Judaism
By: Morghan Linehan and Ashley Palis
The Jewish Books
- The Torah is also know as the Jewish Written Law and consists of the 5 books of the Hebrew bible, which is commonly known as the "Old Testament." The term Torah can mean the corpus of Jewish Law.
- The 12 minor prophets is the last book in the second section of the Hebrew Bible. In Hebrew the word "Prophet" translates to spokesperson. The prophets in Judaism are not always Jews.
- The writings in Judaism are a source of laws that regulate Jewish life. These writings are read and studied by believers of the Jewish faith.
Examples of Biblical Stories
- Genesis 38: Judah and Tamar - Tamar married two of Judah's sons, after the second son passed away, Tamar was supposed to marry the third one but this did not happen because Judah stalled the marriage. Tamar then sleeps with her father-in-law, resulting in giving birth to twins that he fathered.
- Samuel I 28:3-25: Witches and Ghosts - King Saul outlawed witchcraft in Israel but when he realizes that he still needed advice from his mentor, Samuel, who had passed away. King Saul decides to hire a witch to raise to raise Samuel's spirit. When Samuel is risen he becomes angry with Saul for breaking his own law, which results in Saul's downfall.
Synagogues
Synagogues and its function
-A place of worship and study -A Jewish "church" is also known as a shul or temple -A Synagogue is an ancient center of Jewish worship, where sacrifices were performed -Financed by membership dues
Features within the Synagogue
-Ark: cabinet in the wall that holds the Torah scrolls, also called the "holy cabinet" (most important feature in the Synagogue). -Torah Scrolls: scriptures that are written on parchment scrolls and they are always hand written. These scrolls are unpointed text, with no vowels or musical notes. -External lamp: continuously burning lamp which is located above the arc. This symbolizes the "Western Lamp" which was the perpetual light that constantly burned in the holy temple in Jerusalem.
Rabbi
-Spiritual leader as well as counselor, role model, and educator. -Leads spiritual services, also officiates at events such as Bar Mitzvahs, baby naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals. -Rabbi translates in Hebrew to "teacher" -Rabbi's usually train for about 5 years before they can become a Rabbi. -Very important part of the Jewish community.
Rites of Passage
Male Circumcision
-Also called Brit Milah -It is during this time that Jewish boys are given a family name, as well as a Jewish name, which will be used for religious events (ie: Marriage)
Bar and Bat Mitzvah's
-Bar Mitzvah translates to "son of the commandment" -Coming of age celebration, which is celebrated at 13 years old -Blessing has to be said -Speech performed that starts out with: "today I am man" -Bat Mitzvah translates to "daughter of the commandment" -Coming of age celebration, when a girl reaches 12 years old
Weddings
-Important that they find another Jewish partner to marry -Before the wedding the bride will bathe in a pool of natural water, to symbolize the transition from impurity to purity. -Before the ceremony both partner must fast -Weddings are conducted by a Rabbi -Take place in a synagogue or at home -Weddings are always held under a chupah: open canopy on four poles decorated with flowers. -The breaking of the glass at the end of weddings is to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago
Cultural Traditions
Food
-Kosher laws: a set of food dos and don'ts, first recorded in the Hebrew Bible -Many Jews today do not follow these rules about what animals to eat, how they should be slaughtered and prepared, and which foods may be eaten together. -The kosher rules help form a sense of what is not okay to eat, and what is normal. -The idea of keeping kosher provides Jewish culture with a sense that there is a right way and a wrong way to eat and that food is important.
Fashion
-The manner in which the beard and hair were shaved, cut, curled, or groomed identified people's class in the ancient world -According to Kabbalah the beard should not even be trimmed, but should be allowed to grow freely. Our outer physical appearance is a reflection of our inner spiritual reality. -The beard is hair that grows down from the head to the rest of the body, the bridge between mind and heart, good intentions and good deeds. But it is not required to sport the beard one may shave it -Yarmulke (yamaka) symbolizes "Cover your head in order that the fear of heaven may be upon you." but it is simply a custom and a choice to wear it, only it is required during certain prayers.
Jewish Calendar and Festivals
-Jews follow a lunisolar calendar which is used predominantly for Jewish religious observances. -Yom Kippur: AKA Day of Atonement. It is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. Its symbolizes atonement and repentance. -Hanukkah: celebrated over 8 days and nights. Hanukkah translates to dedication, this reminds us that this holiday commemorates the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E.
Israel
- The promise land in Judaism
- Israel is central to the Jewish religion
- Israel is home to more than 1/3 of the worlds Jews
- A good land and "a land flowing with milk and honey" as described in the Torah
- Only 20% of the people in Israel are not Jewish