FREE ESSAY ON JUDAISM

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