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Judaism Jewish Judaic Talmud
Judaism Spiritual Beliefs
A Jew who was born and raised in New York city might feel like a stranger if he visited a community of Bombay Jews; yet, both communities follow Judaism. To be a Jew in the Orthodox denomination one must accept the Torah's commandments by taking on the Yolk of the Kingdom of Heaven, and be immersed in a ritual bath, Mikveh, before witnesses; and, men must undergo Brit Milah, be circumcised before witnesses.
The Reform denomination leans more toward vernacular worship and questions the bath and circumcision requirements based on a debate between sages in the Talmud, and also disagrees with the need for a Jew to make a lifelong commitment to following the 613 commandments.
The beliefs and practices shared by most Jews were gathered together gradually over a long period of time, from the earlier days recorded in the Bible, the Talmud, and the Midrash through the dispersing years of the Diaspora after the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans to the founding of the state of Israel.
Besides study, faith and continual prayer to G-d (whose commandments they adhere to strictly), lead Jews to salvation. The recitation of prayers and blessings is an integral part of Judaism. Jewish prayers of thanksgiving are said at meals; at the witnessing of a falling star, of a rainbow, or the budding of the first blossom of spring.
Jewish prayers include
blessings for Sabbath and Yamim Tovim, candle lightings on Jewish Holidays, for
putting on the Tefillin, for putting on the Tzitzit, for putting on a Tallit,
before attaching a Mezuzah, for ritual washing of hands before eating bread,
before eating bread made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt, and before
drinking kosher wine made from grapes.
Prayer Shawl Worn by Jews while Praying
A story from the Talmud illustrates a compassionate aspect of Judaism. When a non-Jew asked Rabbi Hillel to teach him the Torah while standing on one foot he said, "What is hateful to you, don't do to your neighbor. The rest is commentary. Now, go and study."
The Jewish patriarch Abraham made a covenant with the G-d of the Israelites in return for the promise of a good life for the Jewish people if they followed the commandments and the teachings G-d revealed to them. A less compassionate aspect of Judaism can be seen in the words of a Hebrew Bible passage from Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 13:6-9..."If anyone secretly entices you, even if its your brother, your father's son or your mother's son, or your daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your most intimate friend - saying 'Let us go worship other gods', whom neither you nor your ancestors have known, any of the gods of the peoples that are around you, whether near you or far way from you, from one end of the earth to the other, you must not yield to or heed any such persons. Show them no pity or compassion and do not shield them. But you shall surely kill them; your own hand shall be first against them to execute them, and afterwards the hand of all the people."
The most widely-accepted list of Jewish beliefs is Rambam's Thirteen principles of faith. They are:
G-d exists.
G-d is one and unique
G-d is incorporeal.
G-d is eternal.
Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone.
The words of the prophets are true.
Moses was the greatest prophet, and his prophecies are true.
The Torah was given to Moses.
There will be no other Torah.
G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
G-d will reward the good and punish the wicked.
The Messiah will come.
The dead will be resurrected... Go back
Read Judaism Talmud Articles
Glossary Terminology,
Haggadah Shabbat and Seder,
Halacha and the Ten Commandments,
Jewish Holidays Begin at Sundown,
Judaic Lifecycle Events,
Judaism Spiritual Beliefs,
Menorahs Tallits and Yarmulkes,
Prayers and Jewish Principles of Faith,
Symbology of the Jewish Star of David,
Tefillin Mezuzah Hebrew Bible Verses,
Torah Talmud Tenakh Mishna Gemara
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Judaism
Jewish Judaic Talmud Copyright © 2002-2008 Maureen Grace Burns, Blessings Cornucopia. All Rights Reserved.
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