Jewish Culture and Society under the Christian RomanEmpire - Movie Review Example

Judaism has and continues to be the true identity of a Jew despite it just being a religion that over time has closely intertwined with their culture and to a greater degree act as a seam that holds the whole nation of Israel together. Most notable is the role of Judaism in legalizing or illegalizing certain food components and at the same time determining the calendar used in that part of the world despite the rest of the world's use of a totally different system. In addition, the preservation of the Hebrew language is mainly attributed to the ardent following of Judaism.

In as much as Judaism continues to be a pillar of the Jews in more ways than one, it cannot be referred to as an ethnicity due to the fact that there have been new converts from other ethnic groups who have embraced Judaism despite it having arisen from Jews who are a single ethnic group. In their practice of monotheism to God, the Jews offer their service to God through adhering to the commandments set out in the five law books, academia, prayer, and supplication in a bid to remain faithful to the commandment they made with God.

Contrary to a host of numerous world religions, Judaism is unique in the sense that it does not impose its beliefs on a population for them to acquire redemption. Rather, Judaism requires its followers and would be potential followers to practice Judaism as opposed to just confessing by word. The religion accepts new converts following adequate discernment by well-versed Judaism leaders and spiritual directors.

The credible and approved source of Judaic teachings is the Bible which is composed of the Five Law books written by Moses. Historical books about the rich history of the Jews. The Prophetic books provide God’s promises of the thing to come and the writings from prominent and inspired leaders of the former time who in a way shaped their destiny. In addition to the Bible, there exist other sources of religious teachings. These are a total of six volumes of debated and approved Jewish legislations, customs to be followed by every Jew, as well as the laws to govern them, called the Mishnah.  The other source is the Gemara which is a record of debates from former rabbis, conversations, and commentaries by the then teachers of the law. In essence, the two additional reference documents are referred to as the Talmud, which has continued over time to be an authority as far as teaching Judaism is concerned.

            The daily life of a practicing Jew is centered on the family and it generally includes prayers, which are carried out at three specific times of day in accordance with the teachings – in the morning time, in the afternoon, and as the sun sets. (Kalmin et al, 2003) This is blended by communal times of worship, the religious observances that are held in the synagogues which are their sacred places of worship, and are conducted by a rabbi, a cantor or a knowledgeable member of the congregation, or a well-schooled religious teacher who has attended a religious Jewish formation house. 

Other rituals that Judaism-practicing adherents partake in include the circumcision of all their male children on the eight days after birth, in accordance with the covenant that was made between the Jews and God and carried out by Moses. It is regarded as a physical sign of their covenant and in Hebrew is referred to as Brit Milah at age 13, a Jewish Boy is first called upon to read the Laws of Moses (Torah) in a ceremony that is mainly conducted by women. Jewish girl at age 12 on the other hand is also called upon to read for the first time the Torah and the prophetic books. Given the strict nature of the laws over time there have emerged classes of Judaism-practicing Jews who have been categorized as Reformed, Orthodox, and Conservative. Essentially this means that the level of adherence to the laws on the diet greatly differs according to the three classes. Other practices include Festivals and important days that must be remembered. They include Sabbath day which is the seventh day of the week recommended for pure resting. The High Days Considered Holy observed between the months of September and October ought to be dedicated to prayer and self-examination among a host of other festivities. 

            One element that remains central to the Jews and their practice of Judaism is the land on which they now live which is Jerusalem. In addition, they continue to live in the hope of the coming of the Messiah who will redeem them.