Reflections is a weekly spotlight on faith within the campus community through intimate student interviews.
In this present age of moral relativism, many people seek direct contact with the divine, dismissing the importance of deeds and rules of behavior. The antithesis to this trend is Naftali Thomas, a 22 year-old Orthodox Jewish student at The University of Memphis. In Naftali's words, "It is not enough to believe in God. To truly show one's belief, one must live by God's rules in daily life."
The Orthodox Jewish community at The University of Memphis is organized into the Jewish Student Union. There are also a number of Reformed Jewish students on campus.
Judaism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, originated among the tribes of Israel and Judea more than 2,000 years ago. Followers of Judaism believe that education, ethical conduct, justice and social activism are the ways by which one honors God.
As a result of centuries of conflict in the Middle East, Jews migrated to Europe and other parts of the world in a process known as the "Diaspora." Today, even with the re-establishment of an independent Israel, more than two-thirds of the 15 million Jews around the world live outside the Middle East, with 5.2 million in the United States alone. Orthodox Jews believe in a strict interpretation of the Torah and Jewish laws, following a variety of rules regulating lifestyle, diet and religious observances.
Naftali is intensely proud of the rich historical significance of his religion. "Knowledge of history is extremely important to Jewish people," Naftali said. "As Jews, we cling to the connection with the past, but also look forward to the promise of the future."
Throughout centuries of living as minorities and social outcasts, Jewish culture has developed a strong resilience. The hard work, education and sheer sacrifice of Jews throughout history has given people like Naftali Thomas a feeling of belonging and strong religious convictions that are equal to the pressures of a changing society.
This intense conviction in one's faith can present challenges -- it is difficult, sometimes, to accept that God can let bad things happen to good people, Naftali said. "Losing three siblings has led me to question my belief in God. But I have persevered, and I strongly believe that acting out my part in God's plan should not be affected by others."
For Naftali, Judaism is a self-contained religion. He has his own beliefs about God, and he doesn't want others to interfere with his religious practices.
"I hate it when others try to meddle in your religion. By trying to convert me, they are basically telling me that my most precious personal beliefs are wrong," Naftali said. "I treat others the way I want to be treated. True religious tolerance can only be achieved if everyone follows that precept."
