04-29-2019, 04:44 AM
(04-26-2019, 12:23 AM)searchinmyroots Wrote: You are very welcome!
Yes, the Tanach is composed of the Torah, the Prophets and the Writings, although sometimes people say Torah for all of these as well. It can be confusing sometimes, especially to those outside of Judaism.
There are many Jewish schools for children and if I'm not mistaken, believe it or not, many of them are on Sunday! Learning is a very big part of Judaism and we start learning Torah at a young age.
I happen to live in NY so there is a large vibrant Jewish community. Actually, I have to say "communities" as there are Jews from all walks of life here! But to answer your question -
Yes and No!
Yes because many people are already familiar with our customs and some other religions actually have their own so they kind of understand to a degree.
No because some people don't take the time to try and understand and look at us in a negative way.
Although many business and schools are closed for Christian holidays, they are closed as well for Jewish ones as they sometimes combine holidays and call it a "break".
Christmas is a little different though as not all that celebrate, do so for the real reason. Some tend to celebrate the "holiday season". Which is okay, but not the real reason of it's origin.
For Jewish holidays, it is celebrated strictly for what it is, whether it's Passover, Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur or Hannukah.
The idea of communities full of other religions is so fascinating to me. I know that city life is so different than small town life, enough that can't even pretend to imagine it well. I am glad they exist elsewhere.
Again, this is likely because it's a small town that has few, if any, Jewish communities so I'm not sure they're closed for Jewish holidays. Do you mind giving me an example? I'm familiar with Passover and Hannukah, but I don't think it's common for places to be closed here for those holidays. If a business isn't normally closed, do you think they are understanding if someone who celebrates them needs the time off?