Can Judaism be reduced to just another "civilizational religion," or does this framing fundamentally misunderstand its nature? In response to Rabbi Katzoff's proposed redefinition of Judaism, Eugene Kohn demonstrates why viewing Judaism as the "religious civilization of the Jewish people" more accurately captures its essence and relationship to Jewish peoplehood. Through philosophical and semantic analysis, including conceptual analogies and examination of pragmatic consequences, Kohn reveals how Katzoff's alternative definition obscures Judaism's civilizational character while failing to clarify what constitutes the religion itself. The analysis shows that all religions, including Christianity, function as aspects of particular civilizations rather than as universal entities divorced from cultural contexts. Viewing Judaism as a religious civilization properly emphasizes its holistic nature, encompassing Hebrew language, literature, music, art, and connection to Eretz Yisrael. This understanding proves crucial for the synagogue's role as a central communal institution and addresses fundamental questions about Jewish identity and leadership. The findings demonstrate that authentic Jewish continuity requires recognizing Judaism's civilizational nature while maintaining its religious character as a source of salvation and self-fulfillment for both individuals and the Jewish people.