I've had some second-hand exposure to Christian church services and customs, but Judaism is completely alien to me. Do Jews have weekly gatherings, like Christian Sunday worship? If they do, are visitors welcome at these events?

Yes and yes...

quote:Originally posted by Maccabee:

Yes and yes...

and like christians they are all going to heaven and everyone else is not

if you're planning to visit then its a good idea to phone the rabbi or synagogue helper and get the low down on what you need to do etc.

remember you will need to cover your head (and shoulders in some 'gogs) .

one real refreshing difference to visiting christain churches is that jews will not bend your ear and try and convert you.

infact traditionally they go out of their way NOT to convert you!

here info on the services

http://tinyurl.com/csm8m



[This message has been edited by jackketch (edited 07-17-2005).]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jackketch:

[B]one real refreshing difference to visiting christain churches is that jews will not bend your ear and try and convert you.

infact traditionally they go out of their way NOT to convert you!..............

...interesting, that!

quote:Originally posted by Lou Reed:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jackketch:

[B]one real refreshing difference to visiting christain churches is that jews will not bend your ear and try and convert you.

infact traditionally they go out of their way NOT to convert you!..............

...interesting, that!



traditionally anyone who does want to convert has to get turned down 3 times! (although that may now not be the case, i'm not jewish and have only been in a 'gog a few times to say kaddisch.)

Thanks. The wiki link was really informative.

quote:Originally posted by heisler2:

Thanks. The wiki link was really informative.

i hope it is accurate. seems ok, but as said i'm not a jew (i have enough trouble with the laws of noah!) however if it's not i'm sure one of the board will know.

quote:Originally posted by Lou Reed:

and like christians they are all going to heaven and everyone else is not

Come on, Lou, what crawled up your ass? Every righteous person (Jewish or not) has a place in the world to come...

It's easier for Gentiles...less is expected of them. Only 7 laws as opposed to 613. And our God does not demand a perfect score. He doesn't like cynics though...

What are the seven laws?

http://www.auburn.edu/~allenkc/noahide.html

Those are the 7 Noahide Laws.

"and like christians they are all going to heaven and everyone else is not" - That's not true at all. The Jewish version of 'heaven' and 'hell' is completely different from the Christian version. Check out http://www.jewfaq.org/olamhaba.htm

http://www.jewfaq.org/shul.htm

Check out the paragraph on non-Jews visiting a synagogue.