An interesting blog-post and response based on an interview with a Rabbi regarding the faith of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Jewish Orthodox community of believers, was noted in the LA Jewish Journal online.  Conversations like these online impact each of us, a post at a time, as we strive for understanding between us, and see the inter-connectedness of our faith–as well as where we poise differently, given our conception of God and the destiny of the House of Israel.

There is a continually growing interest among Latter-day Saints for dialogue with Jewish people, who occupy a special place in Mormon theology and perspective. Latter-day Saints, seeing themselves as descendants of ancient Israel (primarily from the tribe of Ephraim), often feel a special bond, a kinship, with the Jewish people, whom they sometimes regard as “cousins” of “the house of Israel” of the tribe of Judah,

Below is an excerpt from Mark Paredes, blogger on the Jewish-Mormon dialogue, who asked if he could respond to  questions posed during the interview mentioned above:

3] Why is Mormon-Orthodox Jewish dialogue important?

Mormons generally consider the Orthodox to be Jews who take G-d and their religion seriously. We have enormous respect for people who believe that the Hebrew Bible is a divine book, and that this knowledge obligates us to act in certain ways. On a personal level, I have found that Orthodox Jews are usually much more knowledgeable about their own faith than their Reform and Conservative counterparts.

Given that Mormons believe that they are modern-day Israelites and that their theology is far more complete than other Christian belief systems on the Abrahamic covenant, chosenness and Israel, the prophetic tradition, etc., it’s only natural that they would seek to dialogue with Jews who look to Judaism, not secular liberalism, for enlightenment on these questions.

The LDS Church as a whole is interested in working with other faiths in two areas: humanitarian aid and promoting religious freedom. At the grass roots level, however, Mormons love Jews, Judaism, and Israel, and any attempt by the Orthodox to engage in dialogue with us would be warmly welcomed.

4] Do the Orthodox rabbis ever learn about Mormonism and its doctrines?

I’ve fielded many questions from Orthodox rabbis on LDS beliefs and practice. On one occasion the local LDS Church’s public affairs committee invited a group of LA-based rabbis to visit the temple in Draper, Utah, before it was dedicated. An Orthodox rabbi was in the group, and he was very appreciative of the chance to learn more about our sacred rituals.

 
http://www.jewishjournal.com/jews_and_mormons/item/interview_with_a_rabbi_on_lds-orthodox_dialogue_39110430/