell? Why do bad things happen to good people?
People seek comfort and security in “knowing” the answers to these questions and turn to religion to help them. A faith that says it has all the answers can be of great comfort, but Judaism offers little in the way of that kind of absolute solace.
The joke about asking two Jews a question and getting four answers illustrates the focus on debate and discussion when dealing with serious questions about God and our purpose in life.
Jews do not read our Bible as literal truth, but rather as a compilation of many authors, divinely inspired, over thousands of years of history. It is a guide for how to live our lives in a holy way that would be worthy of God’s love.
Actually, one does not even have to “believe” in God to be a good Jew. If your life reflects holiness and you work to bring about tikun olam, repairing the world, it is enough. Actions, rather than faith, are central in Judaism.
Jews are open to ambiguity and enjoy thoughtful discourse on theological questions. A Jewish meditation says “Cherish your doubts, for doubt is the handmaiden of truth. Doubt is the key to the door of knowledge; it is the servant of discovery. A belief which may not be questioned binds us to error, for there is incompleteness and imperfection in every belief.”
Those who have chosen Judaism, whether by birth or conversion, have found a deep connection for its rituals, theology and focus on bringing justice to the world. Genesis 1:27 teaches “God created humankind in God’s image (b’tzelem elohim),” therefore all humanity is valued equally, no matter the faith they follow. Jewish tradition teaches that there is no one path to a relationship with the Divine, thus each person should find the spiritual path which speaks to their soul.
Kein yehi ratzon … may it be God’s will. Shalom.
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Suzanne DeBey is a lay leader of the Port Angeles Jewish community. Her email is debeyfam@olympus.net.
