Orthodox Judaism
Beliefs
In traditional Jewish beliefs, God is unique and the ultimate authority, although the fundamental foundation of the religion is the Torah. Moses is believed to be the greatest prophet of all time. In the Orthodox Judaism tradition, the book of Genesis is taken literally, believing that God really did create the earth in less than 7 days, from nothing and also believing that Adam and Eve were the first two humans to live on earth, demonstrating God's incredible powers. The essential element of Orthodox Judaism is the complete and utter adherence to the established laws.
Orthodox household's also have strict rule regarding the way their food and utensils are used. Meat and dairy products are not to be mixed or even eaten in the same meal. Completely different utensils must be used to prepare and serve each type of food. The Utensils must also be washed separately and stored in different draws from one another.
Beliefs relating to gender roles are also very important in the Jewish tradition. It is insisted that in synagogues that men and women are to be separated, and he status of rabbi, is a position that may only be attained by a male and not a female.
Orthodox household's also have strict rule regarding the way their food and utensils are used. Meat and dairy products are not to be mixed or even eaten in the same meal. Completely different utensils must be used to prepare and serve each type of food. The Utensils must also be washed separately and stored in different draws from one another.
Beliefs relating to gender roles are also very important in the Jewish tradition. It is insisted that in synagogues that men and women are to be separated, and he status of rabbi, is a position that may only be attained by a male and not a female.
Myths & Other Stories
The Flood
One of the common myths told in the jewish religion about the great flood. In this myth, god floods the world in order to start over, due to sinfulness of mankind. God choses a man named, Noah, and instructs him to build an arc. He then tells Noah, to ensure that he bring at least two of types of every animal and his family onto the arc. After 40 days of floods, Noah send out a raven to check if the flood have subsided. One Noah and everything which travelled on the arc returns to land, God makes a promise to never flood the world again, and created the rainbow to symbolise his promise.
One of the common myths told in the jewish religion about the great flood. In this myth, god floods the world in order to start over, due to sinfulness of mankind. God choses a man named, Noah, and instructs him to build an arc. He then tells Noah, to ensure that he bring at least two of types of every animal and his family onto the arc. After 40 days of floods, Noah send out a raven to check if the flood have subsided. One Noah and everything which travelled on the arc returns to land, God makes a promise to never flood the world again, and created the rainbow to symbolise his promise.
Sacred Text
The sacred text of Judaism is the Tanakh. It contains the same books that can be found in the Christian Old Testament, although in a slightly different order and with a few slight differences. The Torah is the first five books of the Moses, and is considered the most important section of the Jewish Bible. It is written in Hebrew and it is believed that the Torah shows how God wants Jews to live. It contains 613 commandments and jew refer to the ten best known of these as the ten statements The Torah is read in portions in the synagogue three times every week.
Rituals
Birth
On the eight day after birth boys are required to be circumcised because the Torah say's its the fulfilment of the Covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). This ritual involves a special person called a mohel removing the boys foreskin, whilst recalling the Covenant and recites blessing. At this point, the baby's name is also said.
Marriage
In the Jewish tradition, marriage is seen to be extremely important, and therefore celibacy is not supported. Jewish wedding ceremonies may be held either in a synagogue or outside in the open air. A Marriage must not take place on the Sabbath or on festivals. During this ceremony the groom places a gold ring onto the brides forefinger, and the Kethubah marriage contract is read. The rabbi then recites the seven marriage blessing and at the end of the ceremony the groom usually breaks a wine glass under his foot.
On the eight day after birth boys are required to be circumcised because the Torah say's its the fulfilment of the Covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). This ritual involves a special person called a mohel removing the boys foreskin, whilst recalling the Covenant and recites blessing. At this point, the baby's name is also said.
Marriage
In the Jewish tradition, marriage is seen to be extremely important, and therefore celibacy is not supported. Jewish wedding ceremonies may be held either in a synagogue or outside in the open air. A Marriage must not take place on the Sabbath or on festivals. During this ceremony the groom places a gold ring onto the brides forefinger, and the Kethubah marriage contract is read. The rabbi then recites the seven marriage blessing and at the end of the ceremony the groom usually breaks a wine glass under his foot.
Symbols
The Star of David
The Star of David is also known as the shield of David and is a six sided star. The star is generally recognised as the symbol of judaism and jewish identity.
Chai
The Hebrew word chai is made up of the Hebrew letters chet and yud. These letters have a number value of 18. The word means ‘life’ which is highly valued in Judaism. Many Jewish people wear necklaces with Hebrew word Chai on them.
The Menorah
The menorah is a candelabrum with seven branches. It is a very familar symbol, which can been seen in synagogues around the world. The menorah is said to be the symbol of the nation Israel, and be seen on the emblem for the State of Israel .
The Star of David is also known as the shield of David and is a six sided star. The star is generally recognised as the symbol of judaism and jewish identity.
Chai
The Hebrew word chai is made up of the Hebrew letters chet and yud. These letters have a number value of 18. The word means ‘life’ which is highly valued in Judaism. Many Jewish people wear necklaces with Hebrew word Chai on them.
The Menorah
The menorah is a candelabrum with seven branches. It is a very familar symbol, which can been seen in synagogues around the world. The menorah is said to be the symbol of the nation Israel, and be seen on the emblem for the State of Israel .
Social Stuctures
Rabbi
A rabbi is an adult male of the jewish community who is a teacher of faith. Rabbi's do not not hold anymore authority over anyone else, unlike priests. Rabbi's are well educated in halakhah (jewish laws) and are able to instruct the community, answer question and resolve disputes regarding halakhah.
Chazzan
A Chazzan is the person who runs the preyer. Anyone who has thorough knowledge of the preyers and melodies and poses a good moral character may become a Chazzan.
Gabbai
A gabbai is a lay person who volunteers to perform various duties in connection with Torah readings at religious services. Serving as a gabbai is a great honour, and is bestowed on a person who is thoroughly versed in the Torah and the Torah readings.
A rabbi is an adult male of the jewish community who is a teacher of faith. Rabbi's do not not hold anymore authority over anyone else, unlike priests. Rabbi's are well educated in halakhah (jewish laws) and are able to instruct the community, answer question and resolve disputes regarding halakhah.
Chazzan
A Chazzan is the person who runs the preyer. Anyone who has thorough knowledge of the preyers and melodies and poses a good moral character may become a Chazzan.
Gabbai
A gabbai is a lay person who volunteers to perform various duties in connection with Torah readings at religious services. Serving as a gabbai is a great honour, and is bestowed on a person who is thoroughly versed in the Torah and the Torah readings.
Ethical Priciples
Contraception and Abortion
Contraception in not commonly accepted in Orthodox Judaism, but is ok for women to use in certain circumstances. Males are prohibited from using a condom or having a vasectomy. In Orthodox Judaism Abortion is permitted in circumstances. Abortion is permitted only for medical reasons if it the pregnancy presents grave physical or psychological dangers. Abortion on command is not permitted.
Contraception in not commonly accepted in Orthodox Judaism, but is ok for women to use in certain circumstances. Males are prohibited from using a condom or having a vasectomy. In Orthodox Judaism Abortion is permitted in circumstances. Abortion is permitted only for medical reasons if it the pregnancy presents grave physical or psychological dangers. Abortion on command is not permitted.
Religious Experience & Spirituality
Rosh Hashanah
Roch Hashanah is the Jewish new year and usually falls somewhere in September. This holiday is also known as the Day of Judgement. Rosh Hashanah ushers in a ten-day period of self-examination and penitence.
Pesach
Pesach or also known as the Jewish Passover celebrates God's deliverance of the israelites from captivity in Egypt. This holiday usually falls in March or April and lasts for a week. During this week, jewish people eat unleavened bread known as the matzoh. This is in commemoration of the quickly made unleavened bread the Israelites had to subsist on during their escape from Egypt.
Roch Hashanah is the Jewish new year and usually falls somewhere in September. This holiday is also known as the Day of Judgement. Rosh Hashanah ushers in a ten-day period of self-examination and penitence.
Pesach
Pesach or also known as the Jewish Passover celebrates God's deliverance of the israelites from captivity in Egypt. This holiday usually falls in March or April and lasts for a week. During this week, jewish people eat unleavened bread known as the matzoh. This is in commemoration of the quickly made unleavened bread the Israelites had to subsist on during their escape from Egypt.