Orthodox Judaism - Research Paper Example

Orthodox Judaism Abstract There are four main branches of Judaism; Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist. Of these four branches; Orthodox Judaism is considered to be the most distinctive. They are defined as exercising strict adherence to Jewish laws. Orthodox Jews claim that the Torah (first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and the Oral Torah (the interpretive Talmud) are authoritative and fixed regarding Jewish doctrine and observance-thus their strict adherence to upholding these laws. An article published on patheos.com (2008-2011) established that Orthodox Judaism was originated through innovations in the Jewish practice introduced by the Reform movement in the mid 19th century of Central Europe. According to this said source, religious observances of Orthodox Jews include; daily worship, traditional prayers, study of the Torah, dietary laws and gender segregation in the synagogue. In addition, the Hebrew language is essential in the Orthodox religious practices and they are very strict when observing the Sabbath. A number of Orthodox sects have risen from Orthodox Judaism over the years. One primary distinction within the Orthodox happens to be social engagement. Particular sects of Orthodox Judaism believe that; as people of God, they should live isolated from Gentiles whilst other sects believe that they can keep the Torah and live in a secular world at the same time. Basic Principles/Tenets of Orthodox Judaism Despite the multitude of Orthodox sects in Judaism, all Jews share basic beliefs and principles which act as guidelines or rules which influences their actions or thoughts. These principles are grouped together as the Rambam’s “13 principles of faith”. Rambam’s “13 principles of faith” are the most accepted summary of beliefs for the Jews because these basic tenets are often times debated. Judaism focuses mainly on the relationships between the Creator, mankind and the land of Israel. However, quoting from former about.com guide Lisa Katz’s article on “Judaism”, the 13 principles of faith are: “Believe with perfect faith that God is the Creator and Ruler of all things. Believe with perfect faith that God is one and there is no unity that is in anyway like his. Believe with perfect faith that God doesn’t have a body-physical concepts don’t apply to him. Believe with perfect faith that God is first and last. Believe with perfect faith that it is only right to pray to God and no one else. Believe with perfect faith that the words of the prophets are true. Believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses is absolutely true-he is the chief of all prophets both before and after him. Believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that we now have is what was given to Moses. Believe with perfect faith that the Torah we now have will not be changed and there’ll never be another one given by God. Believe with perfect faith that God knows all of man’s deeds and thoughts. Believe with perfect faith that God rewards who keeps His commandments and punishes those who transgress Him. Believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah. Believe with perfect faith that God will resurrect the dead”. Beliefs on Life and Death The Jewish laws acknowledge that the human soul exists long before it is born. But ‘life’ begins at the time of birth-when the child is more than halfway emerged from the mother’s body. (Tracy R Rich, 1995-2011) Naturally, anything that has a beginning has an end-so when does ‘life’ end according to the Orthodox Judaism religion? Another article published Tracy R Rich, dictated that traditional Jews believe that death is not the end of human existence. However, they are more focused on present life rather than ‘Olam Ha-Ba’- which is the Jewish word for afterlife or the world to come. Beliefs on the topic of afterlife vary for Jews and provide much room for personal opinion. Some believe the righteous got to heaven or are reincarnated while the wicked suffer from a hell of their own making or remain dead whilst some believe God will resurrect the righteous to live on earth after the Messiah comes and purifies it. Traditional rituals for births, marriages and holidays Orthodox Judaism has a distinguished set of rituals assigned for the practices of celebrating; births, marriages and important holidays. First and foremost when the child is born, the father is awarded the role of an ‘aliyah’ which is an opportunity to bless the reading of the Torah. The next opportunity for this happens in a synagogue and at that time, a blessing is recited for the health of the mother and the child. If it happens that the child is a girl-she is named at this time. On the other hand, the Brit Milah (covenant of circumcision) is one of the many commandments of the Jews. It is highly perceived as a hygienic measure, but in a biblical context, circumcision is an outward physical sign of the external covenant of God and the Jewish people. Another ritual which celebrates birth is the ‘Pidyon ha-ben’ (redemption of the first born son). It is noted that the first and best things belong to God. The first born son must be redeemed at the age of 31 days-his birthday being the first day. However, this sacred ritual cannot be performed on a Shabbat, as it involves the exchange of money. The ritual applies to only a selective number of Jews whose first born child is a male and had a natural birth. If it’s a case where the firstborn is a female, no child of the family is subjected to that ritual. As it relates to marriages, several important rituals are observed. Proceeding to the wedding, it is customary that the Bride and Groom (Chatan and Kallah) don’t see each other for a week which ultimately increases the excitement and anticipation for the event and prior to the ceremony, the bride and groom greet guests separately-this ritual is known as “kabbalat Paim”. In addition, the Bride and Groom would fast from dawn until after the completion of the ceremony. Another important ritual for celebrating Jewish marriages is known as Mikvah. Mikvah is a ritual bath where both the bride and the groom may immerse themselves into before the wedding. Mikvah marks a sense of rebirth of a new life and a new world for marriage. The Mikvah is a natural body of water such as a lake, ocean or pond fed by natural springs. (Rickva C Berman) There are other rituals related to marriage celebrations which are two extensive to be discussed in this document. These include; Ashkenazi traditions, blessings of betrothal (Kiddushin), giving of the ring, Ketubah (marriage contract), seven blessings, breaking the glass, Yichud and the festival meal (seudah). The most important and celebrated holidays in Judaism include; Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Pesach (Passover) and Shavu’ot. The first two mentioned are the holiest of all the other holidays mentioned. Both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are observed by spending most of the time in a synagogue. Another practice for the Rosh Hashanah holiday is dipping apples in honey which is said to be symbolic of wishing for a sweet new year. Tashlikh (“casting off”) is another ritual performed on this holiday. During this ritual, individuals talk to flowing water such as a creek or river on the afternoon of the first day. Pockets are emptied into the river-symbolically casting off their sins. Small pieces of bread are usually put in pockets to cast off. The significance of Rosh Hashanah is a new year and greetings “L’shanah tovah” are exchanged which means “for a good year”. Yom Kippur on the other hand is celebrated as a day of atonement which lasts 25 hours (from sunset the evening before Yom Kippur until sunset on the day of Yom Kippur). Rituals performed on this holiday include; fasting, prayer and repentance. Fasting on Yom Kippur requires that you refrain from drinking even water. The Talmud also specifies that; washing, bathing, anointing one’s body, wearing leather shoes, engaging in sexual relations are also prohibited. Note well that, Orthodox Jews routinely wear canvas sneakers under their dress clothes on Yom Kippur. It is a requirement to wear white on Yom Kippur which symbolizes purity and calls to mind promises that sins will be made white as snow. Judaism and Health The unique guidelines or laws of Orthodox Judaism are definitely what set them apart from other religions. There are laws established in accordance with this faith for basic health. The basic ritual in maintaining health in Judaism is practicing ‘kosher’. Kosher is also known as Kashrut which is a set of dietary restrictions said to be of biblical originations. Under these dietary laws; some food are considered to be unfit for consumption, whilst that which is termed ‘fit’ have to be separated (dairy, meat and vegetables). Kosher certifications make it easier to identify processed ‘fit’ food. Being a part of this group, individuals must adhere to the basic guidelines which definitely affect decisions a person makes about health. In relation, the laws of kosher must be strictly followed as to be considered as being obedient to God. Orthodox Judaism affects life decisions It is only customary that being part of group means that there are established guidelines for members to follow. This is the same with religion and more particularly Orthodox Judaism. The “13 principles of faith” should influence the many thoughts, actions or decisions a member of the group must make in order to be faithful to God’s commandments. Furthermore, there are Jewish laws which are established to support the basic tenets of Orthodox Judaism. These laws continually highlight the value of life and stands firm against purposefully taking one’s life which may be done through abortion, suicide and euthanasia or any other related method. However, with enough justification abortion and euthanasia are permitted in some cases under Jewish laws. Euthanasia and Organ transplantation Euthanasia as defined by the online dictionary refers to the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable disease or an irreversible coma. This procedure is illegal in most countries but is permitted under Jewish laws in selective situations. For example, in a situation where death is imminent and certain and the individual is suffering, it is permitted under the laws of the land for someone to stop artificially prolonging life. Furthermore, as it relates to organ transplantation, evidence was drawn from two sources (Tracy R Rich, Judaism 101, 1996-2011) and (donatelifenm.org, 2005) it is permitted to do organ transplantation under Jewish laws. In Judaism, the value of life is highly celebrated and it is regarded that ancient Judaism laws also known as Talmud, state that all people are descended from a single person. Therefore, taking a life is synonymous to destroying the whole world and saving a life is synonymous to saving the entire world. Works Cited Aish.com, (2001), Guide to Jewish Wedding, retrieved from website: http://www.aish.com/jl/l/m/48969841.html, 5 Oct 2011 Beliefnet.com, (2008), What Orthodox Jews believe, retrieved from website: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/2001/06/What-Orthodox-Jews-Believe.aspx, 5 Oct 2011 Berman, R.C. (2011), Mikvah: the ritual bath, jewishcelebrations.com, retrieved from website: http://www.jewishcelebrations.com/wedding/Orthodox/Mikvah.htm, 5 Oct 2011 Katz, L., (2011), Branches of Judaism-Orthodox Judaism, about.com, retrieved from website: http://judaism.about.com/od/orthodoxjudaism/a/orthodox.htm, 5 Oct 2011 NMDS: It’s about giving life, (2005), Religious views on Organ, Tissue and Blood donation, Retrieved from: http://www.donatelifenm.org/religiousviews.htm, 6 Oct 2011 Patheos.com, (2011) Orthodox Judaism, retrieved from: http://www.patheos.com/Library/Orthodox-Judaism.html, 6 Oct 2011 Rich, T.R., (97-2011), Judaism 101, retrieved from website: http://www.jewfaq.org, 5 Oct 2011 Read More