Cultural differences and their impact on the ecumenical issue in today’s Judaism

It is not only the case of Christianity that different religious options spring from cultural differences, but it goes the same for other religions too, even for ethnic religions. Using the example of today Judaism, this study seeks to show how different cultural backgrounds lead to different religious forms, and how they may bring about tensions between members of the same religion. I shall bring up to discussion situations where the cultural differences are finally bridged, as well as others where they persist, feeding the strained relationship. Via the example of Judaism, I shall elaborate on the importance of non-religious factors in the appearance of confessional differences and the attitude towards other practitioners. The material allows theologians to draw a comparison with the situation within Christianity and to reach to useful conclusions for Christian ecumenism.