BELIEFS
Actions are more important in the Jewish community but they are certain beliefs that they follow.
According to the Judaism 101 article on their website, the Jewish belief in this thirteen principles of faith:
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Practices
They are three major sects of Judaism: Conservative Orthodox, and Reformed.
Jewish Holidays
Passover
The day that Moses saved the Jews from being slaves. They commemorate this event with the Seder meal. The Seder includes several traditional foods, including breads without yeast, wine, parsley, a hard boiled egg (symbolizing new life), saltwater (symbolizing tears), and an animal bone (symbolizing the pascal lamb).
Hanukkah
It is celebrated for eight days and nights. It commemorates the day that the temple was dedicated. The only essential part of Hanukkah is the lighting of the candles.
Sabbath
Jews are not allowed to work on the Sabbath. It is a day of rest and time to spend time with their families. When it is kept properly, is felt to sanctify the entire week. Recalling, God's rest after six days of laborious work. Sabbath begins on Friday at sunset and last until Saturday at sunset.
The Mitzvot
The word Mitzvot means “commandants.” It consists of traditionally six-hundred and thirteen commandants. The number came to be when the Rabbi Simla divided them into positive and negative commandments.
Rabbinic Law
This laws are less serve than the Mitzvot and if one of the laws is broken the punishment is less serve. This law can be changed by the Rabbi unlike the Mitzvot.
Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish religious year begins at the end of the harvest season, when all debts can be paid off.
Yom Kippur
Called the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is the most solemn day of the year. It is the day of fasting, praying, and reflection to cleanse people for the upcoming religious year.
Synagogue
It is where the Jews worship. Certain prayers may only be said in front of a group of ten people. The first Temple was built in Jerusalem by King Solomon. It was destroyed by the Romans and has not yet been rebuilt.
Kosher
It is what Jews can and cannot eat and how must be prepared. They follow these rules all year long.
1. Certain animals meats and products may be eaten
2. Fruits and Vegetables may be eaten if they do not contain bugs
3. Meat cannot be eaten with diary
4. The animal to be eaten must be killed in accordance with Jewish Law
5. Meat before it is cooked must be drained of blood
6. Pots and Utensils that came in contact with non-Kosher food cannot be used
7. Pots and Utensils that came in contact with diary may not be used
8. Grape products made by non-Jews cannot be eaten
9. They are certain rules that are not universal
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah
At thirteen years old boys become responsible for observing the commandments. Girls become responsible at age twelve. There is no need for a ceremony but many Jewish communions throw their child a party.
Observance-Based Divisions
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox ( refers to Traditional Jews) Some of the practices they follow:
Traces its roots back to Germany, but it took strong root in the United States among Jews who desired moderate change that was couples with a protection of beloved traditions, such as the use of Hebrew in services. Thus this branch of Judaism accepts change, but it uses study and discussion to guide change carefully. Reform Judaism Began in Germany out of a desire of some Jews to leave ghetto life completely and enter the mainstream of European culture. The result has been that men and women sit in the same place, the services are conducted in native languages, choir and organ music are common, and the use of the tallit and tefillin has been either dropped or made optional. Reconstructionist Judaism The smallest branch of Judaism it was founded by Mordecai Kaplan. He promoted a secular vision that encourages Jews to become familiar with as many elements or traditional Judaism as possible but that allows them the freedom of individual interpretation. Elements of belief that traditional Jews interpret literally are taken as useful symbols by Reconstructionism even the notion of God is seen from a pragmatic viewpoint as “the Power which makes me follow even higher ideals.” They see Judaism as a changing cultural force, with many elements and manifestations. |
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