Conservative Judaism/Philosophy

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Expert: - 3/2/2004


Question
I am doing a project on Judaism and Christianity, since they both came from the same area. My question is what do most Jews think about Christ, Christians, Mohammed, and Muslims? (Mohammed as in the prophet who started Islam).
Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Edward,

Thanks for writing, but we don't participate in class projects or assignments.

I would refer you to the Encyclopedia Judaica that is in your library for a fuller explanation.

I would tell you that Jesus and Mohammed are regarded as men who taught various ideas to their followrs. Jesus was born and died a Jew. Mohammed was born a pagan and developed his own unique beliefs.

Jews regard Christians and Muslims as human beings worthy of respect and understanding, and together we have an opportunity to build a world of goodness, that would be consistent with the highest standards of God regarding people and our life-styles.

Best wishes

Rabi Dov

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

Expertise

Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

Experience

I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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