What is Jewish Science?

Jewish Science, a.k.a. Applied Judaism, is a spiritual practice that seeks to apply Jewish teachings and wisdom to daily life through meditation and prayer. It developed in the 19th century in America among Reform rabbis to address the spiritual needs of American Jews. It has many similarities to Hasidism and Mussar as well as the New Thought movement. Check out our Introduction to Jewish Science page for more information.

Do you oppose medical treatment like the Christian Science Church?

Absolutely not. We encourage people to seek medical attention whenever they need it. Prayer is a supplement to medical care, not a replacement. Jewish Science has never been opposed to doctors or medical care in any way. We believe God is the Source of all healing and health regardless of the method used in achieving it. In Jewish Science, spiritual healing is focused on healing the soul. We have no connection to the Christian Science church whatsoever.

Why are you named B’nei Ruth?

B’nei Ruth means the children of Ruth. The book of Ruth is about the power of love to overcome all boundaries and legal restrictions. The Torah states that as a Moabite, Ruth was forbidden from entering the congregation of Israel. Yet, she married two Israelites, devoted herself to her mother-in-law, converted herself to the religion of Israel (Judaism), and is the grandmother of King David (and therefore eventually of the messiah). Our community seeks to emulate the values of radical acceptance, love, and devotion displayed by Ruth, Boaz, Naomi, and their community.

Do I have to be Jewish to join?

Not at all. Everyone who wishes to follow the teachings of Applied Judaism is welcome in our community and is never pressured to convert to Judaism for any reason. Conversion is a personal choice, which we are happy to facilitate for anyone who desires it. Everyone who joins our community is treated as an equal.

Who is a Jew?

At B’nei Ruth, we believe that a Jew is anyone with a Jewish father or mother and/or anyone who converted to Judaism.

Do I need to understand/read Hebrew to participate in services or Torah study?

No, the focus of B’nei Ruth and of Jewish Science more generally is spiritual growth and connection with God. We do not require or spend much energy on Hebrew proficiency. Our prayer services incorporate some Hebrew but are mostly conducted in English. All Hebrew is translated into English and written out in the English alphabet so everyone can sing or chant along if they feel moved to do so. Study sessions are also done in English, and any references to Hebrew words or phrases are only to clarify a point.

Can I convert to Judaism and still believe in Jesus? What if I’m not sure about whether God exists? What if I’m Buddhist?

Conversion to Judaism requires an acceptance of Judaism to the exclusion of all other faiths. People actively practicing and believing in another religion such as Christianity or Buddhism are not eligible for conversion. Because Judaism is the covenant between God and Israel, a belief in God is required to be eligible. However, a specific belief about what God is like (beyond affirming God’s unity and uniqueness) is not required.

Are interfaith families welcome? LGBTQ? BIPOC?

Absolutely, we accept all people and all families.

Does your rabbi perform interfaith weddings? Queer weddings? Weddings for non-Jewish couples?

Yes, Rabbi William is happy to work with every couple to create a ceremony that is right for them. The only requirement is that the couple love one another.

What is Judaism?

Judaism is the religion and culture of the Jewish people. It is grounded in the traditions that developed in the Tanakh, Talmud, Midrash, halakha, Jewish philosophy, and Kabbalah. It is a diverse tradition containing many theologies and practices, some of which contradict one another. In the modern world, Judaism has organized along denominational lines, often referred to as movements. The most well known of these movements are Orthodox (including Modern and Hasidic), Conservative (Masorti), Reform (Liberal/Progressive), Reconstructionist, and Renewal. The central beliefs of Judaism are God’s unity and special covenant with the Jewish people as expressed in the Torah. As the Zohar teaches: God, Torah, and Israel are one.

Rabbi Lichtenstein taught that the quintessence of Judaism is cultivating an awareness of One Divine Presence in all things and living by the ethical commandments and personal virtues that flow from that awareness.

Are you a denomination or affiliated with any denomination of Judaism?

Strictly speaking, Jewish Science is not a denomination. We are not affiliated with any other denomination, although in practice our expression of Judaism is most similar to the Reform or Renewal Movements. As a spiritual practice that grew out of “Classical” Reform Judaism, we retain many similarities with that tradition while incorporating personal spirituality similar to the way of the Renewal Movement.

As a congregation that welcomes everyone, do you incorporate religious practices from other religions?

No, we accept everyone who wishes to join us for study, spiritual growth, and prayer; but we only acknowledge and practice Judaism as understood from the perspective of Jewish Science. We do not engage as a community in the practices of any other religion. Individual members are, of course, free to express their personal faith in whatever way is right for them.