From user MikeHunt: I don't like judaism because it's oppressive like many other religions... judaism demands that the only righteous way to connect with god is through their temple (and their bloodlines). they also call god "him". that pisses me the fuck off... it's oppressive to outsiders, and even to many members of the congregation, women.
From Anon User: Mike there maybe a few misconceptions about what it means to be Jewish in your posting. Being Jewish, like being christian, is not not same for every branch of the religion. For example, Jewish reform is VERY different than orthodox. In both cases, anyone can become a member, but there is a ceremony that must be completed prior to joining -- a mikvah [sp?]. As you know many christan religions require a ceremony too -- i.e. being baptized.
A reform congregation is not at all sexist. Every year, I go to a temple for passover dinner, and I have to say the temple is much more woman centric than any other religous ceremy I've participated in. [Have a friend tell you about the orange on the plate]. I think one of the things that I enjoy about the passover dinner at the temple is god is not played up. I find jewish reform to be alot like Unitarian Universalist. In both cases there is a real belief that we are obligated to speak out on behalf of those that are not able to speak out for themselves. The political leanings are left-of-center.
Sorry that this post is not as cohesive, as I would like.
