Re: Jewish vs. Xtian music

[DanielKare <DanielKare...>]

In a message dated 98-03-04 14:59:33 EST, you write:

<< I am still trying to
 understand what Reform stands for.  What specific parts of Jewish ritual,
 music, belief are required of a Reform Jew?

I went to an Orthodox day school, run by Lubavitchers, but now am a member of
a Reform Temple.  It took a while to get used to the English in the service,
as well as the different melodies, but I felt more accepted (and allowed to
participate!) at the Temple as a woman and a single mom.   My understanding at
present is: Reform Judaism is a process.  I know that since belonging to the
Temple, I have grown by leaps and bounds in my participation in Jewish ritual
life, and I have seen the same happen to others.  I pray that those who are
not Reform develop an open mind to this movement, which I know has led me
closer to God.   

 >>Or is it the Reform idea that any practice or belief is entirely the choice
of
 the individual?>>

I don't think this is the case, otherwise we could not pray together as a
congregation.  We hold that there is one God, or why would we include the
Shema in our prayer service? 

>> I have always felt that some of the things that make us "special" and
 "different" about being Jewish includes what we wear, do, sing and say in the
 synagogue.  But it also applies to how we act anywhere else in our daily
 lives.  I was always told that in other religions, especially Christianity,
it
 is good enough to say "I believe in J****" in order to be a good Christian.
 In Judaism, belief is not enough; behavior is what counts for us.  Is this
 still true?  Or have we become so much like our non-Jewish neighbors that we
 are indistinguishable from them, except for what lights we display in our
 windows? (Oops! Sorry!  Now I am offending those who celebrate both Chanukah
 and Christmas!)  >>

We are not indistinguishable from our nonJewish neighbors.  For me, it becomes
evident very quickly in every new situation (i.e., a new job) that I am
different.  During the winter holidays, yes, but also during the high
holidays, when I take off work; the fact that I wear a star or some other
symbol besides a cross around my neck; the fact that people know to order me
something besides ham and cheese when we order in lunch.  When a nonJewish
friend's father died, and we sent flowers, I told everyone remember not to
send me flowers....Over my desk at work is a calendar with pictures of
Israel...which made people ask, why have a picture of flowers in January?  And
I explained.  I am always explaining...because there are a lot of differences.

I agree it is the actions that are important, and yes, from what I see and
hear from my nonJewish friends, it only requires the statement of faith in the
savior to be a good Xtian.  (and I use the X because I was so discouraged from
using that name growing up).   

-Karen