1. Basic Beliefs and Observances in Judaism

2. Mitzvot Jewish observance is structured around doing mitzvot – commandments Jewish observance is structured around doing mitzvot – commandments Mitzvot covers all areas of life, including religious obligations and other kinds of ethical behavior Mitzvot covers all areas of life, including religious obligations and other kinds of ethical behavior

3. Examples of mitzvot Prayer: Jews are obligated to pray certain prayers three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening). The Shema is the most important statement of Jewish belief. The Amidah, a silent prayer in which someone might ask God for certain things like health, wisdom, protection from enemies, and the coming of the Messiah. Prayer: Jews are obligated to pray certain prayers three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening). The Shema is the most important statement of Jewish belief. The Amidah, a silent prayer in which someone might ask God for certain things like health, wisdom, protection from enemies, and the coming of the Messiah.

4. Mitzvot continued Tzedakah (charity): Jews are obligated to give a certain percentage, generally at least 10-15% of their income, to tzedakah Tzedakah (charity): Jews are obligated to give a certain percentage, generally at least 10-15% of their income, to tzedakah Kashrut (dietary laws): According to this law, only split-hooven animals that chew their cud, certain types of fowl (like chicken, turkey, and duck), and fish with fins and scales are kosher (proper to eat) Kashrut (dietary laws): According to this law, only split-hooven animals that chew their cud, certain types of fowl (like chicken, turkey, and duck), and fish with fins and scales are kosher (proper to eat)

5. Mitzvot continued Shabbat (The Sabbath): On Shabbat, from sundown on Friday night until dark on Saturday night, Jews set aside time to rest. Jews have special Shabbat meals. In traditional observance of Shabbat, Jews refrain from cooking, shopping, using electricity, and writing. Shabbat (The Sabbath): On Shabbat, from sundown on Friday night until dark on Saturday night, Jews set aside time to rest. Jews have special Shabbat meals. In traditional observance of Shabbat, Jews refrain from cooking, shopping, using electricity, and writing.

6. Mitzvot rites Birth Birth Baby Boys – circumcision at 8 days old to fulfill the commandment God gave Abraham Baby Boys – circumcision at 8 days old to fulfill the commandment God gave Abraham Baby Girls – named for a revered deceased family member Baby Girls – named for a revered deceased family member Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Boys (Bar Mitzvah) – 13 yrs + 1 day = “son of the commandments”, responsible for observing all the mitzvots of Judaism Boys (Bar Mitzvah) – 13 yrs + 1 day = “son of the commandments”, responsible for observing all the mitzvots of Judaism Girls (Bat Mitzvah) – 12 yrs + 1 day = “daughter of the commandments” Girls (Bat Mitzvah) – 12 yrs + 1 day = “daughter of the commandments” Requires years of study to complete celebration in the synagogue – read from the Torah scroll, reading a selection from the prophets, leading a portion of the service, and delivering a speech called d’var Torah (“word of Torah”) about the scriptural readings Requires years of study to complete celebration in the synagogue – read from the Torah scroll, reading a selection from the prophets, leading a portion of the service, and delivering a speech called d’var Torah (“word of Torah”) about the scriptural readings

7. Marriage Marriage Called kiddushin (sanctification) Called kiddushin (sanctification) Done publicly because the community is expected to help the couple live a life of loyalty and devotion to God and Jewish traditions Done publicly because the community is expected to help the couple live a life of loyalty and devotion to God and Jewish traditions Before the wedding the bride and groom accept the Jewish marriage contract and agree to cherish, honor, and maintain each other (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). Groom then places a veil over the bride’s face – symbolic of tradition of modesty. Before the wedding the bride and groom accept the Jewish marriage contract and agree to cherish, honor, and maintain each other (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). Groom then places a veil over the bride’s face – symbolic of tradition of modesty. Takes place under a chupah (wedding canopy representing the home the bride and groom will create together) Takes place under a chupah (wedding canopy representing the home the bride and groom will create together) At the end of the ceremony, the groom breaks a glass, recalling the destruction of the Temple and reminding the couple of their responsibility to help fix the imperfect world in which they live At the end of the ceremony, the groom breaks a glass, recalling the destruction of the Temple and reminding the couple of their responsibility to help fix the imperfect world in which they live

8. Death Death Since God created man from the earth, it should be returned to the earth as quickly and naturally as possible Since God created man from the earth, it should be returned to the earth as quickly and naturally as possible Do not permit cremation or embalming Do not permit cremation or embalming Coffins are made entirely of wood Coffins are made entirely of wood Funerals take place within a day or two of death Funerals take place within a day or two of death The body is carefully washed and dressed in plain linen garments by a special group The body is carefully washed and dressed in plain linen garments by a special group After the funeral, the family returns home for shiva (seven) and refers to the first seven days following the funeral After the funeral, the family returns home for shiva (seven) and refers to the first seven days following the funeral Mourners are prohibited from excessive grooming and pampering of the body. Mirrors are customarily are covered to allow the mourner to focus on their grief. They aren’t allowed to leave their house; community members comes to comfort them by bringing them meals and saying prayers. Mourners are prohibited from excessive grooming and pampering of the body. Mirrors are customarily are covered to allow the mourner to focus on their grief. They aren’t allowed to leave their house; community members comes to comfort them by bringing them meals and saying prayers.

9. Significant Jewish Holidays Rosh Hashanah – New Year Rosh Hashanah – New Year Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement – The most holy day of the year. Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement – The most holy day of the year. Chanukah (Hanukah) – The festival of the rededication of the Temple – The Festival of Lights Chanukah (Hanukah) – The festival of the rededication of the Temple – The Festival of Lights Pesach (Passover) – Exodus from Egypt Pesach (Passover) – Exodus from Egypt