Orthodox Judaism Comunicación y Gerencia Philosophy Instructor Dr. Baird Cindy STUDENT October 17, 2006

What is Judaism? Judaism is the religion and culture of the Jewish people. Judaism does not characterize itself as a religion, rather Jews have traditionally thought of Judaism as a culture with its own language, history, ancestral homeland, philosophy, and set of ethics. It is their identity.

Judaism was established in 1300 b.c.e on Mt. Sinai in Mesopotamia. The words of the Torah was spoken to Moses by God.

Number of Adherents There are over 14 million Jewish people in the world with over 6 million in the United States. Israel ranks second with 5 million. A few generations ago, the Orthodox was the dominant form of Judaism. Today fewer than one fifth of Jews are Orthodox.

What is Orthodox Judaism? A Jew is someone born to a Jewish mother or who converts to Judaism in accordance with Jewish law and tradition. Orthodoxy rejects patrilineal descent; they do not allow intermarriage. Intermarriage is considered a deliberate rejection of Judaism.

Ecclesiastical Law Orthodox Judaism believes in strict adherence to the traditional codes of Halakha or Jewish Law. Halakha is based on the commandments in the Torah, the first five books in the Old Testament. They do not seek converts.

Holy Work of Judaism Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, is The Written Law of Judaism. Talmud is The Oral Law.

Clergy Hazzan (cantor) Rabbi – they are given the authority to make interpretations of Jewish Law and Custom.

Requirements to be Clergy A man obtains smicha (rabbinic ordination) after the completion of an arduous learning program in Tora, Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), Mishnah and Talmud. They must also study Jewish ethics and lore, the codes of Jewish law, and philosophy. Women are strictly forbidden from becoming rabbis or cantors.

Holy Days Yom Kipper- Day of Atonement Forbidden to eat or drink, wear leather shoes, have marital relations, or anoint oneself. Guaranteed to be forgiven if you truly repent.

Holy Days Passover An important Jewish festival commemorating the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt and their safe flight across the Red Sea. The primary symbol of Passover is matzo, a flat unleavened bread.

Holy Days Chanukah- The Festival of Lights A menorah is placed in the window and each night one candle is lit. This celebrates the rededication of the temple when they only had enough oil to last one night and through a miracle it lasted seven.

Holy Days Rosh Hashonoh- Season of Remembrance The anniversary of the day God created Adam and Eve. “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year, good life and peace.”

Communion with God The Jewish Holy Day or Sabbath starts at sunset on Friday and continues until sunset on Saturday. They cannot do anything that counts as work including cooking or driving. Their place of worship is a synagogue.

Birth Rituals Birth – When a child is born they are given a name to inscribe on their birth certificate and a Hebrew name that isn’t officially given to them until the Brit Milah (for the male child) or Simchat Bat (for the female child).

Male Birth Rituals Brit Milah or circumcision is performed to symbolize the covenant between God and Israel. A baby boy is circumcised on the eighth day of life. The ceremony includes giving the baby his Hebrew name. Traditionally the ceremony is conducted by a mohel ( a person ritually trained to perform circumcisions).

Female Birth Rituals Simchat Bat Ceremony – The birth of a baby girl traditionally is marked in the synagogue on the Sabbath, when her parents are called to the Torah to give the newborn girl her Hebrew name.

Coming of Age Rituals At age 13 for a boy and 12 or 13 for a girl, a child reaches adulthood and becomes a bar or bat mitzvah, or son or daughter of the commandments. The ceremony is a public declaration of the child's acceptance to participate in the Jewish community. In the synagogue the child is called upon to recite the Torah blessings. Friends and family attend and celebrate with a festive meal afterwards.

Marriage Rituals Marriage is a sacred act essential for procreation and self fulfillment. The marriage takes place under a canopy (chuppal), symbolizing the home the couple will share. The main elements are 1. Kiddush erusin (sanctification of betrothal). 2. Betrothal blessing. 3. Presentation of the ring.

Marriage Rituals 4. Reading of the Ketubah and its presentation to the bride. 5. Recitation of Sheva Brachat (seven marriage blessings). 6. Nissuin (drinking of the wine to sanctify the marriage). 7. Breaking the glass under the heel of your foot (to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, even at joyous occasions).

Influential Practioners Moses was the first Rabbi of Moses was the first Rabbi of the children of Israel. He is known the children of Israel. He is known to many Jews as Moshe Rabbeinu, (Moses, our Teacher). Yehuda Amital is an Hungarian survivor of the Holocaust and a dominant figure in Israel.Yehuda Amital is an Hungarian survivor of the Holocaust and a dominant figure in Israel.

Death Rituals The Jewish traditions related to death and mourning are intended to recognize death as a part of life. The traditions of preparing the body (Taharah), sitting Shiva (a seven day period of mourning), and observing Yahrzeit (prayer for the dead), all guide Jews through a difficult time.

Taharah The Jewish ritual of preparing the dead for burial is called Taharah. The Jewish community has a voluntary burial society called the Chevra Kadisha. They believe that performing a Taharah is the ultimate mitzvah or worthy deed. A group of three or four people (usually women), prepares the body with the traditions handed down through generations.

Taharah It starts with a prayer to ask forgiveness from the deceased for any errors they might make in preparing them. They handle the body with the utmost respect and modesty and don’t speak unless absolutely necessary. The body is washed from head to toe with warm washcloths and wrapped in white burial shrouds. They anoint the eyes, ears, mouth, naval, and hands. The body is then sprinkled with earth from Israel. Prayers are interwoven throughout the process.

Orthodox Judaism Orthodox means correct in teaching. Ultimate Reality- One God (YHWH). Purpose of Life – Obedience to God How to Live – Obey the Law and atone for sin. Symbol of Judaism – Star of David