| What is a Jew?
 A Jew is a person born to a Jewish mother (or father in Liberal
movements), or who has converted to Judaism. Jews believe in one
God. Jewish prayers are directed to God alone. Jews believe that the
Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Torah
contains the laws and commandments by which the Jewish people live.
Most Jews identify strongly with the State of Israel. Jewishness
presents a unique expression of a history, culture and faith united
by a desire to lead a constructive and spiritual life. It is a way
of life maintained by the Jewish people throughout thousands of
years. Being a people that has followed particular laws and customs
throughout the ages has helped the Jews to survive as a community
through periods of anti-Semitism, persecutions, and expulsions. Jews
were re-admitted to England in the 17th century and there has been a
formal Jewish Community in Southampton since 1833. 6 million Jews
died in the 2nd World War Holocaust. Many religious Jews believe
that one day in the future the Messiah will come.
How does a Jew worship?
Jews may worship in a Synagogue or at home. Jews keep the Sabbath
(Shabbat) by resting on the seventh day; Saturday. Shabbat begins on
the evening of the Friday. The principle religious text is called
the Torah (The Five Books of Moses) which is kept in the form of a
scroll, is hand written and treated with great respect.
The Synagogue
In the Synagogue it is traditional for men to have their heads
covered by wearing a skullcap known as a "Kippah". In daily services men
wear a prayer shawl known as a “Tallit”. Women in Progressive
Congregations may also choose to wear these items. How does a Jew
live?
 Judaism is very much a family/ community faith and the ceremonies
start when a Jewish boy baby is circumcised at eight days old,
following the instructions that God gave to Abraham around 4,000
years ago. Bar Mitzvah is the celebration when a Jewish boy at the
age of 13 becomes a man by being initiated into the Jewish Religion
and is able to take a full part in the Synagogue Service. In
Progressive communities this will also apply to a Jewish girl.
Many Jewish religious customs revolve around the home. For
example the Sabbath Friday night meal, when families join together
to welcome in Shabbat. Many Jews express their identity through
non-religious traditions, including literature, culture, music and
food.
The laws of Kashrut (Kosher) describe food that is permissible to
eat under Jewish dietary laws. Well known foods, which are not
permitted, are pork and shellfish. In addition, meat and dairy
dishes are not permitted at the same meal.
Who are the leaders of Jews?
There are two main religious movements in Judaism in England,
Orthodox and Progressive (Reform and Liberal). Within each movement
the Rabbi is the religious leader of the community and in
Progressive congregations, women may be Rabbis too.
Jewish Festivals
Rosh Hashanah is the Hebrew name for the Jewish New Year. There
follows 10 days of reflection and repentance culminating on Yom
Kippur (the Day of Atonement) with a 24 hour fast that ends at
sunset with a fi nal note on the Shofar.
Sukkot is a Harvest festival It commemorates the journey of the
Jews through the desert to the Promised Land.
Simchat Torah or the rejoicing of the Torah is a one-day festival
that falls at the end of Sukkot.
Chanukah is the Festival of Lights - over eight days candles are
lit to recall the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Purim is held to remember how Jews living in Persia were saved
from destruction by Queen Esther.
Pesach or Passover is celebrated in memory of the exodus from Egypt
when Jews were led from slavery by Moses to the Promised Land.
Shavuot is known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. It marks the
end of the first harvest and also celebrates the giving of the Ten
Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Download a pdf of this
document here
(868k) Useful links:
BBC web site -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism
The Website of the Chief Rabbi -
http://www.chiefrabbi.org/
Judaism 101- http://www.jewfaq.org/
Movement for Reform Judaism -
http://www.reformjudaism.org
If you have a useful link to add here please send it to us
links@southampton-faiths.org |
