Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 2/5/2010

Question
I am 26 years old and am a college student who would like to learn more about your religion to write a paper about. Sorry there are so many questions, I was hoping to receive a response by Sunday but if that is not possible I completely understand. Thank you for your time.

1.   Can you give me a brief description of your religion?
2.   How is one delivered in your religion?
3.   Does this religion branch off of another one? If so, how does it differ from that religion?
4.   What are the practices for worship?
5.   What holidays are celebrated?
6.   What is your religions belief of the afterlife?
7.   Who are some important figures in your religion?
8.   What is the process for someone of a different religion to convert to yours?
9.   What kinds of symbols represent your religion?
10.   Is there any other information you feel is important to share with someone of little or knowledge about your religion?

Answer
Dear Todd,

Thanks for writing, but policy is that we don't help students with answers - too often it is a test rather than a paper or research on issues.

We do answer a specific question to help someone sort out the various opinion to come to their own conclusion, or conclude how to pursue a responsible answer from within their own synagogue or community.

These are very general questions, and literally multi-volume books have been written about each.

One on-line source which is free to which I would send you is the "jewishencyclopedia.com" which is an encyclopedia that is current up to about 1925. Thereafter consult the "Encyclopedia Judaica" and there are several editions in libraries, one published in the 70's and one recently re-issued. Almost certainly the former is in your library at college, if not the updated edition - which I would add is superior in almost every way.

Good luck in your writing and wish you a fulfilling course of study.

Rabbi Dov