Top-Rated Free Essay
Preview

Religion Paper

Better Essays
1964 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Religion Paper
Paper #1
The religion that I chose to do my paper on was Judaism. Throughout every religion people are expected to follow various rituals and understand important symbols. In particular the beliefs of Judaism include highly respected days and symbols that most members value and that most members are expected to follow and understand. The history of the Jewish religion over time has created different ceremonies, holidays, and expectations to practice. Judaism began with the covenant God made with Abraham. He was told to bring forth a separate nation unto Yahweh. He was first in his line to worship God. Judaism is largely defined in the first five books of the Bible that are credited to Moses as having been written. Many days of observation help people to reflect their beliefs about Jewish practices. Rituals in any religion help followers to evaluate themselves and allow members to come to have a better connection with their beliefs. Judaism includes the rituals of the Sabbath, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Shvat, Purim, Passover, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, and more. The Sabbath is considered to be one of the most important days of the Jewish calendar, calling it the climax of the Judaism ways. The Sabbath, which is celebrated at the high point of each week, is known to bring ritual into the Jewish home. The Sabbath lasts from sundown on Friday until nightfall on Saturday. The Sabbath does last for a full and complete twenty-four hours. It was once said by Ahan Ha Am a highly recognized scholar, “More than Israel has kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept Israel” (Ehrlich). The Sabbath involves the lighting of candles at both the beginning and end of the ritual in respect of marking the division between the workweek and the holy suspension of worldly time. According to the rules of the Sabbath, no one is expected to work, and members are told that it is a universal day of study (Ehrlich 80). The day is meant to be filled with prayer and rest on every seventh day. The Sabbath is about stopping work in order to shift attention to the higher aspects of moment including the worshiping of God, the enjoyment of God’s blessings, and the nourishment of the soul (Carmody 23). The Sabbath is remembered as a family celebration, which involves everyday routines, life crises, and rites of passages, all of which make up the importance of this ritual (Marcus 5). These ideas have served to bind the Jewish people since ancient times (Ehrlich 80). In past experiences the Sabbath is celebrated with a dinner along with the lighting of candles. During the lighting, prayers are said by the children that have been Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The Jewish religion also brings about a new year through the holiday known as Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated during the seventh month of the Jewish year, which falls into either September or October. This holiday is important because it celebrates the annual renewal of God’s creative act at the moment that the agricultural cycle had come to a full circle (Ehrlich 81). Jewish Holidays often bring about observation that is based on the idea of the agricultural cycles in Israel. The observations foster an attachment to the ways of life that were known in the ancient homeland (Ehrlich 79). The New Year brings about a period of reflection lasting about ten days. The ideas of Rosh Hashanah bring about the opening period of the year. It is a time of “great solemnity”, sober judgment, and an awesome awareness of God’s power (Carmody 24). It is known as the “Days of Awe” also known as Yamim Noraim (Ehrlich 81). The day is considered a period of repentance, a return to God, and a time of renewal. The Jewish religion has the ritual of regulating time in a radically different way from most other systems of belief. The Jewish calendar is often considered to be unconventional because it is regulated under the lunar cycles of the moon (Robinson 77). During Rosh Hashanah all Jewish families should go to temple during the day and celebrate at sundown with a dinner. During the dinner, prayers are said over wine and bread. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated as a two night ritual with dinner at sundown on both days.
In the Jewish religion Hanukah is one of the most well known religions celebrated. Hanukah is the eight-day mid winter festival that is observed by all members of the Jewish religion. Hanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem during the times in 164 BCE (Ehrlich 83). The holiday celebrates the miracle of a measure of oil that was said to have burned for eight days instead of the one day expected. Hanukah commemorates the dedication of the Maccabees who were the liberators of Israel, from the pagan Greek power (Carmody 23). The Maccabees were Jewish warriors who had fought a lengthy civil war in the defiance of hellenization (Robinson 54). During the ritual the candles are placed in a candelabrum with nine candle holders. A common menorah only holds seven candles and is found usually in a synagogue. Each candle represents the eight days of the festival. The purpose of the ninth candle is to have the representation of kindling the other candles each night. The rituals performed throughout the life-cycle of the Jewish religion have been proven to be important in helping an individual pace through the years, as well as remembering the community of the passages that the members of the religion are undergoing (Carmody 25). During Hanukah in reformed Jewish families gifts are given to celebrate the Maccabees and the duration of the oil and candles. Often times the popular food choice for Hanukah is a potato lakah. Hanukah is celebrated each of the eight nights with one gift being given each night.
During the first month of the Jewish calendar, which falls into either March of April, are the traditional ideas of Passover. Passover was originally created to be a pilgrimage festival celebrating the first fruits of the agricultural year. As a commemoration of the Exodus of Egypt, Passover has overtime been remodeled into a new form and more reflective time (Ehrlich 83). Passover is about the times when the Lord had rescued Israel from bondage and set it on the path toward the reception of the Mosaic Covenant, the Torah, and the Promised Land (Carmody 23). One of the most important components of Passover is the lavish and ritual meal known as the Seder. The Seder is the part of Passover that represents the story of Exodus and is recounted from the “Heggadah” (Ehrlich 83). Throughout the time of Passover both young and old followers are required to find a way to view themselves as those whom are personally freed from bondage (Ehrlich 84). During Passover Bar and Bat Mitzvahed people cannot consume any products with yeast because when the Jews were in Egypt, and they were trying to bake bread, they were unsuccessful. But, they did make motzah. Motzah is bread without yeast. Also, Jews must not eat pork such as kosher families do. Focusing on the younger members of the Jewish religion are the traditions of the Bar Mitzvah and the Bat Mitzvah. These rituals are directed towards both young boys and girls and refer to the “son of the commandment” and the “daughter of the commandment” (Ehrlich 85). The ceremony involves the attainment of religious maturity, marking the first for different aspects of Judaism such as the first reading of the Torah (Ehrlich 85). The young individual can officially have the right to not only read the Torah, but also may now study the Torah, learn in the Torah, and to be subject in the Torah. In addition is the idea of the first time that the individual may read prayer with tefellin (Sherbok 534). The meal for families and friends that attend the Bar Mitzvah is held after the weekday morning service which is known as a third meal (Sherbok 535). The meal is consumed after the Sabbath and during the afternoon service. Traditional times have the ritual of having the meal on a more lavish scale. These ceremonies refer to the times when a young individual is obliged to fulfill the Jewish law (Sherbok 534). The rules of this ceremony included aspects such as the requirement that the candidate must be of thirteen years of age (Sherbok 534). These rituals are even more important because they express the importance of the continuation of the rituals. The repetition and the spread of Judaism are made possible through the teachings of the Jewish rituals, without the rituals, the religion would not continue (Goldstein). This ritual brings about the ideas of adulthood within the ideas of Judaism. The ideas of marriage are broken up into three main parts in the Jewish religion. The first part of marriage includes the signing of the marriage contract, formally known as the Ketubbah (Ehrlich 85). Under traditional circumstances, this contract is written in the Aramaic language. The Second part of the marriage is the ring ceremony referred to as the Huppah (Ehrlich 85). The name Huppah is taken from the portable marriage canopy that is used during the ceremony which is usually held in the traditional location of the synagogue (Ehrlich 85). The final stage of marriage is the Yihud which is the time when newly married couples are left alone (Ehrlich 85). In past traditions, the couple is left with the expectations to consummate the marriage (Ehrlich 85). In recent times this tradition has changed and couples are often given this time to have a break from their course of the past hectic day (Ehrlich 85). Overall, the importance of marriage in Judaism is indicated by the prayer in which one wishes that one’s children will grow up to a life filled with “Torah, marriage, and good deeds” (Ehrlich 85). Judaism has developed rituals for death which require strict rules when dealing with the burial and the handling of the body. The traditional ideas of death involve the confession of sins and affirmation of faith in hopes of preparing the dying individual for the Lord (Carmody 26). Those who die are put into white garments that are considered to be suitable for penance (Carmody 26). The individuals are then placed into simple wooden coffins and are buried to the recitation of the Kaddish. The families of the deceased individual receive condolences for seven days and mourn for a month; this is done mainly by attending synagogue and reciting the Kaddish (Carmody 26). The family should suspend mourning on the Sabbath, but the death functions for all whom it touches as a reminder of the frailty of life and the constant need for the Lord and his blessings (Carmody 26-27). In short, it is proven that the rituals of Judaism are plentiful throughout the year. There are many rituals performed daily, weekly, and monthly. It is important to remember that in every religion, each individual ritual is valued and contributes to a part of the religion. The ways of Judaism may seem extreme under some circumstances; however, followers respect the laws of the Jewish religion and accept what they are expected to do. Judaism rituals are performed throughout all times in life, from the beginning of life till death; the traditions will be carried on.

Works Cited
Ehrlich, Carl S. Judaism . Rosen Classroom, Sep 2009

Carmody, Denise L. Ways to the Center: An Introduction to World Religions. Cengage Learning, April 2005

Robinson, George. Essential Judaism. Pocket Books, September 9, 2001

Sherbok, Cohn. Judaism: History, Belief and Practice. Routledge, June 18, 2003

Goldstein, Niles. Judaism And Spiritual Ethics. Urj Press, Nov 1998

Cited: Ehrlich, Carl S. Judaism . Rosen Classroom, Sep 2009 Carmody, Denise L. Ways to the Center: An Introduction to World Religions. Cengage Learning, April 2005 Robinson, George. Essential Judaism. Pocket Books, September 9, 2001 Sherbok, Cohn. Judaism: History, Belief and Practice. Routledge, June 18, 2003 Goldstein, Niles. Judaism And Spiritual Ethics. Urj Press, Nov 1998

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Christian Worldview Paper

    • 1918 Words
    • 8 Pages

    The Old Testament of the Holy Bible gives many examples which provide modern man with guidelines for the use of scientific method. Millam (2008) explains that there is an underlying order in nature demonstrated by the patterns and regularities of God’s creations. These regularities can be seen in the forces of nature and are stable throughout space and time (Millam, 2008). The original classification of species, use of precise measurement, and even the first account of scientific research, are all included in the Old Testament of the Holy Scriptures. God gives scientists some clear frames of reference for seeking knowledge and truth in science.…

    • 1918 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Molloy, M. V. (2013). Experiencing the world’s religions: Tradition, challenge, and change (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.…

    • 999 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Essay On Jewish Holiday

    • 2113 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Jews gather together for a number of important holidays (sacred becoming a community). The holidays, festivals, and the Sabbath offer Jewish people a chance to set aside sacred time, (prayer and ritual). Almost the whole of Jewish history and teaching is embodied in its holidays/festivals -- in which traditions are passed from one generation to the next by means of stories, actions, symbolic food, and singing. Most festival celebrations are based on the home and family, with the events of the past being re-enacted in a way that makes them meaningful to present-day life. In my essay, I have discussed the holidays I was most interested in, which are the High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Days of Awe), two of the three pilgrimage festivals (Sukkot and Passover), and Hanukkah.…

    • 2113 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Torah is the primary document of Judaism. Torah, which means "teaching", is God's revealed instructions to the Jewish People and god relationship with the Jewish people. It teaches Jews how to act, think and even feel about life and death. 

The Torah contains 613 commandments (mitzvot) and from those the The Ten Commandments are revealed and are considered the most important commandments of the Torah. They give believers moral guidance through life and the laws god gave to his people to follow. The weekly ritual of the Shabbat is to remind the Hebrew people of two very important events in history: the creation of the world and the deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Both highlight the central Jewish religious belief: that there is one, powerful creator God who cares for his people.…

    • 477 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Religion can have many definitions because everyone has a different perspective of what religion. If it is real or not depends on what the individual believes. Nearly all humans believe that religion is the just the belief in a higher being that will save humanity but is religion just that? Religion can give us purpose, beliefs and values. Religion can be defined as by the Australian High court as “a complex of beliefs and practices which point to a set of values and an understanding of the meaning of existence” (The Australian Collaboration, 2012). A man called Ninian Smart split religion into seven dimensions but the must important that define what religion are the: social dimension, ritual/practices dimension, and ethical/legal…

    • 1134 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Shabbat Essay

    • 496 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Sabbath (or Shabbat, as it is called in Hebrew) is one of the best known and least understood of all Jewish observances. People who don’t observe Shabbat think of it as a day filled with restrictions, or as a day of prayer like the Christian Sabbath. But to those who observe Shabbat, it is a day of great joy eagerly awaited throughout the week, a time when we can set aside all of our concerns and devote ourselves to higher pursuits. Shabbat is the most important ritual observance in Judaism. It is the only ritual observance instituted in the Ten Commandments. The word "Shabbat" comes from the root Shin-Beit-Tav, meaning to cease, to end, or to rest.…

    • 496 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Religion Paper

    • 1193 Words
    • 5 Pages

    All Eastern religions have various things in common. The view of how a person should spend their lives in this earth is all too similar yet they all have a different way of living and showing their devotion. Many of these cultures revolve around a simple idea of reaching nirvana and finally leading to moksha- the release from the eternal circle of life or mukti in Sikhism. Many of the Eastern religions also focus of keeping good karma and respecting the spiritual world by praying to their ancestors. Many of them view the world as full of spirits, that there are spiritual beings in everything we see and everything we touch, and to respect these spirits will finally lead to the liberation from the earth.…

    • 1193 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Religion 133 Bota Paper

    • 1507 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the World 's religions: Traditoin, Challenge, and Change (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.…

    • 1507 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Society Paper

    • 998 Words
    • 4 Pages

    With the Functional Theory, it could force on this study saying that with society support and working together and putting the right influences on these children then maybe there would be the problems that we are seeing. We need to provide a stable and safe environment for these groups of people and in time the problem will go away or be lesser then what it is now.…

    • 998 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In the world people believes in many different religions and call him different name but we all knows that there is only one god in world, who create the world and the destroyer. So there's one religions is Sikhism. Sikhs religions do not believe in double, but every religions and everyone's believes that praying daily and worships to the god is most important thing. Sikhism was founded more than 600 years ago. Today the Sikh religion have follower more than 30 million peoples all over the worldwide and Sikhism number fifth largest religion. Just like other religions Sikhism believes in worship and remember god at every moment. Sikhism has ten Guru who teach Sikh in Sikh holy book and living Guru Granth Sahib to respect and also equality with all people. Should not be no difference for any race, class, sex, and creed.…

    • 824 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Best Essays

    Religion Essay

    • 1772 Words
    • 6 Pages

    One of the most talked about discussions in the world is religion. Across the world, you will find numerous religions, some more prominent than others and some more extreme than others. Religion is fundamental in so many places and cultures in the world today. Religion helps people understand the meaning of life or discern the origin of life. Countless people across the world invest their entire lives into their beliefs and their religions. To say that religion is influential in the world today is an understatement. There are many major religions across the world, but in China, there are five major religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, and Christianity (Maspero). Taoism will be the main focus of this essay in an effort to understand the history and concept of this religion.…

    • 1772 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Roshh

    • 762 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The Jewish holiday that I chose to talk about is Rosh Hashanah. After reading what this holiday is, I found it very interesting. There are over five different types of Jewish holidays that Jewish people celebrate. Every holiday has a different meaningful meaning that helps people out or brings joy to their life. Rosh Hashanah is new years for the Jewish community, it is the time that people think about their mistakes they did in the past and try not do it again in the future. This holiday has many names such as Day of Judgment or Day of Memorial.…

    • 762 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Judaism

    • 1281 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Judaism is a practiced religion throughout the world. Even though it is a very old religion, Jews are less than one percent of the world. Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions and the oldest one still practiced today. Majority of the Jewish population lives in Israel however the other half live in the United States, and a small percentage live in Canada. Judaism has a unique history and unique biblical stories. The original temple also played a large role is the founding of Judaism, which then Rabbi’s interpreted. Since everyone does not agree with certain people including rabbis, there are different sects through the religion. Jews live every day basing their beliefs on the Torah, the bible, or the Old Testament. Every year holidays repeat themselves, yet they are very meaning to every Jewish person.…

    • 1281 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    religon paper

    • 419 Words
    • 2 Pages

    My religion is called animalism in which people believe that worshiping animals will get them closer to God (In to heaven).The story goes like this, this religion was founded in 1623 on the coast of the U.S territory Virgin Islands. It happened to be discovered by two men who swore that a bird was talking to them while walking along the beach, believing that the bird was delivering messages of God. The bird claimed that it was flying back an fourth from the heavens to deliver messages from God that if they followed would get them in to heaven after death. The two men named Joseph and Ellijah ran back to deliver this message to their village and their village designated them to be stoned. When the day came for them to be stoned all the animals from outside the village came storming in. Tigers, bears, lions, foxes, birds, elephants ran in between the men and the village before the rocks were threw and starting talking to them to not kill these men because there conspiracy exist. Ever since that day the village once a month makes a pile of food, blankets, and other items which today is known as there collection towards the religion.…

    • 419 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    cultural paper

    • 1053 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The Modern Mind is a very compelling, complex and versatile subject to the world around us and our cultures. It offers so much insight into how it shaped the Humanities. The most well-known man for contributing to the importance of the modern mind is Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). Freud was known for his theories of psychoanalysis and his study of the unconscious mind. Freud “theorized that human consciousness was in a constant struggle with repressed, unconscious desires”.…

    • 1053 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays

Related Topics