Hi gang!  Yesterday we explored what makes one a Jew.  If you missed it, you may want to review before we take a look at various Jewish (and other) religious positions.

Today, Israelis come in all sorts of flavors.  I don’t claim to know them all, but here are a few of the predominate Jewish religious positions in Israel:

• Ultra-Orthodox Jews.  You will recognize these Jews by their clothing (black hats, black coats), though they vary slightly according to the rabbi they follow.
• Orthodox Jews.  Many orthodox Jewish men wear kippas (skull caps).  They typically follow Jewish rules, but are a bit more immersed in society than the Ultra-Orthodox who tend to separate themselves.
• Secular Jews.  About 80% of Israeli Jews are secular, perhaps celebrating certain feasts, but by and large unengaged in religious activity.
• Messianic Jewish Community.  These Jews acknowledge Jesus Christ as Messiah (Savior) and are “Jewish Christians.”  There are about 120 Messianic congregations in Israel today, and around 15,000 Messianic believers in the Land.
• Israeli Arabs.  Making up roughly 20% of Israel’s population, Israeli Arabs have integrated into Israeli society.  They serve in the IDF, the Knesset (Israeli parliament), as judges, and other important positions in society.  Though Israeli by citizenship, they are typically pressured by Islamists to side with the Palestinians (at times creating tension in the Knesset!)

Israelis are as diverse religiously as they are ethnically, making Israel a religious and cultural melting pot.

Israel is not without its challenges, often resulting from various viewpoints of differing ethnic and religious sectors.  Be faithful to pray for the land of Israel and her citizens, as they enjoy the only true democracy in the Middle East, while dealing with the challenges that vast differences bring.