I guess Ill take a crack at posting my beliefs:
I am Jewish and believe in G-d, the Torah and the dialogue between G-d and humans evidenced in the oral law and on-going interpretations of the Torah. I attend Reconstructionist services but I dont agree with all that Reconstructionism teaches. I believe G-d loves us and has given us the power to make choices. Humans are good by nature but are tempted by evil impulses. The existence of evil gives people something to fight against and makes the triumph over evil impulses more precious, bringing us closer to the Divine. I am not sure of the origin of evil whether G-d is omnipotent and created evil for some purpose that is beyond our understanding or if G-d does not sanction/create evil but is limited in His/Her power as some rabbis have suggested. For me, what is more important than the origin of evil is how we respond to it.
One of the things that struck me about last weeks Torah portion (we read totally through the Torah every year, reading fixed portions at the same time every year) was that Moses emphasizes that people do go astray, but they are all capable of turning themselves around and being forgiven by G-d, choosing life over death. He states that this is not some unattainable ideal or teaching but very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it. (Devarim 30:14, JPS) I may not be able to control things that happen to me but I can control my actions and follow G-d as best as I can (choosing life). I personally find that very empowering.
As humans, we have a covenant with G-d and we are partners with G-d. Our part of the deal is that we must do our part to help our fellow humans and make this world a better place with the limited time we are given on earth (this is called
tikkum olam, repairing the world). We are required to give
tzedakah, which is usually translated as charity but it actually comes from the Hebrew word for justice . It is our obligation to make sure that others have the opportunity to have an education, medical care and food to sustain them. G-d expects us to take care of each other and work for justice in the world. We are also required to pray, study and contemplate the words of the Torah and figure out how they apply to our lives.
No one is really sure what happens after we die but the most important thing is what we do when we are alive. I think there is a world-to-come for the righteous but the details arent knowable. Conversely, G-d is loving and would not torture someone eternally in what people call Hell . This is not to say that G-d does not mete out punishment for the truly evil but that punishment would more likely come in the form of finite punishment or the destruction of the soul after death. We take care of what we can externally through systems of justice and G-d will take care of the rest.
Proselytizing is not necessary because the Jewish tradition teaches that you dont have to convert to Judaism to be a righteous person. There are basic laws that everyone should follow (see the
Noachide Laws) like not committing murder, not stealing and setting up courts to mete out justice and these laws set a baseline for everyone that most can follow without abandoning the religion they were born into. I agree with what Rabbi Israel Salanter said, Think about your fellows body and your own soul, and not the reverse.
What I really like about Judaism is the love of life, commitment to social justice and wonderful holidays and traditions. I also like that, as a people, we Jews have so many different opinions on
everything. If youve ever heard the saying Two Jews, three opinions its true! Weve even got minority opinions written into the Talmud. Questioning is part of studying and I love that. It does make it a little difficult to explain what Jews believe to the curious non-Jew ( Well, Shammai said this and Hillel disagreed and said this& ) but I like the give and take of arguing over what Jewish law says on this or that, what the nature of G-d is, etc.
Well, I should go - I have some work I have to finish before Rosh Hashanah begins. Best wishes to all for a happy and sweet new year!
Edited to add link about Noachide Laws.
