Introduction to Judaism Beliefs Candidates should have considered the beliefs of Jews in relation to the following: • • the unity and nature of G-d, with reference to the Shema (Deuteronomy 6: 4 -5); Covenant and the Messianic hope; Torah as Law and the concept and applications of mitzvot (commandments) in life. There should be a consideration of the ways in which these beliefs might affect the lifestyles and outlooks of Jews in the modern world. The Unity and Nature of G-d Jews are monotheistic – They believe in only ONE G-d. 13 Principles about the nature of G-d • God is the creator of the world. • There is only one God. • God is a spirit • G-d is eternal. • Only God must be worshipped • God communicates through spiritual leaders • Moses was an important spiritual leader • The Torah was given to Moses from God. • The Torah is very special to Jews • God knows all humans think and do. • God punishes evil and rewards good. • God will send a specially chosen spiritual leader • Humans will be with God after death. For the rest of the Tenakh, G-d is sometimes a pillar of cloud or flame, and sometimes just a voice G-d is referred to as ‘Hashem’ when Moses speaks to him. It is only in the Garden of Eden that G-d is referred to as having a heavenly form. . 1
The Shema: Listen, Israel! The LORD our God is the only true God! So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Deuteronomy 6: 4 -5 This statement of belief on ONE G-d is at the centre of Jewish life. The Shema also tells the Jews what G-d will provide for them and what they must do. Covenant and the Messianic hope • A covenant is a special agreement or promise made between G-d and man. • Simply put, the Covenant is, “I will be your G-d if you will be my people”. • Throughout Jewish History, there have been many covenant's which have shaped how Judaism was and is practiced. The first was with Adam. . . • This covenant was made in the Garden of Eden. • G-d promises to provide for humanity, without asking for anything in return. Then there was Noah. . . • Here G-d is promising that he will not flood the earth again. • This is called the Noachide Code, and is the only acceptable way for non-Jews to serve G-d. 1. Do not worship images of idols 2. Do not commit blasphemy 3. Do not commit murder 4. Do not steal 5. Do not commit adultery 6. Do not eat a limb of a live animal 7. Set up a legal system and promote justice. And now Abraham. . . • G-d make 3 covenants with Abraham. 1. He promised to make him the father of a great nation. He showed this by changing his name from Abram to Abraham. 2. G-d gave Abraham and his descendants the Land of Canaan to live in. And promised to look after the, m. 3. G-d enabled Sarah, Abraham’s wife to have a child called Isaac. • To show that Abraham and his descendants agreed to this covenant they had to circumcise all males born when they were 8 days old as a sign. 2
And now Moses. . . • Often called the Sinai Covenant, this was made while the Jews were wandering in the desert. • G-d gave Moses the 10 commandments and 603 other Laws to live by. • Moses promised G-d that the Hebrews would keep to these Laws. The 10 Commandments 1. You shall have no other Gods but me. 2. You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it. 3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. 4. You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy. 5. Respect your father and mother. 6. You must not kill. 7. You must not commit adultery. 8. You must not steal. 9. You must not give false evidence against your neighbour. 10. You must not be envious of your neighbour's goods. You shall not be envious of his house nor his wife, nor anything that belongs to your neighbour. The Covenant with David – • G-d promised David that his children will be looked after by G-d and will rule Israel. • However, G-d does not want David to build a temple for him, so instead his son Solomon built the first Temple. The Covenant with Jeremiah – • Here, G-d promises the Jews a new future with a new covenant centred around the Torah • “ I will be a G-d for them and they will be a people for me. ” Jeremiah 31: 30 -33 The Messianic Age • • The Messianic Age is a term to describe a future time of peace on earth without crime, war and poverty. In Judaism, they believe this time will come under the rule of a ‘Messiah’ or anointed one, who will be sent by G-d. In this age all people will follow the Laws in the Torah. There will be no warfare and suffering. 3
The Characteristics of the Messiah Isaiah 9: 5 -6 “A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be a Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David's kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The LORD All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done. ” Characteristics of the Messiah • Have authority of G-d. • Peaceful ruler • Introduce a time of peace that will last forever • Sit on the throne of David and will rule justly. The Jews as a ‘Chosen People’ ‘For you are a holy people to Hashem, your G-d, and Hashem has chosen you for Himself to be treasured people, from among all the peoples on the face of the earth” Deuteronomy 14: 2 • The Jews believe they were specially chosen by G-d. • When the Jews were chosen, this meant that they were chosen to live as an example of how G-d wanted them to live. • It was worse for Jews not to keep G-d’s standards. The Torah as Law and the concept and applications of mitzvot (commandments) in life. • • • A mitzvah is a commandment, or religious duty. There are 613 biblical commandments 248 positive, 365 are forbidden. Mitzvot de-oraita – biblical commandments Mitzvot de-rabbanan – The Rabbinic commandments. There are some mitzvot that can only be performed in Israel. Boys take on responsibility at the age of 13 and one day. Girls at the age of 12 and one day. Women do not need to observe as many as men because they are more spiritual. There is no immediate promise of a reward for a mitzvot but Judaism teaches that you can only be truly happy if you keep them. The observance of the mitzvot influences every aspect of Jewish life and is central to the ways in which Jews have lived in the past and continue to live 4 today.
The ways in which these beliefs might affect the lifestyles and outlooks of Jews in the modern world. • Jewish beliefs about G-d are the reason why they practice his commandments, because they believe he rewards goodness and punishes those who don’t keep his rules. Jews know this from stories in the Torah, such as the killing of the Hebrews who worshipped the Golden statue at the bottom of Mount Sinai and refused to follow the 10 Commandments. • The Covenant gives the Jews hope and reminds them that if they follow G-d’s rules he will keep them safe and happy. • They know this also from the Torah, because it was G-d who saved the Jews from their slavery in Egypt and brought them back to the promised Land. • The belief in the Messianic age also gives the Jews hope because it will be a time when there will be no more persecution. • Everything Jews do links back to a mitzvot as part of the Covenant. 5
Festivals, Fasts and Special Days Candidates should have considered the ways in which some Jews observe: • Shabbat; • Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement); • Rosh Hashanah (New Year); • Pesach (Passover); • Sukkot (Tabernacles). • There should be a consideration of the significance of these times for Jews. Shabbat or the Sabbath is one of the most important festivals in Judaism and it is celebrated at least 52 times a year. Shabbat lasts for 24 hours and begins 18 minutes before sunset each Friday and ends 42 minutes after sunset on Saturday. • The Sabbath remembers that once G-d had completed the creation of the world he rested on the 7 th Day. • The 4 th of the 10 Commandments is the instruction to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. • The punishment in the Torah for not keeping the Sabbath is death. • Although, today no one is killed for breaking the Sabbath it still means a great deal to Jews because it is a commandment from G-d. • It is also believed that if every Jew completes Shabbat perfectly on two consecutive weeks that the Messiah will come. The Tenakh and Siddur (Jewish prayer book) state 3 purposes of Shabbat: 1. Remembering the Hebrews freedom from slavery; 2. Remembering God's creations of the world and on the seventh day God rested from his work; 3. A taste of the world in Messianic times How do Jews celebrate Shabbat? 1. Preparations are made in advance. Many will cook food in advance and use large urns filled with water. 2. The wife or mother lights two candles 18 minutes before sunset – This is the last work that is done. The two candles are said to represent a man and woman. 3. Many Jews will go to the Synagogue for a special service. Reform Jews traditionally go after their Sabbat meal, while Orthodox Jews go before. 6
Candles 4. A blessing is made over a class of wine called Kiddush. “Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine. ” Challah Kiddush Cup Challah cover • The Challah cloth is believed to represent the dew that fell in the desert. • The Cloth also represents a Bride. • The bread is also covered so they do not see the wine being blessed first. 5. People wash their hands and then the Challah (Bread) is cut and another blessing is said “Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth” 6. On the Saturday morning Jews will visit the synagogue for another service during which there will readings from the Torah, Hymn and Psalms sung. The Shema will be recited and more blessings will be made over wine and bread. 7. The family will return home for a traditional lunch and will spend a quiet afternoon together. The Rules of Shabbat The 39 Melachot include: Growing and preparing food. Making clothing. Leatherwork and writing. Providing shelter. Creating a fire. Work completion. Transporting goods. Muktzeh -Work tools / money Sh’vut- Jews should not ask someone to do something that is forbidden Uvdin d’chol- Weekday things e. g work books or homework The exception to the rules = Pikuakh Nefesh This means that any mitzvot can be broken in order to save a life. How do Jews end Shabbat? The ceremony that ends Shabbat is called Havdalah means separation. The purpose of this ceremony is to separate the Holy Sabbath from the normality of the rest of the week. 7
1. The candle is lit and a blessing is said over a cup of wine. Kiddush Cup Havdalah Candle Spice box 2. The spice box is passed around so the sweetness of the Sabbath may remain for the whole week. “Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates species of fragrance. ” 3. A blessing is said over the candle flame and a prayer. “Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who separates between holy and secular, between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labour. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who separates between holy and secular. 4. Most of the wine is drunk and some is left to put the candle out. 5. People wish each other ‘Shavuah Tov’ meaning a good week The significance of Shabbat for the Jews 1. To keep the Sabbath holy is a mitzvot – it is a sign that the Jews are keeping their part of the covenant. 2. Shabbat provides a weekly opportunity to think about G-d and worship him. 3. It is a chance to spend time with your family. 4. It provides structure and discipline. 8
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur • Jews believe that G-d has a book of life. • It contains the names of everyone who is sorry for their wrong doings. • Jews believe that G-d decided on the first day of the year who will be forgiven, but anyone who is left out has 10 days to apologise to everyone. • The final decision is made on Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. It is celebrated on the 1 st and 2 nd days of the seventh month. “To say to the people of Israel: The first day of the seventh month must be a day of complete rest. Then at the sound of the trumpets, you will come together to worship and to offer sacrifices on the altar. “ Leviticus 23: 24 -25 The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). What happens on Yom Kippur? 1. 2. 3. During the month before Jews will start to think about what that have done well and what they have done wrong over the past year. For the whole of the 6 th month, except on Shabbats the shofar is sounded each morning in the Synagogue. The shofar remembers G-d giving Moses the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai. The Rabbi Maimondies gave 3 points about the Shofar: 1. It is curved to remind Jews to sumbit to G-d’s will and moulding 2. It is held to the right pointing upwards so that its message goes straight from the heart to G-d. 3. It is blown at a narrow end to show thoughts emerge from a broad mind and heart. 9
4. During the month before many visit graves of relatives. 5. It is a time to apologise for mistakes made and any hurt which has been caused. 6. People greet each other with ‘May you be inscribed in the book of life for a good year’. 7. On Rosh Hashanah itself people visit the Synagogue and prayers are said. 8. Readings are made from the Torah that tell stories about peole who made sacrifices to show they accepted G-d’s will, for example, the birth of Isaac and his sacrifice. 9. During the service the Shofar will be sounded 30 times. 10. It is traditional to each round challot in honey and apples are also dipped in honey to ask G-d to grant you a ‘good and sweet year’. Cards are also sent. 11. The 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as High Holy Days. In Hebrew they are called Yamim Noraim, the Days of awe. The Significance of Rosh Hashanah 1. 2. 3. Tradition says it is the anniversary of creation The Rabbi’s called it the day of Judgement – When you will be judged on how you have acted over the past years. Tradition also says that G-d forgave Adam’s sins on Rosh Hashanah. Yom Kippur • • The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement”. It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul, " to atone for the sins of the past year. On Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in the Book of Life is sealed. This day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate your repentance and make amends. “The LORD God said to Moses: The tenth day of the seventh month is the Great Day of Forgiveness. It is a solemn day of worship; everyone must go without eating to show sorrow for their sins, and sacrifices must be burned. No one is to work on that day--it is the Great Day of Forgiveness, when sacrifices will be offered to me, so that I will forgive your sins. ” Leviticus 23: 26 -28 10
How is Yom Kippur celebrated? 1. When the Temple stood people used to sacrifice a bull and a goat. It was believed that they took away everyone’s sins. 2. Today, the father of the household will bring a live chicken or fish and wave it 3 times over the head of each member of the family. Sometimes a handfull of notes it used. It is believed that this actions takes away people’s sins. 3. Yom Kippur begins at sunet with a meal. 4. Festival candles are lit. The fast has begun. 5. Sometimes Yahrzeit candles are lit to remember dead relatives. 6. Children are blessed so that they may be sealed in the Book of life, also parents and children ask forgiveness from each other. 7. The rules of Shabbat apply on Yom Kippur. The only difference is that the fast lasts for 25 hours. 8. The curtains and cloths in the Synagogue are white for Yom Kippur. 9. White is worn on Yom Kippur. 10. Many spend the entire day in the Synagogue. 11. There are many readings from the Torah, particularly Isaiah 57 and 58 which teaches that fasting is meaningless without inward thoughts and the Book of Jonah – the man swallowed by a whale. 12. The Shema is read, and the Shofar is blown a final time. The Significance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 1. Central to the Jewish New Year. 2. Jews who don’t observe other Holidays will usually always attend the synagogue at Yom Kippur. 3. They provide an opportunity to worship and celebrate together. 4. They provide a time to think about how you have lived your life over the past year. 5. They bind the community together and remind they of their history. 11
Sukkot (Tabernacles) • The Festival of Sukkot begins on Tishri 15, the fifth day after Yom Kippur. • Historically, Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. Agriculturally, Sukkot is a harvest festival The word "Sukkot" means "booths, " and refers to the temporary dwellings which the Israelites lived in the desert Later, farmers who were gathering in the final harvest lived in temporary huts at the edge of their fields so that they did not have to journey home each night. • • • “Remember to begin the Festival of Shelters on the fifteenth day of the seventh month after you have harvested your crops. Celebrate this festival for seven days in honour of me and don't do any work on the first day or on the day following the festival. Pick the best fruit from your trees and cut leafy branches to use during the time of this joyous celebration in my honour. I command you and all of your descendants to celebrate this festival during the seventh month of each year. For seven days every Israelite must live in a shelter, so future generations will know that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. “ Leviticus 23: 33 How is Sukkot celebrated? 1. 2. On the first 2 and last 2 days of the festival no work other than food preparation is done. Days 3 -6 are called Chol Hamoed. For these days all work is avoided, except what is necessary. Sukkah • The Mitzvot is to live in the Sukkah for 7 days. • It is built outside the home or synagogue. • It must be big enough to hold a family. • The walls can be made of anything but the roof must be natural. • The inside is decorated with fruit and pictures or signs showing the names of Jewish forefathers. • Most Jews eat in the Sukkah but do not sleep in it. • People do not eat in there if it is raining. • Non-Jews are invited to eat in there. 12
Lulav and Etrog • Together theay are known as the four spices. • An etrog is a citrus fruit from Israel. It must have a pittam (Hard piece of skin at one end) otherwise it is not kosher. • The other spices, Palm, Myrtle and Willow are put into a woven palm holder and form the Lulav. • The 4 spices represent the final gathering of the Harvest. • On each say of Sukkot except the Sabbath, Jews will hold the Lulav in the right hand etrog in the left and recite the blessing. “Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with his commandments and has commanded us concerning the taking of a palm branch” • The etrog is turned upside down and then waved with the Lulav in six directions to show G-d’s power over all the universe. Simchat Bet Hashoeva • This is the 2 nd day of Sukkot. • In the synagogue the Ark and bimah are covered in white. • The Rabbi and the Chazzan wear white. • After the service 7 Torah scrolls are carried in 7 processions followed by men carrying Lulav and Etrog. • In the Synagogue people pray for water and beat a plant until the leaves fall off to remind G-d what can happen if there is not enough water. It can also represent the shedding of sins. • After this the Lulav and Etrog are left to return naturally to the earth. • Many Jews will stay up until after midnight reading the Torah. Shemini Atseret • Atseret means conclusion and this is the last day of Sukkot. • No work is done and the Jews continue to live in the Sukkah until lunchtime. • In the Synagogue readings are given about celebrating this day and giving charity. • Jews must give to the poor and cancel all loans after 7 years out of Kindness. • On this day there is also the prayer for rain for the new crops called Tefilat Geshem 13
Simchat Torah • This is the festival of rejoicing in the Torah. • It is celebrated on the 9 th day of Sukkot, but is a separate festival and shouldn’t be thought of as the last day of Sukkot. • This celebration marks the end of the yearly reading of the Torah in the Synagogue. • At the evening service the Torah scrolls are taken from the ark and the chazzan sings: Please, Hashem, Save now! Please, Hashem, bring success now! Please, Hashem, answer us on the day we call • The scrolls are carried around the synagogue 7 times. • The congregation sing and dance. • Children carry flags with apples on top and give out sweets. • All but one of the scrolls is replaced and the last passage of Deuteronomy is read. • In the morning the 7 circuits are preated and as amny men as possible approach the Torah and say the blessing: Blessed are You, hashem, Our G-d, King of the universe, who selected us from all peoples and gave us His Torah. Blessed are You, Hashem, Giver of the Torah. • The children come to the front, are covered in prayer shawls and will also recite the blessing. • 3 Men are chosen to read the final blessings – They are known as Chattanim – Bridegrooms. • The Groom of the Torah reads the end of Deuteronomy – describing the death of Moses. • The Groom of Genesis reads the beginning 3 verses and a 3 rd man reads the description of Joshua taking over leadership from Moses. • These readings show the Torah and the human chain from person to person continue forever. The significance of Sukkot and Simchat Torah for Jews 1. 2. 3. 4. Simchat Torah celebrated when G-d gave the Jews the Torah as a guide to help them live the way that G-d wants them to in order to keep the covenant. Sukkot reminds Jews that G-d will always look after them. Living in the Sukkah is a celebration of the natural world which G-d created. It also shows trust because Jews show that they believe G-d will keep them safe living in the Sukkah. 14
Pesach (passover) • Pesach begins on the 15 th day of the Jewish month of Nissan • The primary observances of Pesach are related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery. • It represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel ‘And this day shall become a memorial for you, and you shall observe it as a festival for the L-RD, for your generations, as an eternal decree shall you observe it. For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove the leaven from your homes. . . you shall guard the unleavened bread, because on this very day I will take you out of the land of Egypt; you shall observe this day for your generations as an eternal decree. ’ - Exodus 12: 14 -17 Preparing for Passover • Most take place in the home. • All Chametz (Leaven bread) has to be removed. • Chametz – anything that contains the 5 grains – wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt or if any of these have come into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. There are 2 ways to remove chametz from the house: • Burning • Renouncing The night before. . . • • The house is searched by candlelight to find any remaining chametz. Often the mother will have hidden a few pieces – The most common is ten pieces to represent the 10 commandments and 10 plagues. The fast of the first-born • To give thanks for the life of the first born Israelites it is a tradition that the first-born son of each family should fast. The Seder • This is the meal which plays a central part in the celebration of Pesach. • It is eaten on the 1 st, 2 nd and last nights of the festival. • The Seder (meaning order) is a special ceremony for the home. • It is based on the instruction to parents to tell their children about the escape from Egypt. • The instructions for celebrating passover are found in the Haggadah. • Each person present at the meal has a copy of the book and will read from it. • The youngest child will ask 4 questions, the answers are found in the Haggadah. • The Rabbis state that even the poorest person must recline when eating the seder 15 to remember that the Jewish people were slaves in Egypt.
This is a picture of a table set for Pesach (passover ) Shankbone – this represents the passover sacrifice and remembers the Egyptians who died under the 10 th plague. During the Seder each person must drink 4 glasses of wine. They represent the 4 times a wine cup was mentioned in Joseph’s interpretation of the Chief Butler’s dream and the 4 promises that G-d made in the Exodus. 3 matzot places on top of each other – the represent the unleven bread that the Jews didn't have time to let rise before they left Egypt. Salt Water – this represents the slaves tears A roasted Egg – this represents the temple sacrifice that can no longer be offered. Parsley – a sign of new life and hope. Lettuce or horseradish – this represents the bitterness of the life of the slaves. Haroset – this is a paste made from almond, apples and wine. It is a symbol of mortar the Hebrews used when building as slaves. On the table there will also be a full cup of wine known as Elijah’s cup. Jews believe that Elijah will come before the Messiah. Near the end of the Seder the front door of the house is opened to show that this is a night of waiting and watching. The Seder meal follows a particular order: 1. Kaddesh – Blessing over the wine in which G-d is praised for giving the festivals to Israel. 2. U’rechatz – washing the hands – this follows the ancient practice of ritual purification before eating anything dipped in Liquid. 3. Karpas – the parsley is dipped in salt water and eaten. 16
4. Yachatz – division – the middle matzah is broken in two and one half is hidden. The hidden piece is called the afikoman, the after-meal, and is eaten at the end of the meal as a reminder of the paschal lamb which was eaten at the end so that it’s taste would remain in the mouth. Usually children look for the afikoman and a prize is given to the person who finds it. 5. Maggid – recitation – the Passover story is read from the Haggadah. Although the story of the Exodus is all about Moses, his never mentioned. 6. Rachtzah – washing the hands – the ritual washing of the hands before breaking bread. 7. Motzi Matzah – bringing forth – Grace before meals is said for the matzah. 8. Matzah – pieces of the top matzah and the broken middle one are eaten. 9. Maror – the bitter herbs are dipped in the haroset and eaten. 10. Korech – binding – a sandwich is made from the piece of the bottom matzah and bitter herbs and eaten. This is based on the verse: “In the second month, on the 14 th Day, in the afternoon, shall they make it; with matzos and bitter herbs shall they eat it” Numbers 9 -11. Shulchan Orech – The festival meal. 12. Tzafun – hidden – the afikoman is found and eaten. 13. Barech – blessing – Grace after meals. • The family meal is usually chicken soup and matzah balls followed by a casserole. 14. Hallel – psalms of praise – Psalms 115 -118 are recited. It was usual in the time of the Temple to recite these psalms at the time of the offering of the paschal lamb. 15. Nirtzah – acceptance – this is the conclusion. The meal ends with everyone saying ‘Next Year in Jerusalem’ 17
The significance of Pesach (Passover) for Jews 1. The escape of the Hebrews from their slavery in Egypt in central to the history of the Jewish people because hey were able to head for the promised land. 2. The Festival highlights the power of G-d in freeing them and helping them to overcome their difficulties. 3. The story of the Exodus highlights G-d keeping his part of the covenant. 4. The story highlights the beliefs that G-d will reward you if your good and punish you if you’re bad. 5. For Jews, it proves the love of G-d for all his people. 6. The celebration of the meal brings all people together to remember Jewish history. 18
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