How can you practice something you don't believe in? This was an interesting explanation on how people can be "observant" but not believing. This doesn't make sense to me and seems very unfulfilling.

I enjoyed watching all of these presentations. This young man in particular (as well as Rachel, the young lady who represents my own faith) was truly impressive and stood out as one who is not only an engaging and genuine speaker, but one who really knows his own religion. Excellent and informative.

It should never be considered an insult that the hard questions are asked of you and not others. I feel that Mormons (which is my faith) should be held to a higher standard. If it is indeed true, and I believe it is, we should be prepared to answer tough questions. Great job by all the speakers by the way. It truly gives me hope for the future.

To answer Jennifer's questions, although it wasn't talked about here, Judaism & gender issues are often discussed. Acceptable roles for women vary greatly within Judaism, depending on how religious the individual is. For example, even though an Orthdox synagogue has a separate section for women and a woman is not allowed to lead services, there are many female rabbis in Reform synagogues. Women are also seen as more holy than men, therefore they are not required to pray as often. It's complicated.

As far as practice without belief is concerned, Judaism is just as much a culture as it is a religion. For many people, myself included, the traditions have more to do with family and a connection to your ancestors than with belief in a higher power. Because of aggressive religious persecution, my great-grandparents had to leave everything behind and move halfway around the world. I take part in Jewish traditions to honor their sacrifice- a sacrifice that they made to ensure that future generations of our family could exist.

Praise Jesus

My mother went to Hebrew school. My grandmother was raised in an Orthodox home, and many of my relatives are practicing Jews across the spectrum of beliefs in many parts of the world. I love the culture, the history, the birthright (I am from the tribe of Judea).

I really appreciate Ilan's comments. In my studies of my heritage, I think Ilan does a fabulous job in describing his Faith. In my Faith (my mother's family converted LDS when she was a teenager and I am very devout still), I love my personal understanding and relationship with both my Savior and my God. I love what my faith does for me as I live my religion. It is sad to hear it is not uncommon for people of a religion to 'go through the motions' of their traditions, without any 'reason' to back it up (like literally no longer believing in God). To me, I don't understand why they'd keep going on their course if they don't even believe it. I wish them all peace.

I think Ilan does a great job representing his people, but I must say I do not like the interviewer at all. From the very first words out of her mouth, "So Ilan, um, you're JEWISH" ... Every time she says Jew or refers to it, it almost seems it is with distaste in her mouth. Not impressive. I agree with everyone else's comments her about her. It could have been so much easier to have someone interview that actually 'cared' about what they were hearing from the panel members ...

Wow. I was fascinated by Ilan's explanations. I was very impressed with his eloquence and his personal convictions. I have loved my own personal study of world religions and listening to these students brought greater insight from a personal level. I would enjoy having a conversation with any of them to learn more. It was interesting to hear Ilan's feelings and perspective about Jesus and in his response to her question of the holocaust. I would like to hear him explain who he believes is his Messiah and his understanding of this doctrine. I've always found it fascinating that as a Latter-day Saint I believe in a Messiah as do Jews, but we don't both currently share the Latter-day Saint belief that the Messiah is Jesus Christ. I am so glad I could take part in this forum from Harvard. Thanks vimeo! I will also offer an invitation to any students interested in learning more about religions to come to the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple of the LDS Church. lds.org/reservations/0,10751,1619-1-561,00.html Open Houses are the only time those outside our faith may come and tour the inside of the temple. It hasn't yet been dedicated to the Lord nor are the ordinances being done there yet. I think it is always a wonderful experience for others to enjoy the peaceful feeling and beauty of the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I currently follow a blog by a Jewish woman that I absolutely love called Domestic Felicity ccostello.blogspot.com/ I enjoy this blog because I like how we as a Latter-day Saint woman and a Jewish woman value femininity, homemaking, motherhood and that with our varying backgrounds we still share these values. God bless you Ilan and all the panelists!