The devotion of Orthodox Jews to noahide adherence

Several weeks ago, we were told the following in a class lecture: “Jewish sensibility would favor action over belief.  The practice of constant prayer brings one to greater understanding.  Taking on the discipline makes you a disciple, and to observant Jews belief is secondary. “At the time of the lecture, I understood that notion to an extent.  After doing the readings on Jewish holy days and rituals, I have a deeper understanding of what that means.      

            If one truly observes the requirements and rituals set forth under Judaic law, one could not help but become fully immersed in the religion.  I was amazed at the number of holidays I did not know about.  The daily rituals we discussed in class (such as the infamous prayer upon exiting the bathroom.)  The weekly rituals upon entering Shabbat and re-entering the week ahead.  The 613 laws.   613 laws!  How could anyone who practices some time type of devotion every hour of their life not be religious?   The more I read, the more convinced I was that it is in the practice – not the belief – where you grow closer to God.

            As a Catholic growing up, we had the weekly tradition of mass.  During Lent, there was the increased practice of fasting.  Holy week meant mass three times that week – including the reenactment of Jesus entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.   Of course at Christmas, there is the traditional Christmas Eve mass and the placing of the baby Jesus into the nativity.  More traditional Catholics (like my parents) do a daily rosary.  These are all important, beautiful practices/rituals.  But they are for a short period of time.  The practices associated with Judaism – especially Orthodox Judaism – are constant, hour to hour, and minute to minute.  I often wonder if I had been raised in an environment of continual practice, whether I would have stuck with it, or faded off as I have from Catholicism.  Without practice, one can get apathetic.  Turn your head long enough – and you lose interest.  Traditional, orthodox Jews do not let this happen – and for this reason, they are true disciples of God.