r/JewsOfConscience • u/AutoModerator • Aug 21 '24
AAJ "Ask A Jew" Wednesday
It's everyone's favorite day of the week, "Ask A (Anti-Zionist) Jew" Wednesday! Ask whatever you want to know, within the sub rules, notably that this is not a debate sub and do not import drama from other subreddits. That aside, have fun! We love to dialogue with our non-Jewish siblings.
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u/Solace_In_the_Mist Non-Jewish Ally Aug 21 '24 edited Aug 21 '24
Hello everyone!
I'm an ally from the Philippines.
1. I just wanted to ask everyone, if it's acceptable that I study Torah and for me to read about Judaism, in general?
For some time now, I have been reading into religion(s), despite myself being agnostic. This may seem contradictory, but I've been delving onto religious studies and a bit of the history and philosophy of the concept of divinity.
Judaism, as I understand from a still shallow depth, isn't just centered on Torah and the Nevi'im and Ketuvim. Or other texts. But, it's a living and breathing practice - based on community, tradition, rituals, history, etc.
It is far from the religion I grew up which placed salvation and evangelizing as its tenet. And don't get me started on the "Trinity" thing. In fact, I've made effort into consciously deconstructing and separating the "old testament" from the "new testament," effectively any Judeo-Christian amalgamation in my head. Finally, I see them now as different. And it should stay that way, out of respect for my Jewish colleagues.
The Torah is Torah. The NaKh is NaKh. There is no "old" or "new." There is just a way of living and belief that has surpassed in its resilience through thousands and hundreds of years.
2. Lastly, is there a way for me to somewhat see Judaism beyond a Zionist viewpoint - can Judaism be separated from its political core embedded in Zionism? Because I feel if other Zionist Jewish people were to find me interested in Judaism, it would circle back to a support for the State of Israel, when in fact, I see Judaism as a possible relationship between me and the Divine; something that transcends the current political expectations with the people who are labeled as pro-Israel.
TLDR: Going back, I simply want confirmation from the Jewish community if me trying to understand Torah and Judaism is all right with you? Is this offensive? I've heard that even though I'm a gentile I could still learn a thing or two from being a possible Noachide?
Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.