Judaism Essays (494 words) - Jewish Holy Days, Hanukkah,

Judaism Judiasm Judaism is all over the world. You can find Jewish people in many countries. They speak different languages and may be of any color. Anybody whose mother is a Jew is considered to be Jewish. Jewish history began over four thousand years ago in the Middle east. This religion is the oldest type of monotheism. The founder, Abraham, lived near Ur. He heard a message from god to move his people to Canaan, which was the Promised Land. People that moved there became known as the Hebrews. Jews have both a Hebrew name and an ordinary name. The Hebrew name is used in the Synagogue and religious documents. The Synagogue is house of prayer, study, and a community center. The Hebrew word for Synagogue is Beth Ha Knesset meaning house of meeting or assembly. The central feature of the Synagogue is the Ark, which houses the scrolls of the Torah. A baby boy is given his name when his eight days old. When boys turn thirteen, they are considered to be adults, and become responsible for the irreligious duties. There are three daily prayer sessions evening, morning, and afternoon. Whenever possible the prayers should be saidat public services but praying at home or somewhere else is just as good. One tradition says that everyone should say a hundred blessings each day and some prayers must be said three times a day while others must be said twice. Jewish people believe in Sabbath, Sabbath is a day for rest for them. Sabbath begins shortly after sunset on friday evening and ends late on Saturday night. They do not drive on Fridays or Saturdays because of the Sabbath. Many Jewish holidays commemorate events invested with historical and religious meaning. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. The celebration also reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by commandments and lead Jewish lives. For eight days, Hanukkah candles shine in the window to brighten the night. Family and friends come to help light candles in the Hanukkah(menorah), to eat latkes (pancakes), sufganiyot (doughnuts) and play games ofdreidal. Presents are exchanged, songs are sung, and the story is told of brave, stubborn Judah Maccabee. Jewish people only eat kosher foods. Only those animal which both chew the cud and are clove footed such as cows and sheep can beaten. Pigs, rabbits and horses are forbidden. Fish must have both fins and scales such as salmon, tout and haddock. Those, which do not such as shellfish and eels, must not be eaten. Special regulations govern the method by which an animal or bird is slaughtered for consumption.. Any defects which would lead the animal or birds natural death with in a year because its to be considered not kosher. Some eyes of defects would be lesions or tumors in its internal organs. Other examples would be broken or shattered bones and even missing limbs. Bibliography jews- a look at history Religion Essays