A Heartfelt Plea: Embrace Torah’s Positive Paradigm

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, the Hebrew word for the first man, אָדָם (Adam), holds profound secrets. These secrets bridge ancient wisdom and modern science. This exploration can lead to fascinating comparisons, such as Jewish upbringing vs Christian original sin. As Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh elucidates in his teachings on Hebrew letters and chemistry, spelling out Adam’s letters—Alef (א-ל-פ), Dalet (ד-ל-ת), Mem (מ)—yields a gematria value of 45. This mirrors the expanded form of Hashem’s name, י-ה-ו-ה. This numerical equivalence isn’t a mere coincidence; it underscores that humanity, like the atom, is fundamentally positive at its core. There are 99.999% positive protons defining identity, with negligible negative electrons orbiting at a distance.

This divine blueprint, embedded in Torah, contrasts sharply with Christian doctrines of original sin. In Christianity, children are taught inherent brokenness redeemable only through external salvation. This discussion of Jewish upbringing vs Christian original sin reveals why the intrinsic positivity in Jewish child-rearing is beneficial. Drawing from Deuteronomy 28’s promises of blessings for Torah observance—prosperity, health, and societal flourishing—this post explores why Jewish child-rearing, rooted in intrinsic goodness, has propelled the Jewish people ahead for 3,500 years. They have outpaced their counterparts in Christianity and Islam in stability, innovation, and well-being.

Biblical Foundations: Hashem’s Promises for Torah Adherence

Deuteronomy 28 vividly outlines the rewards for fidelity to the Torah: “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands… you will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country” (Deut. 28:1-3, NIV). These include fruitful families, abundant harvests, and protection from enemies. These are tangible manifestations of divine favor. Conversely, disobedience invites curses, a binary framework emphasizing human agency over predestined flaw. This positive anthropology—humans as partners in creation, bearing tzelem Elokim (God’s image)—shapes Jewish upbringing. Jewish upbringing vs Christian original sin contrasts how children are raised, knowing their neshama (soul) is inherently holy, capable of choice, not burdened by ancestral guilt. As Rabbi Ephraim Palanov, citing Rabbis Ginsburgh and Moshe Turgeman, notes, this mirrors the atom’s structure. It has a dominant, positively charged nucleus that empowers resilience and growth.

In contrast, Christian theology, influenced by Augustine’s original sin, posits innate depravity from birth, redeemable solely through faith in Jesus. Islamic views, while affirming fitrah (innate goodness), often emphasize submission amid historical divisions, potentially fostering fatalism. Torah’s model, promising empirical blessings, has sustained Judaism through the millennia. The topic of Jewish upbringing vs Christian original sin offers insight into these dynamics.

Historical Contrast: Judaism’s Enduring Stability vs. Fragmented Paths

Judaism’s 3,500-year history exemplifies Torah’s stabilizing force. From Abraham’s covenant circa 1800 BCE, through the Exodus (1312 BCE), Babylonian Exile (586 BCE), and Roman dispersions (70 CE), the Jewish people maintained an unbroken mesorah (tradition). They did this via oral and written Torah. Despite pogroms, expulsions (e.g., Spain 1492), and the Holocaust, communal structures—synagogues, yeshivot—preserved identity, fulfilling Deuteronomy’s promise of endurance.

Christianity, emerging in the 1st century CE, fractured early. The Great Schism (1054 CE) divided East and West, followed by the Protestant Reformation (1517 CE). This sparked denominational divisions amid wars (e.g., the Thirty Years’ War, 1618-1648). Persecutions, from Roman arenas to Crusades (1096-1291) and Inquisitions (1478-1834), reflect internal strife. This diverges from unified Torah observance.

Islam’s history, beginning with Muhammad in 610 CE, saw rapid expansion but immediate schism. The Sunni-Shia split after 632 CE, leading to rivalries within the caliphate and ongoing conflicts (e.g., Ottoman-Persian wars). While achieving cultural peaks (Golden Age, 8th-14th centuries), divisions hindered the cohesive flourishing Deuteronomy envisions.

Why Torah-Raised Children Excel: Evidence from Research

A Jewish upbringing that affirms inherent positivity yields superior outcomes, as Deuteronomy predicts. “Your children and your crops will be blessed” (Deut. 28:4). Jewish upbringing vs Christian original sin highlights how Pew Research finds that 91% of Orthodox-raised Jews retain their faith into adulthood. This is compared with 55% among Evangelicals and 77% among Muslims.

This retention stems from empowering children with agency and from reducing the existential doubt prevalent in original sin doctrines.

Mental health benefits align with Torah’s holistic view. CDC and NIH studies show religious Jewish teens exhibit the lowest depression and suicide rates among peers. Religion is protective against ideation (meta-analysis: 20-30% lower risk). In contrast, Evangelical youth face higher rates due to salvific anxiety. Meanwhile, Muslim teens navigate cultural pressures amid global tensions.

Charitable giving, embodying tzedakah, sees 79% of U.S. Jews donating annually, surpassing Catholics (71%) and Protestants (66%), though Muslims lead at 80% in some polls.

Innovation thrives: Despite comprising 0.2% of the global population, Jews have garnered 22% of Nobel Prizes. This reflects Torah’s emphasis on inquiry and tikkun olam (world repair).

These metrics validate Deuteronomy’s blessings, fostering societies that endure and excel.

A Heartfelt Plea: Embrace Torah’s Positive Paradigm

To Christian and Muslim parents: Reconsider doctrines framing children as flawed. Jewish upbringing vs Christian original sin suggests teaching them as Torah does—they carry Hashem’s name, a “forty-five volt” positive core. This shift could heal divides, boost resilience, and fulfill shared Abrahamic promises.

Continue this series: Next, Aleph as hydrogen—Torah’s cosmic code. Subscribe to Gavriel Ben David on YouTube; visit beithashoavah.org for resources.

Signed,
Hazan Gavriel ben David

This retention stems from empowering children with agency, reducing existential doubt prevalent in original sin doctrines.

Mental health benefits align with Torah’s holistic view. CDC and NIH studies show religious Jewish teens exhibit the lowest depression and suicide rates among peers, with religion protective against ideation (meta-analysis: 20-30% lower risk). In contrast, Evangelical youth face higher rates due to salvific anxiety, while Muslim teens navigate cultural pressures amid global tensions.

Charitable giving, embodying tzedakah, sees 79% of U.S. Jews donating annually, surpassing Catholics (71%) and Protestants (66%), though Muslims lead at 80% in some polls.

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