Besides going to a few lit bar and bat mitzvahs as a young woman, you may not know that much about Judaism. You were too busy getting down on the dance floor and stuffing your face with kugel to notice the religion that made it all possible. Put down that beloved falafel of yours and hit the books! (Or just read the rest of this article.)
Despite its prevalence in the United States, the cultural and religious intricacies of Judaism seem to be largely unknown. There’s more to this religion than stomping on glass and wearing tiny round caps. If you’re interested in learning about one of the world’s oldest religions (predating Christianity by 2,000 years!) or if you just want to know what this whole “kosher” thing is about, read on.
The second most popular religion in the United States, Judaism is the 6th most popular religion in the world, with an estimated 15 million followers. The United States has the second largest Jewish population – at 5.7 million subscribers – in the world after Israel.
Torah: The Torah is made up of the first five Books of Moses, including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. It is believed that God himself spoke the words of the Torah to Moses. In telling him, God informed Moses of how he wanted Jews to live. Written in Hebrew, the Torah is read three times a week in the synagogue. Copies of the text used for religious purposes are written on parchment scrolls made from a kosher animal (usually a cow).
Talmud: The Talmud is known as the source of Jewish law, otherwise known as Halakhah. It is written in two parts, one of which contains the discussions of rabbis (known as Gemara) and the other which contains the original oral law (Mishnah).
Kashrut: Kashrut is the compilation of the dietary laws that Jewish people must follow. (Nowadays, the necessity of dietary laws is interpreted loosely. Modern mechanisms of producing food make it extremely difficult to follow kosher laws.) The laws, which are written within the Torah, describe the required categories and preparations of food that are acceptable to eat. The guidelines ban certain appendages, animal meats, milks and combinations of food products from the Jewish diet. For example, meat cannot be eaten with dairy.
Jewish people believe they are the “chosen people” by God. In the early history of Judaism, Abraham completed tasks for God in return for protection of the Jewish people. In return for this care, Jews bring holiness into every aspect of their life.
Judaism doctrine says that everyone can have a personal relationship with God and one does not have to be Jewish to go to Heaven. The Jewish people also believe that God, who is present and omniscient, is continually intervening in the world.
Rabbis: The spiritual leaders of the Jewish people are known as rabbis.
Synagogue: The place of worship for followers of Judaism is called a synagogue. They are led by a rabbi and meant to be a center of worship, study and community.
Sabbath Meal: Every week starting at the beginning of Friday evening and lasting until sunset on Saturday, Jewish people practice the Sabbath. It is meant to be a time of calmness and presence, devoid of distractions like television and work-related stress. When it begins, the family will light ceremonial candles and drink wine. Families are meant to have three meals during the Sabbath. One of these meals will include challah, which is widely known for its braided shape.
Yarmulke: The yarmulke (pronounced ya-mull-kuh) is traditional headwear for Jewish males. It represents a sign of respect for God, as well as a symbol of the separation between God and humankind.
Circumcision: Jewish men are circumcised to show the covenant between God and the Jewish people. The practice has been done ever since God instructed Abraham to do so 4,000 years ago.
Abortion: Judaism does not forbid abortion. However, it only condones abortion when completely necessary. Cases that are deemed appropriate for abortion are those which endanger the life of the mother.
Contraception: Followers of Judaism are allowed to use contraception, most often in pill form for women. Male contraception is frowned upon because one of the beliefs of Judaism discourages wasting “seed.” Jewish people are also allowed to use birth control to delay having children temporarily. However, Jewish people cannot abstain from having children forever, since it is within the commandments to marry and reproduce.
Animal Treatment: Animals are part of God’s creation, thus they should not have to undergo any unnecessary harm or pain. However, since God made humans superior to animals, Jews condone the use of animals for food and clothing. Though animals may provide for humans, it is still human beings’ duty to watch over them.
Suicide: Jewish people believe that our lives are not ours to control, rather they are God’s. In this way, human lives are invaluable. Though followers of Judaism do not condone suicide, there are situations where preventing further pain would substantiate a reason to hurry death, such as assisted suicide by a doctor.
Organ Donation: As long as the removal of the organs doesn’t kill the person, the Jewish religion supports organ donation. Choosing to give an organ directly rather than through an organ bank is seen as more honorable.
Since there are so many cultural implications that come along with following Judaism, the process is somewhat difficult, but possible. The conversion occurs in front of a religious court, which decides whether or not the person is justified in his or her conversion. When they decide, they look at several factors, such as whether the person converting for the right reasons, converting by his or her own choice, knowledgeable about Jewish beliefs and history and whether or not he or she will live a truly Jewish lifestyle.
If the person trying to convert is a male, he must be circumcised. During the ceremony, converts must undergo a bathing ceremony that is similar to Christian baptism. Since they are not a missionary religion, followers of Judaism do not actively attempt to convert people.
In the past, Jewish parents arranged marriages for their children with the assistance of a matchmaker. When a couple is engaged, the tradition is to break a plate. This represents the destruction of temples in Jerusalem, to show that they’re still deeply sorrowed by the loss. This same sort of tradition is repeated with the breaking of a glass at the wedding ceremony.
Men announce their engagement at a synagogue and are celebrated. Women take a ritual bath known as a mikveh in order to cleanse themselves before the wedding. Men may opt to go through this ceremony as well.
On the wedding day, the couple will fast in order to come into their relationship fully pure. They will also drink seven glasses of wine during the ceremony and celebration to represent the seven days it took for God to create the world.
The wedding ring is meant to very simple, with little to no decoration. Though the ring may be gold and have value, it’s lack of opulent and expensive detailing shows that the wife is not being bought like property. The lack of exuberant expense is also symbolic that the wife is accepting of her husband.
Now that you’ve been instructed on the ins and outs of Judaism, you’re ready to accompany your friend to the next sermon at your local synagogue. You might be a little lost if you don’t brush up on Hebrew beforehand, but that’s perfectly fine. It’s the thought that counts, right?
*Many of these views are those of Reform and Liberal schools of Judaism, and are not necessarily followed by sects of Orthodox Judaism.
Read more about Judaism here!
