There are too many Jewish laws for me to be religious. This is heard very frequently. Is it true or is there a misunderstanding about the true nature of Judaism?

Once a Roman soldier came to Rabbi Shammai and said to him,”How many Laws (Torahs) do the Jewish people have?” Rabbi Shammai answered him,”We have only two. One torah given to us in writing.  The other Torah, handed down by word of mouth.”

The Roman replied, “I believe in the written law and what is recorded in it. However, I do not believe in anything that has been handed down orally. Now accept me as a convert on condition that you teach me the written law.”

Rabbi Shammai became angry and drove the Roman soldier away from his school.

The Roman went from the School of Rabbi Shammai to the School of Rabbi Hillel and asked him the same question as he had asked Rabbi Shammai. Rabbi Hillel accepted him as a convert and began to teach him. The first day he taught him alef, beis, gimmel, dalet. And the Roman repeated after the rabbi exactly as he had told him. The next day Rabbi Hillel taught him again and turned the names around and said, dalet, gimmel, beis, alef.

Then the Roman said to Hillel, “Holy Rabbi, yesterday you taught me differently.” Then Hillel answered him, “Just as you rely upon my word, so you must rely on the Law, which is also handed down by word of mouth, and everything that  is contained within it.”

Based on B. Shab 31a

Everyday people are challenged because their lifestyle and beliefs.  So many times it is heard, “there are too many laws and rules. Its too hard to be religious.”

Sadly, many follow the ways of our teachers and rabbis (May the be a blessing) out of a sense of duty. Their actions become mechanical and by rote. Their service becomes stale and devoid of emotion.

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The laws, rituals, and traditions of the Jewish people makes our lives whole, filled with beauty, mystery and wonder. The written and oral Torah has taken us beyond a mere religion to a lifestyle filled with warmth, magnificence, mystery and peace.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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