How do the Jewish react to other religions?

Answer 1

Jews believe that they should not follow the beliefs and customs of other religions; they believe they should be faithful to the Commandments which were given to them by God. Of course, Jews understand that there are certain beliefs they have in common with Christians, Muslims, or members of other faiths, but they also know there are major differences. For example, the Hebrew Bible (in the Ten Commandments) says it is forbidden in Judaism to worship other gods, or to make statues of deities and bow to them. But while Jews are proud of their own religious beliefs, they also believe that people from other religions should be treated respectfully and courteously. Judaism also teaches that members of non-Jewish religions do not need to become Jewish in order to merit reward in the afterlife.

Many non-Jews misunderstand the concept of the "Chosen People"-- they think it means Jews believe they are superior, but that is not accurate. Rather, Jews believe they were chosen to introduce ethical monotheism into a pagan and polytheistic world. Jews believe that Judaism is the true religion for them, but they do not actively seek converts nor send out missionaries. It is possible to convert to Judaism, and a number of people do, but Jews do not tell people that they need to become Jewish. Rather, if a person is dissatisfied with his or her faith and seeks out a rabbi, that person will be shown how to study and make up their own mind whether to continue. (Some rabbis symbolically turn a potential convert away three times, to see if the person is sincere. Others do not observe this custom.)

As for interfaith cooperation, some Jews-- mainly the Orthodox, do not believe in participating in interfaith services. They do, however, take part in interfaith dialog. More liberal Jews, however-- mainly Conservative and Reform, are willing to join with those of other faiths for prayer on certain occasions. For example, after the mass shooting in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, a number of clergy joined together for prayer services to comfort the entire community, and both Muslim and Jewish clergy participated.

Answer 2

The general answer is that there is no specific path to G-d; Judaism is right for the Jews, but the righteous among the nations shall have a part in the world to come.

More specifically, Jews believe that those who adhere to the laws that G-d gave to Noah after the great flood are 'righteous.'

1. No murder

2. No theft

3. No sexual immorality

4. No idolatry

5. No blasphemy

6. No eating flesh torn from a living animal

7. DO establish courts of law

Answer 3

Judaism teaches that all of the people in the world are God's children, but it makes no formal statements about other religions. In other words, it is not for the Jews to decide how God communicates with other people.

Furthermore, the Talmud says that the righteous of ALL nations will have a share in the world to come.

Answer 4

They are not allowed to worship or join other religions, but they must treat all people cordially.

Answer 5

Orthodox Judaism claims all other religions to be wrong and forbids the marriage of a Jew to anyone that is outside the faith.