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Jews don't advertise for converts, unlike many, if not most other religions.
They have something in common with Jehovah Witnesses, in that each sect considers themselves apart from all others and revel in that apart-ness. Both groups feel their god, or g-d, likes them best.
The same thought or comparison has occurred to me and many others over the course of these histories as well. I've seen the case for how Mormons have been viewed in the same way and for similar reason. None of which is my doing. It's all part of that learning that helps all of us know or better understand why people believe and do what they do, especially when it's so different from others...
I don't know whether HaShem loves the Jews more than any of His other children, but I do believe that HaShem expects more from us. Believe me, it's not easy being a Jew. Those 613 rules barely scratch the surface of what our religion demands of us.
Even if not specifically related to any of the 613, I encourage you to elaborate, especially if these demands you refer to don't relate one way or another to these laws that I have always understood to be quite comprehensive in terms of guiding the more fundamentalist followers of Judaism with respect to their ways and traditions.
12. To cleave to those who know Him—Deuteronomy 10:20
Interesting in light of the comment about being like a cult posted earlier, though it seems this refers to anyone who knows god. I suspect "those" people are not so generally described however, as anyone who simply knows god. No doubt to be further defined by way of the many laws to follow and/or clarified by anyone who feels they understand #12 any better. What does "cleave" actually mean for example?
MOD NOTE: I have searched this thread, and there is no comment posted earlier about "being like a cult". However, you are reminded that it is in the rules of the R&S forum that we do not call the religion of another a "cult" here. Please bear that in mind. Thank you.
Last edited by Mightyqueen801; 09-28-2020 at 03:14 PM..
Reason: Reminder
12. To cleave to those who know Him—Deuteronomy 10:20
Interesting in light of the comment about being like a cult posted earlier, though it seems this refers to anyone who knows god. I suspect "those" people are not so generally described however, as anyone who simply knows god. No doubt to be further defined by way of the many laws to follow and/or clarified by anyone who feels they understand #12 any better. What does "cleave" actually mean for example?
Devarim - Deuteronomy - Chapter 10
20 You shall fear the Lord, your God, worship Him, and cleave to Him and swear by His Name.
The first ten are like Headings and the remaining 603 each fall under one of those headings...Some are for the priests only, some are only when your in Israel, some have to do with agriculture, etc...
Even if not specifically related to any of the 613, I encourage you to elaborate, especially if these demands you refer to don't relate one way or another to these laws that I have always understood to be quite comprehensive in terms of guiding the more fundamentalist followers of Judaism with respect to their ways and traditions.
As Rose sang: You either got it or you ain't. There is no need to elaborate. Either you get it, or you don't. And you don't.
As Rose sang: You either got it or you ain't. There is no need to elaborate. Either you get it, or you don't. And you don't.
If I am not mistaken, these 613 are believed by some to come from God. To be the word of God...
No matter who you are or what religion you practice, any word(s) believed to be from God deserve at least some consideration in my opinion, due consideration. In particular when it comes to how they have had an impact on the history of mankind. An atheist like me can and will consider these words, objectively, in terms of how anyone might be guided by these words if they actually believe them to be from God, and/or to evaluate whether that belief is justified by what we learn these words to be telling us. Also to compare and contrast with other religious writings.
No different from considering the word of the Bible, the Koran, or Book of Mormon (or name the scripture of your choosing). Anyone can read and attempt to understand these writings given whatever our respective ability to comprehend reading of this sort, and/or to seek help along those lines from those who claim to know better, to have a better understanding.
I don't know what it is I "don't get" in this regard, other than perhaps the bias I don't have that prevents more objective consideration, but that's an advantage to better understand in my opinion, not a short-coming.
13. To love other Jews—Leviticus 19:18
Does this one not read "to love others," period, or "to love others who believe in Me," because "God fearing" folks who are not Jews do not deserve love? Are we to believe God is actually all about Jews only and not other people? Because if that's the case...
Well this one does confuse me more than just a little bit given all the believers in God who believe all people are God's doing, all "God's children."
the Hebrew is "tidbak" -- you should stick to. The Hebrew word in modern day for "glue" is devek, same root.
The text gives two elements -- we should be in awe of God and worship him (which is about action and external presentation) but also cling to him internally, with our hearts. We don't just go through the motions out of fear, but sincerely feel an allegiance and loyalty.
The Rabbeinu Bahya explains it as "“Revere the Lord your G’d; serve Him; cleave to Him and swear in His name.” The word תירא/revere, means not to violate His negative commandments; the words “serve Him” refer to His positive commandments; “to cleave to Him,” means not to exclude Him from your thoughts ."
Here is some information about an associated idea from the same root
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