Judaism
|
Judaism |
|
|
The symbol for Judaism is a six pointed star, called the Star of David. It is an important symbol and may be seen inside or outside synagogues. Despite it's name, it has no direct link with King David. |
History
Judaism is the faith of the Jewish people. Unlike people of other religions, Jews are born into their faith. Anyone born of a Jewish mother is counted a Jew, whether or not they obey Jewish practises. Nearly half the world's 14 million Jews live in the USA, a quarter live in Europe, and a quarter in Israel. the history of the Jews goes back about 4000 years ago, when there was a nomadic people called the Hebrews living in what is now called the Middle East. One Hebrew, Abraham, is seen as the father of the Jewish faith because he founded the central belief : the belief in one God. Other neighbouring countries worshipped many Gods.
God's Covenant
Jews believe that God chose them to be his special people and made a covenant(contract) with Abraham.
Story of Abraham.
Abraham and his wife, Sarah were sad because they had no children. One night, Abraham heard God telling him not to worry : he would have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky and they would live in a land of their own : the Promised Land. Soon after this, a son, Isaac, was born. Isaac's con was called Jacob or Israel and the descendents of Abraham became known as "Israelites". ( Jews practised circumcision from the time of Abraham. It is done as a sign that a boy is descended from Abraham). According to the covenant, God promised to care for the Israleited, but in return they must obey him.
Story : "Flight Into Israel"
In about 1250 BCE, the Israelites escaped from Egypt, where they were being used as slave labour. This escape, known as the Exodus is of great importance and history to Judaism. It happened like this :
God chose a man called Moses to plead with the Egyptian pharaoh(king) to free the Israelites. When Pharaoh refused to listen, God sent a series of plagues to make him relent. These plagues included frogs, flies and locusts. The tenth and last plague was the worst. One night, all the eldest of the Egyptian sons died, while the Israelite boys were saved. Pharaoh gave in. The Israelites set off on their journey,but Pharaoh sent his army after them. When they reached the Red Sea, the water miraculously parted, making a way for the Israelites to pass. as soon as Pharaoh's army began to cross, and the Israelites safely at the other side, the water closed up again and all the Pharaoh's men and horses were drowned.
God's Law : The Ten Commandments
After their escape from Egypt, the Israelites spent some time wandering in the desert. During this time, God renewed his covenant with them and gave them a set of laws to live by.These laws are called :
The Ten Commandments.
The Promised Land.
About forty years after the Exodus, the Israelites reached Canaan, which they believed was the Promised Land.Two hundre years and many battles later, Canaan became an Israelite kingdom under the Israelite king, David. He established a capital city at Jerusalemin 993CE. David's son, Solomon, built a temple at Jerusalem and this became the main Israelite centre for worship.
Jewish Prophets
Once the Israelites became settled in Canaan, they did not alway keep faithfully to the Law. The prophets were people who reminded the Israelites of their covenant responsibilities and warned them of the consequences of disobedience. The Prophets were often champions of the poor and needy, arguing that being God's chosen people gave the Israelites increased responsibility over others. Prophets Included : Moses, Elijah and Jeremiah. It wasn't easy to be a prophet.
Jewish Holy Book
The Tenakh is a collection of books, known to Christians as the Old Testament (part of the Bible). Although some of the material they contain was being passed on by word of mouth from around the time of Moses, the books are thought to be written down over about 900 years from1000 to 100 BCE. They were written mainly in Hebrew. the first five books of the Tenakh is called the Torah, which means teachings. The Talmud is a vast collection of writings compiled in the first few centuries CE. It consists of thoughts and discussions, some of them humorous, of about 2000 rabbis. A rabbi is an expert on the Torah.
Worship
Jews meet to pray at the synagogue. The word synagogue means " a meeting place". Synagogues are Jewish centres of worship, education and socializing. worship in the synagogue consists mainly of readings and prayers, especially from the Torah. The worship is often led by the rabbi or a singing leader called a cantor. In Orthodox synagogues, women sit separate to men; but in Progressive synagogues theysit together. Inside the synagogue, there are no images of God or stained glass windows showing God because the second commandment forbids it. The Torah scrolls are kept in a cupboard or alcove called the Ark. This is the name of the wooden chest which is said to have held the covenant given to Moses on Mount Sinai. A light hangs in front of the Ark. It represents the old Menorah and God's everlasting presence. A pointing stick is used when the Torah is being read. It isn't touched. The Rabbi reads from the Torah. most Jews still speak in Hebrew today but this Hebrew is slightly different from ancient Hebrew. Some Jews speak the Yiddish(mixture if ancient Hebrew and medieval German).
Clothes For Prayer
Male Jews cover their heads when praying as a sign of respect and obedience to God. This skull cap they wearis called a yarmulke or kippah. They also sometimes wear a prayer shawl with fringes under their ordinary clothes. the fringe is to remind them to obey God's law. Small boxes called tefillins which contain prayers are strapped round the head and arm nearest the heart. This is to remind Jews to worship God, both head and heart.
The Home & Food
The Jewish home is even more important than the synagogue for ensuring the continuation of the faith. Many families have a symbol called a "mezuzah" on the doors of the house. The mezuzah contains text from the Torah. For Jews at home, food must be prepared in accordance to God's law to make it "kosher"(fit). Meat and milk products must never be eaten at the same time or prepared with the same utensils, and many food including pork and shellfish are forbidden by the Torah. Meat must be drained of blood because the blood is seen as the life of an animal and is too sacred to be eaten. Animals are slaughtered by a special method which is designed to drain the blood and kill with the minimum amount of pain.
The Sabbath
The Sabbath(called Shabbat in Hebrew) is the Jewish Holy day which begins sunset Friday and lasts until sundown Saturday. It is a day of rest and contemplation. No work is done because the Jewish story of creation says that God made the world in six days, then rested on the seventh. The Sabbath meal is prepared in advance of Friday evening. The meal is a family occasion with special songs, readings and prayers of thanksgiving. People go to the synagogue during the Sabbath and the day ends with a ceremony at home.
Festivals
Important Jewish festivals include :
For a full description, click on the "Festivals" page.
