Before I am a Man I am a Jew

It seems there are a few questions I need to answer for some readers.

The most common is "What the hell is a Masorti?"

Here is the definition:

The Masorti Movement is a pluralistic, religious movement in Israel, affiliated with Conservative Judaism. Its philosophy combines commitment to Jewish tradition and halachah (law) with an open and positive approach to the modern world, to democratic culture and to Zionism.

So yeah...in a nutshell we are modern conservative jews. The name means "Tradition" but we understand and embrace the way modern culture has evolved.

I believe the thirteen principles of faith as taught by the Rambam. They are:


1. G-d exists
2. G-d is one and unique
3. G-d is incorporeal
4. G-d is eternal
5. Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other
6. The words of the prophets are true
7. Moses' prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets
8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) andOral were given to Moses (although the Oral is more for commentary on the law itself)
9. There will be no other Torah
10. G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of men
11. G-d will reward the good and punish the wicked
12. The Messiah will come
13. The Dead will be ressurected.

Lets talk about these. 1. G-d exists 2. G-d is one and unique 3. G-d is incorporeal 4. G-d is eternal. The first four are pretty cut and dry. G-d alone is G-d. Throughout the ages people have tried to put a face on Him, a Body, anything to make haShem corporeal. No. He is G-d. He was and always will be G-d. That's it.

5. Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other.

You would think this would be a no-brainer for the Judeo-Christians. Bottom line..only G-d is to hear our prayers. Not Mary, not Moses, not even Jesus. Only G-d.

6. The words of the prophets are true 7. Moses' prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets 8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) andOral were given to Moses (although the Oral is more for commentary on the law itself)9. There will be no other Torah

All of these explain how important and unique the Torah of G-d is and how special of a servant Moses was. There will be NO other torah aside from what HaShem has given us. Accept no substitutes!

10. G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of men 11. G-d will reward the good and punish the wicked.

The simple and basic proof that G-d loves us. He knows our thoughts. He is involved in every aspect of our lives. His love for us is the basis of our rewards and punishment.


12. The Messiah will come 13. The Dead will be ressurected.

These last two happen together. When the Messiah finally comes, he will ressurect the dead. It is at that point where we are judged. We will be brought into the fold of eternal life and worship of G-d in the world to come, with the Messiah as our king and priest. Lets hope and pray for his speedy arrival.

Aside from these principals of faith, there is the most important commandment of all. Rabbi Hillel said it best

"Love G-d with all of your heart, love your neighbor as yourself"

There is no greater commandment than that. It is our purpose for existance. Not to obtain wealth, or status. Not to have the most toys and hottest spouses. We were put here for one reason...for love.

Any questions?