Within Reason #74 Rabbi David Wolpe - What is Judaism?
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Jun 30, 2024 
Rabbi David Wolpe discusses the complexities of Jewish identity and conversion, the concept of chosen people, ethical dilemmas in the Bible, interpreting the Book of Job, the afterlife in Judaism, challenges to Jewish theology including circumcision, conversion to Judaism, debating Christopher Hitchens, friendship parallels to religion, and insights into religious debates with well-known figures.
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Judaism: A Religious Family
- Judaism predates Western concepts like race, religion, and ethnicity.
- It's best described as a religious family, encompassing birth, conversion, and leaving.
Once a Jew, Always a Jew?
- Jewish law traditionally considers someone Jewish even if they convert to another religion.
- This principle originated during the Spanish Inquisition to allow for easy return.
Branches of Judaism
- The main difference between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism lies in their acceptance of patrilineal descent.
- Reform Judaism accepts those with a Jewish father raised Jewish, while traditional practice requires a Jewish mother or conversion.