Reply To: Ancient religions to Judaism

@leiby its interesting that they have 2 names of their leader/deities that are basically derived from Avraham and Sara. I heard a Rabbi once speak of certain similarities in names stating that some come from the sons of Hagar, and that the Brahman religion is really just a stem from Abrahamic religion thats why name is so similar. Minus the idols of course.

But you have to admit the custom of Chuppa and the 7 circles are strikingly similar customs. Also isnt it only an Ashkenaz minhag? I heard Rabbi G. Locks mention that a group of Jews during those times traveled to India and possibly the Hindus learned their customs. Another thing is their names, some could be modern but i’ve seen ariella, shaina, rena and many very Jewish names. Could it be that part of the Hindu population were actually one of the lost Shevatim originally? The fact that Hindus and Jews basically never fought each other and possibly even traded for spices and colored curtains for Beis Hamikdash( I heard) makes it seem that there is something that caused them to be neutral. Yes I agree Hinduism itself isnt as old as the world claims it changed many times and branched off the Sabeans or something like that I think the Rambam mentions if anyone can find the text that would be great. Since Judaism doesnt copy other religions it makes sense that possibly certain customs that are similar to Judaism had been picked up by them once the Torah was already available.

I’ve seen the name Vashti , did Vashti have any indian roots?