Number five on that list, kiss anything holy that falls on the ground, including the cap, that confirms in my mind that it is not just a hat, but something with a deep religious connection and symbology.TheAbominableDan said:
TheAbominableDan said:
Religious Freedom
- Thread starter TacticalAssassin1
- Start date
Recommended Videos
I think this is a pretty accurate description of what's happened here. I honestly and obviously came into this conversation ignorant and I'm coming out knowledgeable, so I see this as a positive experience (apart from the unfortunate few who can't stop insulting people).nyaman said:
Nah, it's just an issue of being fully dressed.EMFCRACKSHOT said:
Think of it like wearing a suit for your wedding - you're doing something serious, so you dress seriously. In Jewish culture, synagogue is an important place, so you make sure you're fully dressed, and that includes wearing a hat. Any hat will do, although the yarmulke has become traditional over time.
You're quoting ehow, but several average Jewish people have been commenting on this thread telling you that it is not religious, but traditional and wholly not indicative of religious affiliation. I hate to accuse but I am sensing a bit of confirmation bias, choosing only sources that back up your point. For the record, in all my experience you don't kiss the cap when it falls. That only really refers to the books and such, so take of that what you will.
Also, I would say that even if you disagree with religions you should at least try to experience the basics of some of them. If that means observing a few of the customs that's a small price to pay for the knowledge you get. Just my opinion with that one.
Also, I would say that even if you disagree with religions you should at least try to experience the basics of some of them. If that means observing a few of the customs that's a small price to pay for the knowledge you get. Just my opinion with that one.
I see what you did there (tip of the hat *chuckle*)mikespoff said:A tip of the hat for being mature enough to see this as an opportunity to learn - I'm glad you found it positive. Enjoy your trip, if you're still interested in learning more about the culture.TacticalAssassin1 said:
But yeah, thanks for that. Hopefully it will be interesting and enjoyable. The synagouge is only part of the trip (pretty sure) anyway so it shouldn't be a big deal. (May have misspelt synagouge and a few other things but it's midnight and I'm typing on an iPod)
What's wrong with that sentence? I'm not saying they will try to make me join in, but in the unlikely event that they do, I'll say no.Jester00 said:
Isn't that fair enough? Or am I missing something?
I would understand this perfectly, if anyone required you to actively participate in a ritual, but get this, during such visits THEY DON'T DO THAT. As I've said before, I've been to tons of sermons regardless my lack of beliefs and I wasn't required to do anything, not even sing. I only sang along because it alleviated my boredom and some of them were indeed nicely written. Putting a hat on does not in any way make you participate, it's just something you do so no one would get offended, like, if I went to a church WITH a hat on.TacticalAssassin1 said:
As soon as pigs fly...Jester00 said:
Just because I say 'as soon as such and such' doesn't mean I think it's going to happen.
Why NOT wear a skullcap?
Think of it as some strange hat.
It's not that wearing something immediately transforms you to a Jewish person.
Think of it as some strange hat.
It's not that wearing something immediately transforms you to a Jewish person.
you're in the right. you shouldn't do it if you really don't want to, i mean, i can understand why this might make you feel uncomfortable, i go through some of this stuff myself pretty much everyday. i live in a christian household but i'm not christian, and they know it. but they still make me participate in their beliefs, and i hate it with a passion. i want to try to be open minded as possible, but it's hard when they're forcing their beliefs on me. i naturally put up defenses towards this action. and i see you seem to be the same way. talk to the teacher, and maybe just wait outside
"I'm not a religious person and do not wish to participate in religious activities. It's against my beliefs."
If you're saying you're an atheist, the only thing that characterises us is that we don't believe in God. Anyway, wearing a cap doesn't mean you're participating, just that you're not being a dick.
Honestly, I think religion is infantile at best, but you aren't being asked to pray or have your foreskin cut off before you enter, so what difference does it make? Its such a non-issue you can't even claim its a matter of principle.
I was accepted to a 6th Form that was Catholic, but had mandatory prayer sessions about points during the term (in spite of them claiming the school was not only for Catholics), and so I went somewhere else on the principles that education and my religion (or lack thereof) should have nothing to do with each other, and that they were being hypocritical, and that I am against religious schools anyway. If I hadn't of had to do anything other than wear a specific article of clothing that didn't bear any relation to anything else anyway, I'd have probably considered it more.
If you're saying you're an atheist, the only thing that characterises us is that we don't believe in God. Anyway, wearing a cap doesn't mean you're participating, just that you're not being a dick.
Honestly, I think religion is infantile at best, but you aren't being asked to pray or have your foreskin cut off before you enter, so what difference does it make? Its such a non-issue you can't even claim its a matter of principle.
I was accepted to a 6th Form that was Catholic, but had mandatory prayer sessions about points during the term (in spite of them claiming the school was not only for Catholics), and so I went somewhere else on the principles that education and my religion (or lack thereof) should have nothing to do with each other, and that they were being hypocritical, and that I am against religious schools anyway. If I hadn't of had to do anything other than wear a specific article of clothing that didn't bear any relation to anything else anyway, I'd have probably considered it more.
Edit: Most of this had already been cleared up, but my opinion anyway:
Respect for other religions is that you do not purposefully antagonise them. Wearing an item of clothing does not mean that they are forcing their belief onto you, it is a sign of respect. In some countries it is custom to remove your shoes before entering a house, and definitely for eating with them (some extend this to restaurants). Would you refuse this, as it is not to do with your culture?
Respect is a two way street. If you want them to respect you, you need to be able to show some humility and respect back to them.
I applaud that you went to the synagogue and museum, as understanding world cultures is essential in life. If more people were able to open mindedly learn about other people and the way they are, rather than jumping to rash decisions, stereotypes and bigotry, then the world would be a better, more peaceful place.
Respect for other religions is that you do not purposefully antagonise them. Wearing an item of clothing does not mean that they are forcing their belief onto you, it is a sign of respect. In some countries it is custom to remove your shoes before entering a house, and definitely for eating with them (some extend this to restaurants). Would you refuse this, as it is not to do with your culture?
Respect is a two way street. If you want them to respect you, you need to be able to show some humility and respect back to them.
I applaud that you went to the synagogue and museum, as understanding world cultures is essential in life. If more people were able to open mindedly learn about other people and the way they are, rather than jumping to rash decisions, stereotypes and bigotry, then the world would be a better, more peaceful place.
