Beliefs and Practices in Judaism
Menorah used during HanukkahJewish man prayingKilling Turkey in Kosher way |
Judaism is known to be one of the oldest religions that still exists today. Jewish beliefs begin with the overall centralism that there is only one God. Judaism is known to not only be a religion that is an aspect of life, it is life! Throughout the year, there are holidays and celebrations that commemorate what God has done and is still continuously doing in people's lives today.
Jewish Beliefs The centralism to Judaism is the doctrine to God. Jewish people are monotheistic. The central figure in Jewish thought is believed to be the Messiah. Messiah is known to be the one who was anointed by God. There are several jewish sects that have developed uniquely overtime. The three major branches of Judaism are Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform Judaism. The newest sect is Reform Judaism. Conservative Jews like to keep their beliefs and practices traditional, but they are open-minded to some things not all. Orthodox Jews like to keep everything super traditional and close to those of the ancient practices. Reform Jews are known as the American Jews. Reform Judaism is the most liberal of all sects. Jewish Holidays Holidays in Judaism play a very important role because they signify historical events and important events in one's life. Many of these holidays have risen from Hebrew scriptures. The Jewish Sabbath also known as Shabbat is known as the day of rest. Shabbat starts on Friday at sundown and ends on Saturday at sundown. Shabbat is meant for a day of rest and is quite important in Jewish people's lives. Hanukkah is an important Jewish holiday. Hanukkah is an event that signifies the victory of war. It also commemorates when God made one day's worth of oil burn for eight day straights, thus this holiday is celebrated for eight days and nights. An important mark in one's live is also known as either a Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah. For men, this Bar Mitzvah is celebrated when he turns 13 years old. This marks the beginning of manhood. For girls, this Bat Mitzvah is celebrated when she turns 11 years old. This marks the beginning of womanhood. Dietary Practices Those who practice Judaism are known to eat Kosher. Kosher is essentially the ideology of ritually eating correctly. In other words. Kosher is food that is cooked/prepared satisfying the requirements of Jewish Law. Meat is requires to be drained of all it's blood prior to cooking it. This is because blood is meant to be sacred to God. "Keeping Kosher" is another way of saying to do eat dairy products and meat products together. The two must be cooked in different pans/pots with different utensils. Jews also do not eat Pork and Shellfish, because these animal are known to be the filthiest of them all. This is all written in the Torah, God believes these animals are scavengers thus, they are not meant for consumption. |