What Asia Can Learn from Judaism and Jewish Culture

Guest Blogger: Imelda Quibin

I once read a column in the newspaper about a female, American-born writer who lived in Hong Kong. The title of her column was “Asia's Popular Jewish Corner.” She wanted to write about Judaism and translate the magazine into Chinese. "In China, there's never been a history of anti-Semitism, and there's a real thirst for knowledge and information about Jewish history," she wrote. She meant that in China they never read the Bible because they are Buddhist. What an opportunity for the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19 to be fulfilled.

The Philippines is surrounded by non-Christian Southeast Asian countries. History tells us that the Spaniards colonized the Philippines for almost 400 years, inflicting Roman Catholics beliefs in the process. My parents also taught us that God was here in this land of Israel. For us Filipinos working here as caregivers, it’s a great experience to directly observe Jewish culture and practices, since we are in their very homes. Our work as caregivers is demanding most of the time. We have one employer but we are obligated to live in that employer’s home and be available to them 24/6 a week. But to those who will read my issue here in Sister Sylvia's blog, this is my secret when my patience sometimes runs out: I claim the part of the seven-fold promise of God to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 12: “I will bless them that bless thee."

I once worked for a Rabbi, who is part of the elite of the rich, religious Jewish culture. All observant (also called religious) Jews are very concerned about their food and kitchens. They observe strict compliance to the LAW. They only buy kosher foods and practice kashrut law, which prohibits eating milk (dairy) products and meat together. If they eat meat, they must wait allotted hours before they eat milk products, and vice versa. Sorry, but I love cheeseburgers and spaghetti bolognese with cheese! But we are also obliged to observe their culture because we are directly handling their food. We can eat what we love to eat outside their homes. The house of the Rabbi was very organized. The kitchen is much larger than the salon. They have three sinks: one for milk, one for meat, and one for parve (foods that are neither meat nor milk) with designated cabinets and utensils. (I wonder about Pastor Bill and Sister Sylvia’s RV? The Jews would tag it non-kosher! Just joking!) If we happen to interchange a plate or utensil, they just throw it away and buy a new one.

During Shabbat and Pesach (Passover), they use special plates and utensils. They are different from the plates and utensils used every day. This symbolizes "separation." In a spiritual sense, they make the day "holy." It is not a holy day, but it becomes holy because they dedicate it for only the service to the Lord. They cook their food in advance before Shabbat; they don’t kindle fire, as we read in the Old Testament.

I observed one nice practice they impart to their children: After their big meal (Shabbos lunch), children age 13 and above (after their bar/bat mitzvah) read a portion of verses from the Torah. Then they expound from their early knowledge, and parents and visitors lend their ears. After that, the father gives some remarks and the adults tell the youth that they appreciate what they said. It is just like a Bible study to us Christians. During Shabbat, their routine is to go from their house to the synagogue and from the synagogue to their house. They are really dedicated to prayers and Torah reading. I also noticed that they don’t have televisions in their homes, just like Pentecostals!

In conclusion, we are so blessed, Christians. We are freed from the LAW through the power of JESUS CHRIST. Jesus said, “ I’m the fulfillment of the law...and your shabbat of rest” (Imelda’s paraphrase). “We are complete in HIM” (Colossians 2:10).