In my opinion, Judaism can be defined as both a religion and a culture. It has a blatant connection to religion because the essence of Judaism is the belief in a god and the practice of worship. Perhaps less apparent is Judaism’s connection to culture. The practice of Judaism, as in most religions (e.g. Christianity, Islam), extends far beyond having faith and attending temple. Not only is there the bar and bat mitzvah, Jews also celebrate countless religious holidays with practices that are deeply rooted in tradition—practices that greatly effect their everyday lives. They also learn to read and speak Hebrew. Through circumcision, Judaism even goes as far as to effect intimacy and reproduction. Along with worship, to be Jewish implies tradition, language, education, foods, etc.
On the other hand, Judaism cannot be defined as a race. Though it has historic roots in a specific region and race, it presently encompasses a diverse racial group on a global scale. It is spread across the world, from the USA to Israel to China. Anyone can convert to Judaism, and thus become a part of both the religion and the culture.
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I like your categorization of Judaism as religion And a Culture. It definitely fits both in that it has some conventional rituals that still exists nowadays and it is originally based on faith on the God. However, does it really exclude race? Is it really easily convertible(?) into Jewish even for ME? Also, don't many Jewish people count Jewish holiday because they are Jewish heritage but not entirely because of their belief? You can say it's a culture, but don't they keep that culture because they are part of the race? I know Jewish "race" is not "100%pure" any more but can you really say Judaism does NOT represent the race? Maybe partially?
I think it does exclude race. There are Asian Jews, Sung! (Just think of the vast new horizons opening up for you now!) Not only do Jews already live all over the world, but anyone can become one (well, become a Reform Jew at any rate.)
I think people who classify themselves as nonobservant Jews do so less because of any racial element, but rather because it is the ethno-cultural tradition they grew up with.
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