A Survey: What Do Jews Really Know
A Church survey conducted during the 1970’s concluded the following about mainstream modern-day Jews.
Many Jewish people know very little about their own Jewish identity or the difference between the terms Jews, Israelites, or Hebrews.
Many don’t know the origins of their traditions, the nature or personality of God, or Messianic literature, expectations or purposes. The concepts they do embrace are generally incorrect.
Jews know little about the meaning or tradition of priesthood. The rabbi, Jewish spiritual leader, is not ordained. He is appointed by the congregation and can be dismissed by them.
Jews have a small knowledge of the prophet Isaiah and all other prophets. Many congregations do not tithe, but many give to aid in the building and preservation of their synagogue and schools.
Jewish religious training basically prepares children for their rites of passage ceremonies (Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and confirmations). They are taught correct observances of Jewish holidays and traditions but little insight into Talmudic knowledge or history is offered.
Many Jews do not know Hebrew or Yiddish.
Jews do not believe Jesus Christ is their Mashiach (Messiah). They reject and revile the idea that he came to teach Messianic scriptures to the Jews and that he was their “king”.Because of many omissions and corruptions to worship practices that have occurred in modern times, the Jewish people have been left with no saving ordinances. This is not a criticism, but a deeply disturbing fact. They don’t know what a saving ordinance is, or that they must have it to partake of the glory that is available to all of us.
Main Similarities:
Members of the twelve families of Israel Both
Under the Avrahamic Covenant Both
called Covenant Israel because the blood of Israel is in their veins Both
Worship the same Heavenly Father Both Belief in the Ten Commandments as given to Moses Both
Belief in a kingdom of priests and a holy nation Both
Ancient holders of holy priesthoods Both
Belief in angels, holy and unholy visitations Both
Belief in the idea and reality of a Messianic figure Both
Belief in sacrifice as atonement for sin Both
Belief in Old Testament (Torah) prophets, revelations from God Both
Belief the Mashiach will be a descendant of Davidic line Both
Belief in temples. The synagogue is a type of temple Both
Belief in prayer, sacred religious rituals and consecrated behaviors Both
Practice a form of baptism, anointing, laying on of hands Both
Administer “new” names to those completing ordinances Both
Belief in giving aid, monetary assistance and other charity to those in need Both
Belief in a pre-mortal life and an afterlife Both
LDS believe Elijah has returned. Jews believe he will return on the Passover Both
Do not see death as tragedy Both
Belief in the eventual redemption of the dead Both
Believe in eventual resurrection of the dead Both
Belief in the End Days theories that will bring peace and joy Both
Congregations led by appointed representatives Both
Believe in living basic Mosaic law of chastity, honesty, charity, Sabbath observance Both
Crosses not used as symbols in either church or synagogue Both
Both religions acknowledge Jesus as a teacher of righteousness Both
Both religions have strict dietary laws Both
Jews and Mormons wear sacred garments under clothes, outer vestments Both
General knowledge or interest in scripture learning, reading, quoting Both
Members encouraged to study, learn and achieve Both
Members are taught self-sufficiency Both
Belief in family as essential to a happy, productive life, basis of society Both
Belief in marrying inside the religion and culture Both
Belief in an Adversary and his evil influences Both
Belief that good overcomes evil Both
Acknowledgement of mysteries of creation beyond human knowledge Both
Societies have undergone religious persecution, exodus, re-settlement for beliefs Both
Belief that God will personally reign upon the earth (Jews: Elohim) (LDS: Christ) Connections
Former and latter-day prophets have used the Urim and Thummim Connections
The Jewish Tanakh scriptures have parallels and similarities to the LDS “quad” in subject matter, wisdom, purpose Connections
LDS temple ordinances, symbols are based upon sacred Israelite rites and practices Connections
Belief in revelation and prophecy available to anyone (Jews: rabbis exert powerful but limited influence) Connections
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints based upon Mosaic Law as given to Moses Connections
Jews know their Messiah will come. He will be a Jew. LDS know that the Savior has come and is Jesus Christ Connections Messianic Jews already know that Jesus is the Christ. They call him Yeshua Connections
Book of Mormon prophets are descendents of Hebrew prophets, although the Jewish people are as yet unaware of it Connections
Book of Mormon prophets as well as Hebrew prophets have received revelations about the gathering in these last days of the 10 lost tribes and their eventual return to Israel Connections
Circumcision practiced. Jews: a covenant with God and the mark of their identity. LDS: having a broken heart and a contrite spirit Connections
Mormon prophets pray for the redemption of Israel and the gathering of Israel to the lands of their inheritance. Jews pray for peace and redemption of Israel to Jerusalem Connections
Two additional connections between Jews and the Restoration of the Gospel:
(1) The Golden Plates were delivered by the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith on Rosh Hashonah, September 22, 1827, when Jews all over the world were praying for the restoration of the brit, meaning covenant.
(2) Following the restoration of the Gospel on Passover, April 3, 18 36, the Lord Yeshua appeared in vision to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland, Ohio temple.
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Main Differences (Key- Jewish=yes. LDS=yes. LDS n/a or Jewish n/a=no)
Monotheism Jewish LDS n/a
Belief in Torah as final arbiter of all of life’s rules, rewards, the garment of life Jewish LDS n/a
Method of prayer is ritualistic. Prayers are recited exactly as written Jewish LDS n/a
Open canon, not a finalized religion or culture Jewish LDS Knowledge that families of Joseph are to bring Judah into the LDS church LDS Interest in or understanding of Jesus the Christ Jewish n/a LDS
The Messiah has arrived and is Jesus Christ Jewish n/a LDS
Atonement of Savior has been accomplished Jewish n/a LDS
The Messiah put on mortality through Mary, immortality through God Jewish n/a LDS
Personal savior recognized as Jesus. Prayers offered in Jesus’ name Jewish n/a LDS
Personal prayers taught and encouraged LDS Belief in modern revelation or promptings Jewish n/a LDS
Modern prophets lead restored Church of Jesus Christ Jewish n/a LDS
Priesthood restoration has been accomplished Jewish n/a LDS
Lay leaders, unpaid clergy n/a LDS Literal belief in life after death for the soul of man Jewish n/a LDS
Saving ordinances Jewish n/a LDS
Acknowledgement of a modern temple Jewish n/a LDS
Ordinance work for dead (Elijah’s return) has been restored Jewish n/a LDS
From: Muchnick, Marlena Tanya; Baker, Daniel C; (2005-04-01). A Mormon’s Guide to Judaism: Introduction to Jewish Religion and Culture for Latter-day Saints (Kindle Locations 1131-1181). Granite Publishing and Distribution. Kindle Edition. Click on: Marlena’s main website to order and see all books.
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