04-25-2019, 02:39 PM
As SMR mentioned, it's common for Jews to study the parsha of the week, either individually or at the shabbat table. We are less likely to have formal "bible studies" than Christians are. My own shul and kollel have a weekly bible study, the shul is studying Samuel 1&2 both at the congregation and online while the kollel has a study session on Psalms. Many Jews put more emphasis on studying Jewish law, so Talmud studies are very popular.
They are several sects within Judaism, and within those sects there are variations. And unfortunately there are some that look down at others because they do no think they follow the rules strict enough, and others who look down on others because they think they follow them too strictly.
As far as identity, I also agree with SMR that Judaism provides instructions on how to live life, and as such pretty much defines what I do every day. There are things I cannot eat, things I cannot do if it conflicts with shabbat, ways to do things and prayer and other activities that are done at set times. All those things make being a Jew always in the fore front of one's mind.
They are several sects within Judaism, and within those sects there are variations. And unfortunately there are some that look down at others because they do no think they follow the rules strict enough, and others who look down on others because they think they follow them too strictly.
As far as identity, I also agree with SMR that Judaism provides instructions on how to live life, and as such pretty much defines what I do every day. There are things I cannot eat, things I cannot do if it conflicts with shabbat, ways to do things and prayer and other activities that are done at set times. All those things make being a Jew always in the fore front of one's mind.