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Christians and Jews: Are we really that different? Christianity and Judaism are two religions that have many differences, but also much in common. One example is that both religions were started in the same country, Israel. On the other hand, Judaism has no founder and Christianitys creator was Jesus, who taught many things about faith and God. Judaism and Christianity were also both started at different times. Christianity began around 30 AD and Judaism around 1000 BC. There are more examples of similarities and differences in the categories of beliefs, sacred texts and prayer life, as well as major holidays, celebrations, and traditions. It should be obvious that both Christianity and Judaism are two religions that have many things in common, but also a lot differences. Christianity and Judaism have almost the same amount of similarities and differences in the subject of major beliefs. In Judaism, Jesus was just another prophet, whereas in Christianity, Jesus was the Savior and designer of the entire religion. That being said, Christianity and Judaism both believe in God but give him different names. Despite this, there is also the difference in the belief of what happens after death. Christians believe in heaven and hell. Jews on the other hand have a completely different view. They have no direct religious belief in the afterlife. As you can see, Christianity and Judaism have nearly the same amount of similarities and differences. While some sacred texts and the way believers pray are in some ways similar, there are more differences. In Christianity, the New and Old Testaments of the Bible are the most important text. In Judaism, the TaKakh is the holy book; it is comprised of the Old Testament from the Christian Bible with some minor changes. Another way these two religions differ is the language that the followers pray in during worship. The Jews pray in Hebrew, but when praying in a Christian church, the language depends on which country you are in. Another difference is

the place of worship. The Jewish worship in a place called a synagogue, whereas Christians go to worship in a church. While these religions have different ways of prayer and sacred writings; though there are several things they have in common. Jewish holidays and Christian holidays are very different. Hanukkah and Christmas are celebrated around the same time or year and seem similar, they are actually very different. The Jewish celebration Hanukkah celebrates a miracle including fire and oil that happened long ago and has almost no religious reference, while the Christian holiday of Christmas celebrates Jesus birth. Secondly, the Jewish New Year is celebrated religiously and festively. Followers of Judaism celebrate their new year, Rosh Hashanah, by celebrating and praying. Although what year it is makes no religious difference to Christians and their faith. Another example is that while both religions have their own days of redemption, they are celebrated for different reasons and called by different names. In Judaism, it is called Yom Kippur and the Jews set it aside to ponder their sins and shortcomings. Whereas in Christianity think of their redemption as the death of Jesus Christ to pay for their sins. The major holidays, celebrations, and sacred texts in these two religions are very different, indeed. As you can tell from the paragraphs above, Jews and Christians have many differences as well as similarities. Another thing to consider is the fact that both religions base their morals off the same set of rules, the Ten Commandments. They believe that you should be good to everyone and kind to the Lord, as well as some other points related to previously mentioned beliefs. Another difference worth pointing out is how to become a member. In the Christian church, you must be baptized to be official. In the Jewish church, however, you are born in and dont need any acceptance unless you are joining and it wasnt your birth religion. By now it should be apparent that these religions have many differences as well as similarities, though it should be

made clear that they are definitely more similar than other world religions such as Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism.

Reflective Letter 1. I began by thinking of things I knew many differences about. At first my direction was going to be comical, but then I decided to continue from my exemplification essay and take a look at religion. 2. After reading this essay I want the reader to walk away knowing the differences as well as similarities between some religions. While also noticing the need for some overlap in their customs and/or traditions. 3. During my brainstorming process when I came up with my topic, I realized that I had a great deal of knowledge regarding my subject. All of my examples were things I have learned in the past either from my own readings or from teachers along the way. 4. There really isnt a lot to say about this project. One thing that sticks out overall is the fact that I have the privilege to speak out on topics such as this and can relate it to my faith without any push back.