It is believed that there are approximately 4,200 religions worldwide. Each has its own set of values and beliefs that set it and the members apart. However, each has a similarity to other religions and their creeds. As a life-long Pentecostal, I, too, have a certain set of beliefs that are different as well as related to other religions. To help me broaden my perspective on other religions, I decided to experience, compare and contrast a Jewish service and beliefs to my own.
             First, it is important to better understand my personal religious background. Faith and religion have always been an integral part of my life. In fact, my religious beliefs are what led me to a career in social work. The Pentecostals place a strong emphasis on a direct personal experience with God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit as shown in the Bible on the Day of the Pentecost. Pentecostals believe that one must be saved by believing in Jesus Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of sins and to be made acceptable to God. We are strongly attached to the New Scriptures and its teachings. A Pentecostal service extends for several hours and often includes a pandemonium of sounds from the congregants shouting praises, a choir or music, and the clergy. People talk through the service and walk in and out.
             I attended a Saturday morning Sabbath service at a Conservative Jewish Synogogue. There are three main sects of Judaism, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox. I felt that the Conservative would give me the best idea of what a service is like. Jews celebrate Sabbath starting on Friday night at sundown to Saturday night sundown. The most religious individuals pray all day and are not allowed to drive, do any work (including turning on lights or appliances, etc.) or carry any money. The Conservative Jews are not that strict, but try to keep the Sabbath as much as possible. Many of them eat only Kosher foods.
             In many respects, the service was very different fr...