SOUNDING OFF:

Machiavelli wrote, “Men are more apt to be mistaken in their generalizations than in their particular observations.”

This comment may be aptly applied to Judge James P. Gray’s article on Judaism and Christianity (“Judaism and Christianity,” Sept. 7). Though well-meaning, at least one of his generalizations is erroneous.

Gray’s assertion, “There is no specific dogma or formal set of beliefs that a person must have to be a Jew. To the contrary, it is mostly a religion of ‘good acts,’ where a person must earn God’s forgiveness and favor” is mistaken.

This simplification of a very complex subject overlooks Judaism’s rich theology and errs in discounting the role of faith and Judaism’s belief in eternal verities.

In the practice of Judaism, adherents must accept certain fundamental doctrines; foremost among them is the existence of the One God, indivisible, incorporeal, unique and alone.

There can be no disputing the fact that the central idea of Judaism, and its very life purpose, is the doctrine of the One Only Eternal and Holy God, whose kingdom of truth, justice and peace is to be universally established at the end of time.

Good acts are of critical importance in Judaism, and a life rightly lived is to be preferred to beliefs rightly held.

But our deeds are to be undertaken only as responses to the will and salvational purpose of he who is the god of Israel and all humankind.

The very opening of the Ten Commandments requires the Jewish people to know that god is, and the next directs that the people’s faith be exclusively centered on him.

God’s existence, his unity, the world as his creation, the harmonious plan by which it was created, and his providence, are all beliefs incumbent on those who seek to practice Judaism.

From these foundational creeds flow acts that are designed to exalt our creator, make him manifest in our world and contribute to the coming of his kingdom.

This formal set of beliefs animates our lives here on Earth, serves god’s purposes and elevates our deeds to the level of heaven.

MARK MILLER is rabbi at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach.