As Jews, Is Belief Required?

Hello Friends!

The notion that belief is a prerequisite to being a Jew may not be as straightforward as one thinks.

ㅤㅤTraditionally, Judaism has centered on birthrights according to the Torah. However, modern interpretations have become less about appeals to genetics and more about commitment to the laws of Ha'Shem.

ㅤㅤTraditional ["orthodox"] Judaism can be called Biblical Judaism, as it centers on adherence to birthrights from the instruction of Ha'Torah. Then there is Rabbinic Judaism that derives from the Middle Ages. Rabbinic Judaism is heavily based on the Midrash and emphasizes commitment to commandments rather than beliefs alone.

Both traditional and rabbinic Judaism exhibit conceptualizations of belief in God, but the difference is that traditional Judaism argues for the existence of the Lord, while rabbinic Judaism substantially less emphasis on the affirmation of propositions.

ㅤㅤThe main breakaway for traditional and rabbinic Judaism originates with the African Jewish philosopher Moses ben Maimon ["Maimonides"]. Maimonides emphasized that the Jewish identity is not based biological factors, but rather commitment to the Lord and the Mitzvot ["commandments"]. In contrast, traditional Judaism asserts the significance of being born of a Jewish mother ("biological") according to the Torah, regardless of beliefs or actions.

—King Troy

Questions:

1.  What are your beliefs regarding Jewish identity?
2.  Are you of the belief(s) of Rabbinic Judaism or Orthodox Judaism?
3.  Is belief in God required to be a Jew? 
4.  Which beliefs coincide with your understanding of Jewish identity?