An Exploration of the Mezuzah as an Art Object in Jewish Culture “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and upon thy gates” (Deut. 6:9). This commandment has been taken in Jewish culture to require the creation of a mezuzah (מְזוּזָה in Hebrew) containing the Shema‚ the central Jewish prayer. The resulting object has grown to be one of the most iconic symbols of a Jewish home‚ workplace‚ or synagogue. A mezuzah (pl. mezuzot) is a box affixed to the doorway of a room or building
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MASADA: The Story of Martyrdom Masada comes from the Hebrew mezuda meaning “fortress “or “stronghold. Today it is one of the Jewish people’s greatest symbols. Israeli soldiers take an oath there: "Masada shall not fall again." Next to Jerusalem‚ it is the most popular destination of tourists visiting Israel. It is strange that a place known only because 960 Jews committed suicide there in the first century C.E. should become a modern symbol of Jewish survival. Let me examine the story of the fall
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Religion Assessment Part A Name of initiation ritual and the tradition/culture/religion to which it is attached. Bar Mitzvah ritual in which Jewish people celebrate. Description of initiation ritual. When a boy turns 13 years old he becomes a "bar mitzvah" with or without a ceremony. In the Jewish tradition you are required to have the same rights as a fully grown man once you have turned 13. When a boy becomes a Bar Mitzvah they are expected to be fully responsible for his actions and decisions
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Intro The characteristics of Judaism such as the beliefs‚ ethics‚ rituals and ceremonies and sacred texts do have a major impact in many ways on the adherents and it provides a source of purpose and identity for individuals. It gives meaning and guidance in contemporary situations and therefore it is considered a dynamic‚ living religion. Beliefs Judaism is a monotheistic faith‚ meaning that Jews believe there is only One God. Often this God is beyond our ability to comprehend‚ but God is nevertheless
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“The Jazz Singer” Before watching “The Jazz Singer”‚ I had no idea of its cultural or historical significance. I learned that it was the first motion picture to have synchronized dialogue and words. It set the precedent for cinematography‚ live voice recordings‚ and real-time dialogue. The film was based on a short story written only a few years prior. The story was called “The Day of Atonement” and was authored by Samson Raphaelson. The short story was then adapted into an onstage musical in
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During the Jewish holiday of Purim‚ there are many mitzvahs‚ but the most important of all is drinking. This harmless topic of drinking on Purim has to lead to a huge argument of many Rabbis saying their views on the issue as well as disagreeing with other scholars. All of this argument started just with five words which were “לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת אוֹתָ֗ם יְמֵי֙ מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה וְשִׂמְחָ֔ה”‚ which was from the Book of Esther 9:22. This phrase means “They were to observe them as days of feasting and merrymaking”
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-The Talmud is a text that takes the ancient Torah and applies the teachings and laws into a modern-day understanding created by many Rabbis. -A vast amount of the ideas presented in the Torah are vague and complicated; however‚ the Talmud provides wise rabbinic opinions on these topics to help us improve our understanding and Jewish lives as a whole. -Although the Rabbi’s opinions may not be completely factual‚ they provide us with a logical reasoning for why we must follow certain rules. -If
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For my field trip to another religion’s worship service‚ I chose to visit the Beth El Congregation Synagogue in Baltimore‚ Maryland. I have family members that are a part of the Jewish community‚ but I had never attended service with them until this experience. The Bel El Congregation is a progressive synagogue that is affiliated with United Synagogue. I arrived early to see if I could find someone to show me around so I felt more acquainted with the happenings around me. Lucky for me‚ there was
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I decided that I wanted my paper to focus on a Jewish religion (Judaism). I decided to do this because I do have a lot of Jewish friends and I have always wanted to take a closer look into that religious culture‚ especially from the perspective of my Catholic values. I took a lot of time to decide which religious service and location to attend and I ultimately decide don Temple Solel which is located in Bowie‚ MD. I chose this location because I called and initially spoke with a representative
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Sarah: This bima holds many l memories for me. 30 years ago I was up here with my family having my bat mitzvah. I have many wonderful memories of that event. My father falling asleep during the Friday night service in the front row. My grandfather‚ your papa‚. always an opinionated guy‚ not sure if he could come up to the bima and say the torah blessing because he did not believe in god‚ but letting me know he was proud of me in his own way. And Rabbi Axelrod‚ a wonderful warm man‚ welcoming
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