Problem
For Jewish or Rabbi's
Could you please tell me about your background? Where were you born and where did you grow up?
What factors or influences led you to deciding to become a rabbi?
What training and education is required to become a rabbi?
Is this your first congregation? What can you tell me about this congregation?
What does it mean to be a Jew?
What are the most important aspects of Judaism? What is the difference between the laws found in the Torah and the Mishnahs?
For us as Christians, the Bible is very important. We believe that God speaks to us through his word and that we can know how to live by reading the Bible and carefully studying or reflecting on what it says.
What is the Jewish understanding about the importance of their scriptures, the Torah? What is more important the Torah or the Talmud? Can you explain what is contained in the Talmud?
What is the Jewish understanding of God? Who is God?
What is the Jewish understanding of the afterlife? Is there a heaven or hell?
What is your understanding of the idea of a Messiah? Who will that person be and when will the Messiah come? How will we know when the Messiah is here? As a Christian I believe that Jesus was the Messiah or Saviour but I know that you don't accept that he was. Can you just explain your understanding of who Jesus was and why you can't accept him as the Messiah that the Hebrew prophets anticipated?
Is there a concept of salvation in Judaism? Can a person be "saved", or is that just a Christian belief?
Were any of your family members victims of the holocaust? Would you mind sharing with me how that event has affected you and your feeling about God and the role of the Jewish people in this world?
What aspect of your faith, culture or history is most misunderstood and not appreciated by those who are not Jewish?
What is your view on the current situation in Israel? Is there any hope for peace? What will it take to bring about peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians?
If I were a Jewish young person, what would I be expected to do to develop a good identity as a Jew? Are Faith and Culture separate within Judaism or are they tied together?
As a Jew do you have a strong desire to live in Israel? Can you explain the intense, emotional attachment Jews have for the land of Israel?