Judaism

JUDAISM

Judaism is a one of the oldest organized religions and is based on monotheism. The belief in one and only one God is fundamental to Judaism as a religion. Judaism did not begin with one single originator, but is practiced as a way of life traditionally by the Jewish community.

The faith is based on the stories from the Hebrew Bible also known as the Tanakh, Torah or as Christians call it �the Old Testament’. Also, they created a series of Jewish laws that Jews should follow called the Talmud. Jews hold the “Five books of Moses”, called the Pentateuch, as the most sacred section of their holy scriptures. Judaism teaches that God has done or will do three things. One, God created the universe. Modern Jews believe that science best explains how the universe was produced, but believe that God created it. Second, God revealed the Torah to Israel for the use as a guide for His chosen people. Thirdly, Jews believe that God is a loving caring God and offers redemption. Rabbi Kertzer states “Our God is thus a God of creation, revelation and redemption” (1996).

Jewish people believe they have a special covenant with God. Devote Jews are taught to obey the laws and rules God has given, while God grants special favors to these people. This special connection began with a relationship between God and Abraham (on behalf of the Jewish people), and as a universal agreement with all mankind between God and Noah.

Jewish people do believe in sin, as they believe in the “grand promise of atonement and forgiveness” (Kertzer, 1996). However, they do not believe in the doctrine of “original sin”, and do not believe that all human beings are sinners. Although there are a number of Satan references in the Hebrew scriptures, the Jewish tradition views Satan as a mythical symbol of all the evil forces in the world, rather than a devil that has any type of control over mankind. Due to strict monotheistic beliefs, Jews believe that God is the Creator of both good and evil, and that all that exists had its origin in God, no one else (1996).

The plan was for me to attend a synagogue with my friend for their day of atonement – Yom Kippur. However, I learned that due to the Temple not taking weekly contributions, they apply a $50 fee to those that do not belong to the Temple. With that being said, I decided not to attend due to financial reasons. However, I did conduct some research on what a visitor’s first trip to a synagogue would be like or consist of.

Upon entering a synagogue, as with any new experience of a place you would go, there will be people that welcome you with open arms and those that are skeptical about your intentions. Regardless of staring observers, the Temple is open to everyone that has an interest in learning and practicing the Jewish faith. There is separated seating for genders in synagogues, if the seating is not separate then the Temple is not being ran in accordance to Jewish law. Each synagogue has a cantor whom leads the prayers. Sometimes, the cantor will say a few words and the congregation will reply with Amain. The word “amain”: means, more of less, “True”. The passages and scriptures that are said can usually be found in a prayer book, which any person that would like to seriously begin practicing Judaism should have. Sometimes a sermon is given in the middle of prayers by a Rabbi or cantor. Study classes may be offered after some prayers or at the nighttime gatherings.

If visiting a synagogue during Sabbath (which is Saturday) do not bring your prayer book, nor any thing else – it is forbidden to carry things in the street on the Sabbath. Also, there may be a Kiddush – this is the blessing over wine that Jews say every Sabbath and Holiday. Mordechai Housman shares -

Sometimes people donate to the synagogue wine, cake , and possible other food for the congregation and visitors to enjoy after the morning prayers . If so, don’t begin to eat right ways. Wait until the cantor, Rabbi, or other designated person recited the Kiddush over the wine. Answer amain, wait until he begins to drink the wine, and then you can begin eating. (Housman, n.d.)

Interview with Ashleigh Futchko, a young lady that practices Judaism

1. Were you born Jewish or did you convert?

I converted.

2. If you converted – why did you do this? If not, do you just practice out of habit or are you truly involved?

I converted when my husband proposed to me. He is Jewish and in the Jewish religion the children are Jewish only if the mother is Jewish. I knew I wanted to raise my children Jewish, and I had also been attending the temple and participating in the holidays