Introduction

To be Jewish, one must be born of a Jewish mother, or to have converted. Converts, however, are not viewed differently to any other Jew, indeed Jews see the undertaking of Judaism by choice rather than through birth, as a commendable act.

Belief

The major focus of Judaism is the belief in one G-d. Judaism believes that G-d created the world, and controls all elements within it. G-d is not a person but rather an entity, a power of compassion, love, anger, but above all justice. Jews both love, fear and respect G-d, who we refer to as our Father and our King, providing all of creation with its every need and deciding ultimately who shall live and who shall die. When a good thing happens, we thank G-d, and when a bad thing occurs, or something we perceive as bad, we say "gam zu letova" that everything is for the best, and in doing so we acknowledge that G-d acts only in justice.

The Torah, which is both a history book and a set of guidelines for Jewish life, was given to the Jewish People by G-d (1313 BCE) on their way from captivity in Egypt to the Promised Land, Israel. The Torah is made up of the Five Books of Moses, (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy) which chronicles the story of creation, Noah's Ark, the journeys of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Jewish People's slavery in Egypt and their journey to Israel. Then follows the Neviyim and Ketuvim which chronicle the establishing of the Kingdom of Israel and finally the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.

Belonging

Therefore, as an orthodox member of the Jewish faith, I consider my existence to be a further link in this ancient chain of heritage, culture, and belief. I keep the commandments of the Torah, so that this chain may continue, as our Rabbis have best shown us how. This means that Judaism extends into every aspect of my life. What I eat, what I wear, how I relate to my community, family and myself, are all influenced by my relationship with G-d.

To give just a few examples, Judaism holds with very high regard, the importance of the family. The Jewish home should be one of learning and growth where all can feel close to the Torah. We use Shabbat (Sabbath/Saturday) to ensure a day of rest where the family comes together as a unit. No work may be done, we do not watch television nor talk on the phone, all meals must be prepared before the Shabbat begins on Friday night, and so allowing for a true 'day of rest'.

As a Jew, I don't just pray three times a day. There are prayers for food, for getting dressed, for travelling on a journey, seeing a rainbow, hearing thunder… even for going to the toilet. Every aspect of our being is a matter to thank G-d.

Being

Judaism, however, is not merely a religion, to be Jewish is to be part of a people. I am Jewish by race, as well as culture and faith.

In this way, Jews give charity as a rule of thumb. Whatever our financial situation, Jews have always sought to help those around them. Today hundreds of Jewish charities exist to help the aged, the sick, and to help with the education of Jewish children about the importance of Jewish traditions and culture.

There is so much more one can say about being a Jew. For some, it is the importance of learning Torah, for some giving charity, for some praying, for some it is educating but Judaism provides a framework for all Jews to live as a community and support each other. For many, Judaism is about a connection to the Land of Israel, and the perpetuation of the Jewish People. For me it is all these things, and so much more.