The beginning of it all
 

According to Judaism, how did creation begin? Is it the same story as in what Christians call the Old Testament? Did G-d create light and then Eden and then Man/Woman?

Did Man & Woman actually fall from grace according to Judaism? Is humanity considered to be 'fallen'? Do we need to restore our perfection and grace, as it is in Christianity?

I'm confused by the apparent discrepancy between Judaism and the Christian Old Testament. What are the differences?

This is a great post I have been wondering the same thing for awhile now.
I think that as for the creation question it is pretty close to the OT, but interpretation is different. I think that much of the Christian interpretation of Judaic text are flawed.

I do think, but I am not for sure but the whole interpretation of Adam/Eve and the fall are not the same. I do know that Judaism does not believe in a hell and Satan is so different in Judaism as compared to Christianity.

The messiah in Judaism is a physical leader/king not a savior concept as portrayed in Christian doctrine. In Judaism man can reconnect with G-d by simply changing their lives in such a way as to follow the laws of Torah and participating in helping others. I am not Jewish so these comments are from what I have researched so I am sure there are more differences and I hope others will help clarify the differences because I too would like to know. :rolleyes: :smile:

nightowl

Thankyou nightowl. That was very helpful.

Working with a dead computer is no fun and so I am behind in my responses, public and private, for which I apologize. And now, with Pesach (Passover) about to begin, I won't have the opportunity to post for a bit.

Therefore, to be brief, and in response to your first question, the Old Testament and the Tanakh are the same, some books being ordered differently. For example, the Tanakh ends with Chronicles, the OT with Malachi.

Your other questions can't be answered with a simple yes or no and terms need to be defined. I will have to get back to you.

B'shalom,

Peter

Thankyou Peter. I look forward to your reply.

Welcome back RabbiO!

Genesis 2, written by the Jahwist (J), is the oldest account of creation in the Jewish tradition. Genesis 1, written by the Priestly source (P), is a refined account.


Rashi's commentary on Bere**** (Genesis) should be of immense value to you.

You have to remember Honza, the OT is a jewish book written OFR jewish people, not the whole wide world. It wasnt talking abotu humanity as a whole, just the jews, and romans, and a few odd other civs around at the time...

There is no worl wide paradigm in the bible, we only think there is

I find this very interesting. Might you elaborate? :smile:

Me too. I'm pretty sure the Bible was written with a world wide paradigm in mind.

is that what all religions aspire to?