What does Judaism have to say about Buddhism and Hinduism?…ask the rabbi
Rabbi Raymond Apple served for 32 years as the chief minister of the Great Synagogue, Sydney and asks this question and others. He is now retired and lives in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Raymond Apple
EASTERN RELIGIONS
Q. I know why Judaism disagrees with Christianity and Islam, but what does it say about Buddhism and Hinduism?
A. It rejects the negativism of Buddhism, the idea that you and I and the entire universe are nothing: When something in life goes wrong we cannot handle it or respond; we can only withdraw.
As against Buddhism, which in most versions is a non-theistic “way”, Judaism is a way of life given by and answerable to the Creator God.
In regard to Hinduism, one of our major problems is not that it lacks a god but that it has too many of them. Judaism regards it as idolatrous despite its moral principles.
SHORTENING PRAYERS
Q. Can I shorten some of the ceremonies and prayers found in the Siddur?
A. The Siddur has abbreviated versions of the Amidah and the Grace After Meals. But these are there for a time of emergency. In normal circumstances, one should not need short versions.
Ask yourself what your motivation is in wanting them. Probably you want more time for your own concerns… more time for money or gossip… more time to focus on anything except your character and soul…
When the sages discuss ways of abbreviating the Grace After Meals what they have in mind is getting back to work and not taking undue time away from an employer. That’s a means of being ethical and thoughtful, not just promoting your personal advantage.
Here’s another example of when a short version is appropriate: in 1941 during the London Blitz people rushed to the bomb shelters as darkness approached, and religious Jews were worried about what to do on Seder night.
Dayan Yechezkel Abramsky of the London Beth Din explained what the real essentials of the Seder were and showed how all could be covered in 15 or 20 minutes, allowing people to get to their shelters in time.
The motivation was entirely valid. Lives had to be protected and had to be combined with the observance of Pesach.
In time of danger to life or health, it is not required to drag out a service or observance. But when there is no emergency a person should take their time and savour the spirituality of the moment.
