What I am saying is that any Judaism that considers itself to be in historical continuity with the Judaisms of the past must formulate its own interpretation of, and thereby incorporate, the concept of Covenant. Any Jewish movement that does not consider itself in historical continuity with the Judaisms of the past cannot consider itself to be a Judaism. If this is begging the question, so be it. I do indeed posit an extreme dichotomy between the natural order and God's commands as the source of morality. Jewish morality cannot be derived from a purely naturalistic approach.
Nature is egocentric and Darwinian.
Therefore, the Covenant is a core value of Judaism. It's as old as they come. And I suspect this reason applies to Scott also, even though he denies it. Thanks to Scott for his stimulating rebuttal. Prayers Work As we approach the holiest days of the year, it is time to stop and ponder, to take an inventory of ourselves.