1. Beliefs-
One who identifies as being part of Judaism has the belief that their is only one God. This one God is believed to not just have created the world around but every single thing, living and not living in this universe also.
One who identifies with Judaism would follow and keep all Gods laws and would focus on on keeping God in their lives in order to remain holy in the life they lead. Family and community are central to Judaism and are their to hold together the religious way of life. This link to family starts from a very early stage in ones life. A baby boy is usually circumcised at eight days old, even though that this is a ritual - the belief behind this ritual relates back to 4,000 years. This belief is derived from the idea that God gave instructions to Abraham thus, the ritual and belief.
One who follows Judaism is one who is usually born into the religion this belief is very important because if one wanted to convert to Judaism they would find that this would be very hard to do so and not very popular.
One who identifies as being part of Judaism has the belief that their is only one God. This one God is believed to not just have created the world around but every single thing, living and not living in this universe also.
One who identifies with Judaism would follow and keep all Gods laws and would focus on on keeping God in their lives in order to remain holy in the life they lead. Family and community are central to Judaism and are their to hold together the religious way of life. This link to family starts from a very early stage in ones life. A baby boy is usually circumcised at eight days old, even though that this is a ritual - the belief behind this ritual relates back to 4,000 years. This belief is derived from the idea that God gave instructions to Abraham thus, the ritual and belief.
One who follows Judaism is one who is usually born into the religion this belief is very important because if one wanted to convert to Judaism they would find that this would be very hard to do so and not very popular.
2. Myths & Sacred Stories-
The sacred stories and myths are not taken very literally but some to take them literal just depending on how strong their connection to Judaism is. These myths and stories are their to help one come to terms with their faith, worship and overall practice of Judaism.
The main myths and sacred stories of Judaism are present in GENESIS : the creation story, the flood, and the covenant with Noah. In EXODUS : Abraham set the oppressed free and in REDEMPTION : freedom from slavery (Gods people). These main sections and stories are vital to Judaism and are central to the religion.
The sacred stories and myths are not taken very literally but some to take them literal just depending on how strong their connection to Judaism is. These myths and stories are their to help one come to terms with their faith, worship and overall practice of Judaism.
The main myths and sacred stories of Judaism are present in GENESIS : the creation story, the flood, and the covenant with Noah. In EXODUS : Abraham set the oppressed free and in REDEMPTION : freedom from slavery (Gods people). These main sections and stories are vital to Judaism and are central to the religion.
This story is about trusting and being obedient to the Almighty God no matter what.
This story is about how God will help his people no matter what.
3. Sacred Texts & other Religious Writings-
The sacred texts in Judaism consist of the main text which is the Torah and then comes the religious writings of the second text the Talmud. The Talmud consists of written oral law and origin back to 2nd century and is divided into 6 parts. The Torah, Bresheit (Genesis), Shemot (Exodus), Vayicra (Leviticus), Bamidbar (Numbers), and Devarim (Deuteronomy). There are five books in the Torah each consist if parables, myths, moral and religious truths.
* note click on image for webpage reference
4. Rituals-
There six main rituals in Judaism, these include Brit Millah, Brit Hayyim/Brit Bat, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, Kiddushin and Funeral.
The Brit Millah, is the covenant of circumcision, this is only performed on baby boys exactly on the 8th day after birth. This ritual takes place in reference with the Torah scripture Genesis 17:10. Just like the boys, on the 8th day after birth girls also have a special ritual of naming - this being the Brit Hayyim/Brit Bat.
The next rituals again relate to the two genders female and male. For the boys, Bar Mitzvah is a ritual that occurs at 13 years of age and relate to him ‘coming of age’. Just like the Bat Mitzvah relates to a girl ‘coming of age’ at 12 years old.
The marriage ritual, Kiddushin - is traditionally very important and traditionally celebrated. The ceremony takes place under a canopy called a huppah and the main ritual of the ceremony is the breaking of a glass underfoot. The final ritual is the funeral which traditionally happens the same day as the person passed, but varies in practice across tradition.
Some who are devout, will also consider praying three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening) as an important ritual of Judaism.
4. Rituals-
There six main rituals in Judaism, these include Brit Millah, Brit Hayyim/Brit Bat, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, Kiddushin and Funeral.
The Brit Millah, is the covenant of circumcision, this is only performed on baby boys exactly on the 8th day after birth. This ritual takes place in reference with the Torah scripture Genesis 17:10. Just like the boys, on the 8th day after birth girls also have a special ritual of naming - this being the Brit Hayyim/Brit Bat.
The next rituals again relate to the two genders female and male. For the boys, Bar Mitzvah is a ritual that occurs at 13 years of age and relate to him ‘coming of age’. Just like the Bat Mitzvah relates to a girl ‘coming of age’ at 12 years old.
The marriage ritual, Kiddushin - is traditionally very important and traditionally celebrated. The ceremony takes place under a canopy called a huppah and the main ritual of the ceremony is the breaking of a glass underfoot. The final ritual is the funeral which traditionally happens the same day as the person passed, but varies in practice across tradition.
Some who are devout, will also consider praying three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening) as an important ritual of Judaism.
5. SYMBOLS
*note click on image for webpage reference.
6. Social Structure
7.
Rabbi:
authoritative male figure who performs rituals.
Chazzan:
a male figure who leads the congregation.
Gabbai:
a common man who performs certain services in accordance with the Torah.
Kohein:
an honourable position in a the community.
Levi:
can perform certain services in a synagogue.
Rebbe:
a spiritual master.
Tzaddik:
'the righteouss one' - in a community.
*note click on image for webpage reference.
7. Ethical Principles and/or Written Codes of Behaviours-
The ethics of Judaism relate to everything that one thinks, acts and says. The most important and vital, is to help oneself and help the world around them - this them relates to to the principle of sanctity of life which is a strong belief.
This strong ethic then relates to then not believing in any from of genetic engineering or testing. This then brings to the belief that contraceptive pills are forbidden and are not allowed to be used by a woman. Marriage is a ritual but the principle behind it is believed for it only to be celebrated between a man and a woman. Any form of homosexuality, bisexuality, etc is condemned. All these are part of written codes of Judaism and the behaviour behind it.
One who practices Judaism, also believes in the consumption of only kosher foods. These food are different as they are prepared in a ceremonious way in accordance with the Torah which can include, the slaughtering of animals, preparation of meat, diary and non-diary products, etc. As of this some ho practice Judaism will have more than one kitchen in their house in order to prepare their food accordingly.
8. Religious Experience and/or Spirituality-
The Mitsvahs and and observations are experiences within themselves as many have felt connected to the Almighty during various times in their life as one who practices Judaism.
Though this is all good the most important and amazing spiritual as well as religious experience as one who practices Judaism is to visit the WESTERN WALL (Temple) in Jerusalem. Many who are celebrating Mitsvah or are leaving on a long journey visit the wall and pray. Other take to the wall to reflect fin meaning in their lives of become close to the Almighty.
Rabbi:
authoritative male figure who performs rituals.
Chazzan:
a male figure who leads the congregation.
Gabbai:
a common man who performs certain services in accordance with the Torah.
Kohein:
an honourable position in a the community.
Levi:
can perform certain services in a synagogue.
Rebbe:
a spiritual master.
Tzaddik:
'the righteouss one' - in a community.
*note click on image for webpage reference.
7. Ethical Principles and/or Written Codes of Behaviours-
The ethics of Judaism relate to everything that one thinks, acts and says. The most important and vital, is to help oneself and help the world around them - this them relates to to the principle of sanctity of life which is a strong belief.
This strong ethic then relates to then not believing in any from of genetic engineering or testing. This then brings to the belief that contraceptive pills are forbidden and are not allowed to be used by a woman. Marriage is a ritual but the principle behind it is believed for it only to be celebrated between a man and a woman. Any form of homosexuality, bisexuality, etc is condemned. All these are part of written codes of Judaism and the behaviour behind it.
One who practices Judaism, also believes in the consumption of only kosher foods. These food are different as they are prepared in a ceremonious way in accordance with the Torah which can include, the slaughtering of animals, preparation of meat, diary and non-diary products, etc. As of this some ho practice Judaism will have more than one kitchen in their house in order to prepare their food accordingly.
8. Religious Experience and/or Spirituality-
The Mitsvahs and and observations are experiences within themselves as many have felt connected to the Almighty during various times in their life as one who practices Judaism.
Though this is all good the most important and amazing spiritual as well as religious experience as one who practices Judaism is to visit the WESTERN WALL (Temple) in Jerusalem. Many who are celebrating Mitsvah or are leaving on a long journey visit the wall and pray. Other take to the wall to reflect fin meaning in their lives of become close to the Almighty.