The Jewish Faith

You will learn so much about our Jewish friends and their religious and political history. You will learn about their culture, dress, traditions, and beliefs. Much of it, you will learn piece by piece as we travel to place to place from Israel. You will come to appreciate them and see how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints feel a deep connection with them. Here is a great article that will help introduce you the similarities and differences between our faiths:

https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1630&context=msr

You will also encounter many jewish objects and rituals on our trip and this link has a great summary to some of them:

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jewish-ritual-objects-guide/

The most common objects of the Jewish Faith that you will see most often are the kippah, tallit, and mezuzah. These links will introduce you to them.

Remember that are many sects in Judaism, from very Orthodox to very liberal, with large differences between them in their belief and practice.

VERY IMPORTANT

NON-PROSELYTING AGREEMENT

Please read

https://jerusalemcenter.ce.byu.edu/sites/jerusalemcenter.ce.byu.edu/files/non-proselytizingagreement.pdf

This is a unique agreement (and probably contrary to your nature and disposition) but an important part of our trip. As members of the Church, we are obligated to abide by this agreement, being careful not to talk about the Church or its doctrines to anyone outside our group, while in Israel. A simple answer to questions regarding Church doctrines or practices is: "By agreement with the Government of Israel, we do not discuss the Church's doctrines or personal religious beliefs." IF asked specifically, it is appropriate to indicate that "Mormons" are Christians by saying we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That is it.

Call if you have questions.