Jewish Humanist

[Something completely different]

I spent alot of time thinking of some silly joke I could write here.

But it would have probably been inapropriate.


Welcome.

[Minimalist]

[Angrboda]

Welcome.

I'm a bit puzzled by your statement that you are a semi-religious Jew who does not believe in any gods. Last I checked, believing in the monotheistic semite god was a core tenet of Judaism. Do you mean that you're ethnically Jewish, but not religiously Jewish? If so, what is the substance of your religious.... erm, practice?

If you could say more, I would appreciate it.


(I once dated someone who identified as Christian, but didn't believe in Christ. I used to joke that she was a closet Jew.)

[Dena]

Last I checked, believing in the monotheistic semite god was a core tenet of Judaism. Do you mean that you're ethnically Jewish, but not religiously Jewish? If so, what is the substance of your religious.... erm, practice?

Since Judaism (especially non-Orthodox Judaism) focuses little on belief it's possible to be somewhat religious and not believe in a deity. Religiousness isn't determined by what you believe but rather, what you do.

I'm semi-religious in that I keep kosher, attend religious services about 8 times per year, fast on Yom Kippur and light shabbat candles. I am a member of two synagogues. I also still hold that though not perfect, liberal Judaism has many valuable ideals and goals. Those are small things but I imagine to many people, they seem quite religious. To others I'm just a jesus killing, liberal, godless evolutionist who is going to burn for eternity. It's all about perspective I suppose.

[Something completely different]

Just out of interest (if you dont mind)

Where are your ancestors from?

[Jackalope]

Last I checked, believing in the monotheistic semite god was a core tenet of Judaism. Do you mean that you're ethnically Jewish, but not religiously Jewish? If so, what is the substance of your religious.... erm, practice?

Since Judaism (especially non-Orthodox Judaism) focuses little on belief it's possible to be somewhat religious and not believe in a deity. Religiousness isn't determined by what you believe but rather, what you do.

I'm semi-religious in that I keep kosher, attend religious services about 8 times per year, fast on Yom Kippur and light shabbat candles. I am a member of two synagogues. I also still hold that though not perfect, liberal Judaism has many valuable ideals and goals.

What do you think your reason for observing the rituals is? Tradition? Something else? i can't imagine observing the rituals of my former religion absent belief, so I'm simply curious.

One thing that does not puzzle me is your dislike of gelfilte fish. That's got to be an acquired taste. :p

[Dena]

What do you think your reason for observing the rituals is? Tradition? Something else? i can't imagine observing the rituals of my former religion absent belief, so I'm simply curious.

I find them meaningful in some way or I wouldn't continue. For me, kashrut changed how I looked at food and brought about some changes in the way I eat. Did I have to be religious in order to reach those conclusions? No but that happens to be the way the changes came about. I also consider it a part of Jewish culture and it's important to me to maintain some kind of tradition.

Attending services is pretty much about being in a setting with other Jews, focused on the same thing, considering how we can be better people. I also actually like to hear Torah chanted. It's lovely when the person reading really knows how to do it. I haven't gone in many months though, since I hate getting up in the morning.

And some things you just do, like seder. It's religious but then again, it's not religious. Like Christmas.

Shabbat candles are pretty. That's simple. My husband likes them too, so I try to light them when he's home (he is not Jewish) and we're going to be around to watch them so the house doesn't burn to the ground.

One thing that does not puzzle me is your dislike of gelfilte fish. That's got to be an acquired taste. :p

Ugh, I don't know how anyone could acquire it.

[Jackalope]

Thanks for the explanation, and welcome aboard!

[thesummerqueen]

Gefilte fish is delicious.

[Something completely different]

Is that Yiddish?

Gefüllt (almoust pronounced the same way) is german for "filled"
Gevuld in Dutch.

And in Danish it`s "fylt" and in Swedish "fylld"