Two Big DIfferences Between Judaism and Christianity

First of all, in Judaism there is no original sin.  Plain and simple.  People are born pure, and one can never be classified as "a sinner."  One who sins is simply one who sins.  We always have the chance for repentance and return; God yearns for us to repent and return.  Every year, on Yom Kippur, our prayers and fasting earn us a clean slate for the year to come; God forgives and we may live.

Secondly: in Christianity, to the best of my understanding (and please correct me if I'm wrong!), people function as servants to a LORD or Master.  In Judaism, the metaphor (and I believe that our relationship to God is always and only a metaphor) is closer to partners continuing God's work in creation.  We arre God's hands in the world; we help God to do God's work.

Also, I took the GRE yesterday.  It went fabulously; thank you for asking.

And finally a picture of my "Jacob":