We must respect
the other fellow's religion,
but only in the same sense
and to the extent
that we respect his theory
that his wife is beautiful
and his children smart
- H. L. Mencken
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Clearly, we expect Jews to join our discussion, since Shuls and issues relating to Jewish religious observance are inherently Jewish topics.
We cannot police this guideline. After all, anybody can subscribe anonymously to any of these groups, by providing no more information than an e-mail address. Even that information is sometimes hidden behind secondary, freebie addresses. Subscribers do not have to announce their background or religious observance, and we thus know nothing more than the information they post on the group.
However, it is also clear that Jews go to Shul to pray to our G-d. That implies a belief in G-d. Those who don't believe in G-d have alienated themselves from the very reason for the group's existence.
Lastly, we assume that all members of The Other Shul accept the fact that this group will reflect Jewish principles.
Some people may want to present ideas that may contravene authentic Judaism. They would do well to search for a more "democratic" group than The Other Shul. After all, we're not going to vote on the truth.
Let's summarize.
In general, you may present your position and ideas about Judaism on The Other Shul. However, the group does have well-defined limits and restrictions, and it is not for everybody.
Find out more about The Other Shul
Subscribe to The Other Shul
Subscribe to other Jewish and Hebrew groups
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Your exercise for this article is as follows:
Do you have to believe in authentic Judaism to participate actively in The Other Shul?
Keyword: Forums
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