What is the point of being Jewish?

[PathDiagnosis]

I’m confused. Based on my limited understanding of Judaism, it is an optional convenant. One does not need to be Jewish to attain heaven or the good afterlife whatever that may be. For example, a Gentile and just strive to follow the seven Noahide Laws, etc.

So, what is the point, according to Judaism, of even being a religious Jew if it is not necessary for salvation. Even among religious Jews, there are variations? Is there anything in Judaism that considers which branch to be the true branch, akin to how the Catholic Church believes itself to be the true Church?

I have some Jewish coworkers. I don’t know them well and we never discuss religion. However, I overhear them and say mention how they only go to Temple on holy days, etc. Do they just have some vague belief in God and practice their “spirituality” in the context of Judaism because it’s what works for them.

One Jew is Reform another is Conservative They do different things. Even within Reform and Conservative movements, not everyone is the same. So, according to Judaism, is God, per se, all relative?

I just don’t understand the point of being a religious Jew? Really confused here.

Looking forward to some interesting responses.

Thanks.

 

[GEddie]

To “religious Judaism,” the point of life, if one is a Jew, is to draw closer to G-d via keeping the law. Even life everlasting is a minor issue in Judaism; what is important is lawkeeping, even though non-Jews are not expected to do it.

So what is the purpose of being a religious Jew? Well if it is the whole point of your faith, even your life, wouldn’t it therefore make sense?

ICXC NIKA

 

[followingtheway]

Why are always asking “what’s the pointing of joining the religion _________” People join it because they believe the tenets of that religion are true.

 

[Jesus_123]

+The Jews are a very particular chosen race among mankind . . . the Lord God chose Israel for a particular special purpose and mission among the nations . . . through them God worked in many and various clear ways and manifested **His Holy Presence here on earth down through centuries of time . . . through the Jews was brought the schoolmaster for healthy and holy wholesome life here on earth . . . The Holy Law of Moses (The Ten Commandments). . . God chose and spoke to and through Jewish prophets and the Jewish Levitical priesthood to the people of earth for centuries of time . . . and it was preordained that . . . in the fullness of time . . . the Messiah **. . . Jesus . . . **the Blessed Christ . . . would come through these chosen people . . . as the Saviour **for all the world upon this earth . . . below are just a few of the multitude of passages of Sacred :bible1: Scripture which speak of God and **His **chosen Jewish people . . .

*:bible1: *"Because thou art a holy people to the **Lord ***thy God: and **he *chose thee to be his peculiar people of all nations that are upon the earth.(Deuteronomy 14:2)

:bible1: *"Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar **treasure *unto me above all people" (Exodus 19:5)

:bible1: "And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you." (Genesis 17:7).

*:bible1: “For all the earth is mine: and you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation” *(Exodus 19:6). *

:bible1: "The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people; for you were the fewest of all people; but because the **Lord **loved you, and because he would keep the oath which **he *had sworn unto your ancestors." (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).​

Even as within Catholicism . . the essential purpose of life is to . . . know, love and serve God . . . as revealed in . . . Jesus Christ . . . the Promised Messiah . . . through our Holy Mother Church . . . we have persons who choose to have varying degrees of belief in the doctrines of our faith . . . from traditional to ultra-liberal . . . so also within Judaism . . . the essential purpose of life was and is also to . . . ** know**, love and serve God . . . as revealed by** God **through the Jewish nation of Israel . . . as they awaited/await the promised . . . Messiah . . . there are a wide range of practices and belief in the Jewish faith . . . from the orthodox to the ultra-liberal reformed . . .

. . . all for Jesus+
. . . thank You Blessed Lord our Saviour+
. . . thank You Gracious Heavenly Father+
. . . thank You Sweet Spirit of our Holy God+
. . . thank you Blessed Virgin Mary our Mother+
. . . thank you Blessed Holy Mother Church+​

 

[meltzerboy]

I’m confused. Based on my limited understanding of Judaism, it is an optional convenant. One does not need to be Jewish to attain heaven or the good afterlife whatever that may be. For example, a Gentile and just strive to follow the seven Noahide Laws, etc.

So, what is the point, according to Judaism, of even being a religious Jew if it is not necessary for salvation. Even among religious Jews, there are variations? Is there anything in Judaism that considers which branch to be the true branch, akin to how the Catholic Church believes itself to be the true Church?

I have some Jewish coworkers. I don’t know them well and we never discuss religion. However, I overhear them and say mention how they only go to Temple on holy days, etc. Do they just have some vague belief in God and practice their “spirituality” in the context of Judaism because it’s what works for them.

One Jew is Reform another is Conservative They do different things. Even within Reform and Conservative movements, not everyone is the same. So, according to Judaism, is God, per se, all relative?

I just don’t understand the point of being a religious Jew? Really confused here.

Looking forward to some interesting responses.

Thanks.

According to Orthodox Judaism, the Covenant is NOT optional for any Jews, while for all Gentiles obedience to the Noahide Law suffices. Orthodox Judaism welcomes converts but cautions them regarding the challenges of becoming a religious Jew. While no Orthodox Jew would presume to state categorically who is going to Heaven and who is not, it is expected of all Jews that they strive to follow the commandments of the Torah. In this respect, Catholicism is not all that different. IOW, invincible ignorance is more applicable to those who are not brought up in the Catholic religion. However, those Catholics who are aware of Catholic teaching but still choose to reject it (lapsed Catholics) or choose to follow only what is most convenient for them (so-called “cafeteria Catholics”) can hardly be called invincibly ignorant, even if they may be acting according to their individual conscience. The same holds true for Judaism. Technically, someone such as myself (a Reform Jew) who follows the tenets of Reform Judaism is considered by the standards of Orthodox Judaism to be a member of a heretical movement which is NOT Judaism, although I am still regarded as Jewish. It is our rabbis who are blamed more than we are since they have more knowledge and are responsible for leading their congregation astray. We are to be treated with compassion and encouraged to return to the true faith. Ultimately, however, we are held to a higher responsibility than non-Jews.

It is true that other, less Orthodox branches of Judaism, including Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism, have their own interpretation of what Judaism requires with respect to certain practices. Nonetheless, there are universal tenets in Judaism which virtually all Jews believe. I think one may draw an analogy to what it means to be a Christian. There is a core dogma in Christianity, which most Protestants and all Catholics and Orthodox share: for example, belief in the divinity of Jesus and the Trinity. From there, certain doctrines may diverge. Nonetheless, there are those, such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who do NOT agree with the basic dogma and yet consider themselves Christians (indeed the true Christians), even if other Christians do not regard them as such. Further, while viewed as Christian brethren, Protestants are not believed by Catholics to have an understanding of the full faith of Christianity. My point is there is equally as much divergence, perhaps more so, within Christianity than there is within Judaism; yet somehow, everyone in the religion views themselves as Christian. Catholicism is more unified with respect to its dogma and doctrines, such as the Sacraments, but even here there are different customs within the faith, just as there are in Judaism.

 

[Abba]

According to Orthodox Judaism, the Covenant is NOT optional for any Jews, while for all Gentiles obedience to the Noahide Law suffices. Orthodox Judaism welcomes converts but cautions them regarding the challenges of becoming a religious Jew. While no Orthodox Jew would presume to state categorically who is going to Heaven and who is not, it is expected of all Jews that they strive to follow the commandments of the Torah. In this respect, Catholicism is not all that different. IOW, invincible ignorance is more applicable to those who are not brought up in the Catholic religion. However, those Catholics who are aware of Catholic teaching but still choose to reject it (lapsed Catholics) or choose to follow only what is most convenient for them (so-called “cafeteria Catholics”) can hardly be called invincibly ignorant, even if they may be acting according to their individual conscience. The same holds true for Judaism. Technically, someone such as myself (a Reform Jew) who follows the tenets of Reform Judaism is considered by the standards of Orthodox Judaism to be a member of a heretical movement which is NOT Judaism, although I am still regarded as Jewish. It is our rabbis who are blamed more than we are since they have more knowledge and are responsible for leading their congregation astray. We are to be treated with compassion and encouraged to return to the true faith. Ultimately, however, we are held to a higher responsibility than non-Jews.

It is true that other, less Orthodox branches of Judaism, including Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism, have their own interpretation of what Judaism requires with respect to certain practices. Nonetheless, there are universal tenets in Judaism which virtually all Jews believe. I think one may draw an analogy to what it means to be a Christian. There is a core dogma in Christianity, which most Protestants and all Catholics and Orthodox share: for example, belief in the divinity of Jesus and the Trinity. From there, certain doctrines may diverge. Nonetheless, there are those, such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who do NOT agree with the basic dogma and yet consider themselves Christians (indeed the true Christians), even if other Christians do not regard them as such. Further, while viewed as Christian brethren, Protestants are not believed by Catholics to have an understanding of the full faith of Christianity. My point is there is equally as much divergence, perhaps more so, within Christianity than there is within Judaism; yet somehow, everyone in the religion views themselves as Christian. Catholicism is more unified with respect to its dogma and doctrines, such as the Sacraments, but even here there are different customs within the faith, just as there are in Judaism.

NIce post.

What exactly is it that is not optional to any Jews? What is the ‘Covenant’ exactly in addition to following the Noahide Laws?

 

[PathDiagnosis]

According to Orthodox Judaism, the Covenant is NOT optional for any Jews, while for all Gentiles obedience to the Noahide Law suffices. Orthodox Judaism welcomes converts but cautions them regarding the challenges of becoming a religious Jew. While no Orthodox Jew would presume to state categorically who is going to Heaven and who is not, it is expected of all Jews that they strive to follow the commandments of the Torah. In this respect, Catholicism is not all that different. IOW, invincible ignorance is more applicable to those who are not brought up in the Catholic religion. However, those Catholics who are aware of Catholic teaching but still choose to reject it (lapsed Catholics) or choose to follow only what is most convenient for them (so-called “cafeteria Catholics”) can hardly be called invincibly ignorant, even if they may be acting according to their individual conscience. The same holds true for Judaism. Technically, someone such as myself (a Reform Jew) who follows the tenets of Reform Judaism is considered by the standards of Orthodox Judaism to be a member of a heretical movement which is NOT Judaism, although I am still regarded as Jewish. It is our rabbis who are blamed more than we are since they have more knowledge and are responsible for leading their congregation astray. We are to be treated with compassion and encouraged to return to the true faith. Ultimately, however, we are held to a higher responsibility than non-Jews.

It is true that other, less Orthodox branches of Judaism, including Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism, have their own interpretation of what Judaism requires with respect to certain practices. Nonetheless, there are universal tenets in Judaism which virtually all Jews believe. I think one may draw an analogy to what it means to be a Christian. There is a core dogma in Christianity, which most Protestants and all Catholics and Orthodox share: for example, belief in the divinity of Jesus and the Trinity. From there, certain doctrines may diverge. Nonetheless, there are those, such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who do NOT agree with the basic dogma and yet consider themselves Christians (indeed the true Christians), even if other Christians do not regard them as such. Further, while viewed as Christian brethren, Protestants are not believed by Catholics to have an understanding of the full faith of Christianity. My point is there is equally as much divergence, perhaps more so, within Christianity than there is within Judaism; yet somehow, everyone in the religion views themselves as Christian. Catholicism is more unified with respect to its dogma and doctrines, such as the Sacraments, but even here there are different customs within the faith, just as there are in Judaism.

Thanks. I get it. But…

If, according the Orthodox Judaism, the convenant is not optional, how is one an Orthodox Jew without converting? If a child is born to parents that identify as Orthodox Jews, does that make the child an Orthodox Jew? What if the child chooses to be Conservative, Reform, Christian, nothing, etc? What becomes of their souls after death…will God judge them accordingly? I don’t get it. Is the child obligated by God to remain Orthodox Jew just because h/she was born to Orthodox Jewish parents?

 

[meltzerboy]

Thanks. I get it. But…

If, according the Orthodox Judaism, the convenant is not optional, how is one an Orthodox Jew without converting? If a child is born to parents that identify as Orthodox Jews, does that make the child an Orthodox Jew? What if the child chooses to be Conservative, Reform, Christian, nothing, etc? What becomes of their souls after death…will God judge them accordingly? I don’t get it. Is the child obligated by God to remain Orthodox Jew just because h/she was born to Orthodox Jewish parents?

A child who is born to a Jewish mother, whether or not she is an Orthodox Jew, is automatically Jewish. There is no baptism as there is in Catholicism to become a member of the Catholic faith. If a child is born to Orthodox Jewish parents, then the child will naturally be raised as an Orthodox Jew. However, that child may later decide to become a different type of Jew (Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, secular, whatever), convert to a different religion, or become an atheist. What happens to their soul after death in each of these cases is uncertain. Orthodox Judaism MIGHT say that those who consciously chose to reject Orthodox Judaism in favor of a less Orthodox branch had full knowledge of what they were doing and they chose heresy. But at least they have remained Jews and abide by some of the Torah Law, the 613 commandments which constitute the Covenant. Perhaps they will go to Purgatory for cleansing and atonement for a full year and then go to Heaven. (Many Orthodox Jews believe they too will likely spend some time in Purgatory.) However, there are mitigating circumstances, so that if one is a morally good person who does good deeds and has “converted” from Orthodox Judaism to Conservative or Reform Judaism, G-d may pardon one’s not following the commandments. Sincere good works are a major part of Judaism: in fact, the Law itself is constructed on two main principles, love of G-d and love of our fellow man, as Jesus rightly stated. On the other hand, if one converts to another religion with full knowledge about Judaism, one’s salvation is somewhat more precarious, based on Orthodox teaching, since one cannot claim invincible ignorance. Some Orthodox Jews even sit shiva for children who convert, as if the children were dead. (I read that this practice may actually be a misinterpretation of Talmud teaching.) Despite this, G-d is merciful and if one performs good deeds as a convert to Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., G-d still regards these good works with favor. Even becoming an atheist does not necessarily mean damnation. In short, we cannot and should not judge others concerning their soul; only G-d judges us. Indeed Judaism frowns upon speculation about salvation. We are instructed to live according to the righteous morality taught by Torah and treat all other people (and animals) with charity and respect.

 

[PathDiagnosis]

A child who is born to a Jewish mother, whether or not she is an Orthodox Jew, is automatically Jewish. There is no baptism as there is in Catholicism to become a member of the Catholic faith. If a child is born to Orthodox Jewish parents, then the child will naturally be raised as an Orthodox Jew. However, that child may later decide to become a different type of Jew (Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, secular, whatever), convert to a different religion, or become an atheist. What happens to their soul after death in each of these cases is uncertain. Orthodox Judaism MIGHT say that those who consciously chose to reject Orthodox Judaism in favor of a less Orthodox branch had full knowledge of what they were doing and they chose heresy. But at least they have remained Jews and abide by some of the Torah Law, the 613 commandments which constitute the Covenant. Perhaps they will go to Purgatory for cleansing and atonement for a full year and then go to Heaven. (Many Orthodox Jews believe they too will likely spend some time in Purgatory.) However, there are mitigating circumstances, so that if one is a morally good person who does good deeds and has “converted” from Orthodox Judaism to Conservative or Reform Judaism, G-d may pardon one’s not following the commandments. Sincere good works are a major part of Judaism: in fact, the Law itself is constructed on two main principles, love of G-d and love of our fellow man, as Jesus rightly stated. On the other hand, if one converts to another religion with full knowledge about Judaism, one’s salvation is somewhat more precarious, based on Orthodox teaching, since one cannot claim invincible ignorance. Some Orthodox Jews even sit shiva for children who convert, as if the children were dead. (I read that this practice may actually be a misinterpretation of Talmud teaching.) Despite this, G-d is merciful and if one performs good deeds as a convert to Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., G-d still regards these good works with favor. Even becoming an atheist does not necessarily mean damnation. In short, we cannot and should not judge others concerning their soul; only G-d judges us. Indeed Judaism frowns upon speculation about salvation. We are instructed to live according to the righteous morality taught by Torah and treat all other people (and animals) with charity and respect.

Thank you:thumbsup:

 

[meltzerboy]

NIce post.

What exactly is it that is not optional to any Jews? What is the ‘Covenant’ exactly in addition to following the Noahide Laws?

The non-optional part for Jews is the practice of the 613 Torah commandments. In fact, roughly half of the commandments can be practiced today since the destruction of the Temple. The remaining commandments, however, are still “on the books,” so to speak, for the period of the Temple’s reconstruction during the Messianic Age. Even at that time, obedience to the Torah (Mosaic) Law does not cease. Moses encouraged Jews to follow Torah teaching and stated that it was not so hard to do. For Orthodox Jews, especially those raised in that tradition, the Eternal Covenant is a way of life, and never regarded as a burden or chore.

 

[Jesus_123]

+Since this is a Catholic Answers Forum . . . it should be carefully noted here that . . . **justaposed to the Jewish religion **. . . Catholics and Christians absolutely do NOT believe or teach in salvation by good “works” using the **Jewish law **as a criteria for salvation . . . *today’s Jews are still waiting for the coming of the Promised Messiah *. . . while we as Catholics and Christians know He has already come and is our . . . Lord Jesus . . . **God Incarnate **. . . the Saviour of Israel and the whole world . . . and this salvation in Christ is open equally to all . . . including Jews who were the very first converts . . .

:bible1: Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God; Not of works, that no man may glory.”​

God’s Holy Gift of Grace is the very opposite of the reward deserved for someone’s work. **Grace is the divine favour of God ** . . . that is not and cannot be deserved or merited by works.

. . . :coffeeread: . . .

CATECHISM
OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Section Two
The Seven Sacraments of the Church

CHAPTER ONE
THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION

II. Baptism in the Economy of Salvation

**1227 **
According to the Apostle Paul, the believer enters through Baptism into communion with Christ’s death, is buried with him, and rises with him:

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.29

The baptized have "put on Christ."30 Through the Holy Spirit, Baptism is a bath that purifies, justifies, and sanctifies.31

VI. The Necessity of Baptism

**1257 **
The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation.60 He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them.61 **Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament.**62 The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are "reborn of water and the Spirit." ****God ****has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but **he himself ** is not bound by his sacraments.

**:bible1: John 3:3 “**Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”​

:bible1: Titus 3:5-8 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to** his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost**; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”​

Without controversy . . . Catholicism teaches that a person must have faith in the . . . Lord Jesus Christ . . . and we as Christians have been entrusted with the true riches of the Christian Faith . . . to share it in season and out of season . . . to Jews and Gentiles alike . . .

:bible1: Romans 4:4"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."​

Catholicism underlines the importance of grace, faith and the work of** Christ **on the cross. Works are the fruit of the grace of faith.

:compcoff: Link: justforcatholics.org/salvation_works.htm

. . . all for Jesus+
. . . thank You Sweet Spirit of our Holy God+​

 

[meltzerboy]

+Since this is a Catholic Answers Forum . . . it should be carefully noted here that . . . **justaposed to the Jewish religion **. . . Catholics and Christians absolutely do NOT believe or teach in salvation by good “works” using the **Jewish law **as a criteria for salvation . . . *today’s Jews are still waiting for the coming of the Promised Messiah *. . . while we as Catholics and Christians know He has already come and is our . . . Lord Jesus . . . **God Incarnate **. . . the Saviour of Israel and the whole world . . . and this salvation in Christ is open equally to all . . . including Jews who were the very first converts . . .

:bible1: Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God; Not of works, that no man may glory.”​

God’s Holy Gift of Grace is the very opposite of the reward deserved for someone’s work. **Grace is the divine favour of God ** . . . that is not and cannot be deserved or merited by works.

**:bible1: John 3:3 “**Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”​

:bible1: Titus 3:5-8 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to** his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost**; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
​

​

Without controversy . . . Catholicism teaches that a person must have faith in the . . . Lord Jesus Christ . . . and we as Christians have been entrusted with the true riches of the Christian Faith . . . to share it in season and out of season . . . to Jews and Gentiles alike . . .

:bible1: Romans 4:4"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."​

Catholicism underlines the importance of grace, faith and the work of** Christ **on the cross. Works are the fruit of the grace of faith.

:compcoff: Link: justforcatholics.org/salvation_works.htm

. . . all for Jesus+
. . . thank You Sweet Spirit of our Holy God+​

Thank you for this explanation. I might also point out that when I discussed the importance of good works, I referred to sincere good works, which means not for show or glory, and not for the purpose of gain or being rewarded by man or G-d. Compared to Catholicism, Judaism likewise does not believe one can buy one’s path to salvation by good works. Sincere good works are based on sincere faith, in keeping with Judaism. Nonetheless, action, even when not apparently motivated by faith, may still be regarded as better than inaction in some cases. For example, helping a beggar by giving them food or money is a good deed, although it may be motivated by either sincere or insincere reasons. According to Jewish thought, even when the motivation is insincere, such as helping grudgingly or with the desire for recognition, the beggar is still being helped, which is better than passing by without helping. This action may not be considered beneficial to the person who helps; I’m not sure but Catholicism may even regard it as sinful. Nonetheless, it is beneficial to the recipient. On the other hand, there are cases in which this way of thinking, which sounds like the means justifying the ends, is wrong. One cannot steal money from someone to give to someone else in need.

 

[KathleenGee]

We are united to the Jewish people through Christ and His mother…

 

[CopticChristian]

I’m confused. Based on my limited understanding of Judaism, it is an optional convenant. One does not need to be Jewish to attain heaven or the good afterlife whatever that may be. For example, a Gentile and just strive to follow the seven Noahide Laws, etc.

So, what is the point, according to Judaism, of even being a religious Jew if it is not necessary for salvation. Even among religious Jews, there are variations? Is there anything in Judaism that considers which branch to be the true branch, akin to how the Catholic Church believes itself to be the true Church?

I have some Jewish coworkers. I don’t know them well and we never discuss religion. However, I overhear them and say mention how they only go to Temple on holy days, etc. Do they just have some vague belief in God and practice their “spirituality” in the context of Judaism because it’s what works for them.

One Jew is Reform another is Conservative They do different things. Even within Reform and Conservative movements, not everyone is the same. So, according to Judaism, is God, per se, all relative?

I just don’t understand the point of being a religious Jew? Really confused here.

Looking forward to some interesting responses.

Thanks.

There is no one reason. To be Jewish you must either be born of a Jewish woman or convert.

Conversion is because of…
I believe it to be true
I want to marry a Jewish man or Jewish woman and want to raise the children Jewish
I enjoy Judaism
and on and on…

The point is not what is the point…people are people…there is not just one kind of rabinnical Judaism either…there is also a choice there…

It is all about choices