Buddhism is an extremely unique religion in many ways. The major aspect of Buddhism that sets it apart from all other religions is that its founder Siddhartha Gotama, the Buddha, claims to be a human and only a human (rahula, p. 1). The Buddha was not a god and the philosophy of Buddhism does not entail any theistic world-view. The teachings of the Buddha are aimed solely to liberate sentient beings from suffering. One religion which shares many traditions with Buddhists is the Jewish religion. Although there are some similarities between the two religions there are also many points in which the two religions conflict.
Buddhism and Judaism are both predominantly male-dominated religions. The Buddha had originally banned women from monastic practice but later reversed his decision but after seeing this unhealthy situation, the Buddha had allowed them to take an active role in religious activities, allowing them to practice in separate quarters as Nuns or Bhikkhunis(buddhanet). This is quite similar to the prayer of Jews in the synagogue. The men are on one level, and the women are usually on a balcony or on the outskirts of the congregation behind a small wall. .
Although male-dominated, both religions completely accept women. In the Kosala Samyutta, the Buddha contradicted the belief that the birth of a daughter was not as much a cause of joy than a son (buddhanet). Also, Buddhist teaching is equally applicable to all men and women. There is no sexual discrimination regarding the major concepts of: the Four Noble Truths, Practice and the attainment of Nirvana. Jewish women still pray the same prayers in the Jewish synagogues yet they are not allowed to lead the prayers except in the Reformed tradition.
The Five Precepts in the Buddhist culture, or the minimum moral obligations of the lay Buddhist which include (1) not to destroy life, (2) not to steal, (3) not to commit adultery, (4) not to tell lies, (5) not to take intoxicating drinks.
