Re: Elisheva's question below - I am in the process of going through an orthodox conversion now.   My ancestry is from the united kingdom.  So I am doing the right thing by converting?

Hi,

In response to number 1 (from Elisheva) might there not be grounds for a discussion about the historical roots of the Jewish religion in hsitory and a consideration of whether or not this Jewish religion, in the form we have it today, arose and found its current form, in times that post dated the exile of the nothern tribes. In other words, prior to 721 BC were Israelites in the northern kingdom, or were they not, worshipping God in the same way as Jews from Judah worship him today?

I had thought that the Jewish relgion (Judaism) was codified firstly in Babylon in the 6th century BC..then it adapted itself further to the hellenistic influence brought by Alexander (as well as strongly resisting that influence as well, of course). Finally, after the exile by the Romans and the loss of the temple, Judaism had to adapt to its circumstances - not being able to be practised in the land of Israel, and without a temple to give it focus. Can it not be suggested then that contemporary Judaism, even in its Orthodox manifestations, might be significantly different to the style of Divine worship and practice that would have prevailed in both Kingdoms, and especially the Northern, prior to the exiles..? If this is the case, why is it still the case that non-Jewish Israelites must convert to the historically contingent post Roman-exilic religion of Judaism?

I realise that Judaism believes in an oral tradition that traces itself back to the time of Moses and before. Would this be a central argument for Judaism right to instruct? Does Judaism consider itself to have sole voice and authority in detailing how the tribes of israel are to relate to the Almighty? Might not such a consideration be a part of that same tension between Joseph (the ten tribes) and Judah (for which both are surely to blame) which caused so much tension from the time of Solomon until the Assyrian invasion..a tension which, surely, the two houses should now be putting behind them. Surely respect between the two houses should go both ways. Just as Northern Israelites (be they Christian or not) should not seek to impose their pratices onto Jews, or disrespect their faith in the way, for example, some might by trying to convert them to Christianity (or should I say Churchianity), cannot Jews also be persuaded similarly not to expect Northern Israelites to convert to their historic, post exilic faith, a faith which, for 2500 years has been practiced, largely speaking, in isolation from these Northern Israelites. Or am I wrong?

I am not saying Judaism does not have much to offer and instruct the Nothern tribes, especially with respect to everyday morality and a critique of the various forms of idolatry. I take my cue from genesis 49, Jacob's blessings..where we see Judah receiving a rich blessing. But Josephs blessings are also considerable. And maybe here we can contrast this with the Book of Jubilees which, if i recall correclty, negatively altered the blessings to Joseph..reversing somewhat their considerable breadth and depth. I also remember finding the extolling of Levi found therein (in the Book of Jubilees) striking when I studied it at University (again compare with Genesis 49). Do I refer incorrectly to this contrast between genesis and the Book of Jubilees?

Anyway, those are some of my thoughts and I apologise in advance if i have written any errors..and I mean no disrespect.

God bless