Prompts for "What is Judaism?" by Tamar Ghidalia

tamarghidalia — 2025-04-08 19:57:48 UTC

Judaism and Jews are described as a religion, faith-tradition, family, people, nation, community, religious civilization, and more. Which of these descriptions appeal to you and why?

tamarghidalia — 2025-04-08 19:58:25 UTC

Please share your thoughts about the rabbis' and scholars’ ideas concerning the "three things on which the world balances." Is there one statement with whom your own thinking aligns? Do you have a different idea about the three things on which the world balances?

tamarghidalia — 2025-04-08 19:58:55 UTC

Why do you think that Abram decided to follow God?

jplowman1970 — 2026-03-01 19:36:46 UTC

As a person who grew up without a strong family dynamic, the family and community aspect of Judaism is a strong draw for me. The feeling of belonging and acceptance is what I feel I have always been missing. The long history and faith- traditions that have survived centuries have survived for a reason. I believe it all stems from G-d and his great love for us.

jplowman1970 — 2026-03-01 19:48:51 UTC

I think I would take a little from each. Service to God , Acts of loving kindness, Peace. If these three actions were part of everyone's daily life it would be following the Torah, truth and judgement. Israel too because of Torah. The idea of integrity also came to mind but I feel that it is also already part of the Torah.

jplowman1970 — 2026-03-01 19:53:44 UTC

I believe it all comes down to faith and obedience. His belief in G-d and that his intentions were for the best. He was showing his trust in G-d and knew even if he did not understand the greater plan for him, G-d's intentions were out of love.

2026-03-02 02:16:19 UTC

For me, family and community appeal because I feel they are something I yearn for. My boyfriend and I have been together for 5 years now, and he is Jewish, so conversion is something we're exploring for me. He wants to raise our kids Jewish, and I want to be involved in a community of like-minded individuals.

2026-03-02 03:31:18 UTC

My own thinking aligns with 2nd statement: truth, judgment, and peace. I think if we stay true to ourselves, balance that with judging if what we're doing is the right thing, then that will bring us peace. I feel that keeping these things in mind daily can create a better environment for ourselves. And I know not everyone is going to "follow" these things, but at least we know we're doing our due diligence.

2026-03-02 04:26:28 UTC

I have thought a lot about this idea since reading it in class. To me, balance suggests opposite sides finding homeostasis. All of the ideas are considered positive, often Jewish-perspective takes on values. Thinking deeper, I think I understand this phrase to mean more of “what holds the world up” rather than indicating balance. My personal (non-universal) take on the three things would be: creativity (as much art as life - the act of creating - a service in beautiful reverence of creation), love (in all of the healthy ways that love blossoms in a souls or between several), and kindness (for kindness’ sake alone)

2026-03-02 04:27:39 UTC

Tribe. It describes community as well as diversity. A tribe is not one thing but it acts in service and benefit of those inside. The word feels intimate but expansive.

2026-03-02 17:28:26 UTC

As someone who loves spending time with his family, I feel that Judaism as a family really speaks to me. It's a tight-knit community that shares many if not all of the ups and downs of life together. You don't even necessarily need to 'look' like part of a family to indeed be part of a family.

taffjones13 — 2026-03-03 18:43:01 UTC

Religious Civilization has the most appeal for me as I believe that Judaism marked a departure from what could be considered 'disorder' or even lawlessness. I further believe that Judaism introduced laws, that have not only survived the turbulence of history, but have managed to remain relevant through time via commentary, evolution and adaptation.

In my humble opinion, they are the bedrock of humanity and civility and it is this that leads me to conclude that Judaism is indeed a Religious Civilization - whilst recognizing the relevance of the other categories.

taffjones13 — 2026-03-03 19:31:33 UTC

I think that each of the statements strongly reflect the era or 'time' they were recorded. The first from Shimon HaTzadik I imagine was spoken in a time when the threat of Hellenization was prevalent and I sense the focus on sustaining The Temple and retaining its central religio-societal role.

The second from Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel I imagine was recorded during a time of immense religious, social and political turmoil. Noting and assuming that the Second Temple is still performing its role, albeit under Roman control and rebellion/uprisings on going. I feel that the three components are almost 'shouted' at the reader and reflect a very difficult and divided time within the Temple and Jerusalem. Having to deal with the Romans, the Hasmonean situation not to mention the birth of Christianity and other emerging and established Judaic divisions - there was a lot on his plate!

I also think that the final pillar 'peace' is last for a reason, almost like a chronological order or sequence of events - and one could argue, a way to achieve peace, which, could itself be defined as 'balance' in this context.

Rosenzweig's statement of 'God, Torah, Israel' speaks the loudest to me as I feel and sense the Zionistic fervor, simplicity and surety. Assessing the statement was recorded around 1910-1929 at the height of mass immigration from Eastern Europe to the UK, US and Israel - the latter as part of the Zionist movement I believe.

I think the statement also reflects the fact that even without the Temple, the three pillars he has detailed ensure that God and Torah continue to respect the covenant remaining intact, geography aside.

Again, I think that 'Israel' is left last on purpose, and this is why it speaks to me the most. I believe that Israel encompasses all of the elements detailed in the two previous statements. I'd go as far to say that truth, judgement and peace are key parts of why it's here today.

What I find most poignant in Franz Rosenzweig's statement is that there was no Israel at the time..........

taffjones13 — 2026-03-03 19:32:46 UTC

A short response I promise.

I believe that Abram followed God, because it was God.........

What are you going to do? Say no?

2026-03-03 19:35:57 UTC

Yes Abraham could have said no, as we argue with the Divine and he did a little later...

2026-03-06 13:43:27 UTC

Security- I believe this world can mean different things. In the most literal sense, it is physical safety ( Food, water, Shelter). Shelter beings with your home and extends out to the nation/ group/ tribe you begin with. With the most current events, it all begins with safety and you must do what is necessary to protect your nation and its people.

2026-03-08 02:33:22 UTC

I feel all of these descriptions appeal to me but the one that stands out the most is community and family. I was raised Catholic but I never really connected to the religion. I felt there was a lack of community and I wasn't allowed to ask questions, I was only supposed to follow. With Judaism questions are encouraged and there is a sense of community and acceptance which is what I feel I'm missing.

jenniferpollack — 2026-03-14 20:04:03 UTC

I love the description of Judaism as a faith-tradition. I have felt at home within my local congregation far before I felt ready to explore conversion. The way that traditions directly connect to faith have made a strong impression on me.