Judaism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Judaism - Essay Example Judaism's â€Å"Talmud† further explores and explains the religion's teachings, principles, and ethics. According to history, Judaism started with the Covenant between the patriarch, God, and progenitor, Abraham, of the Jews (Abrahams, 2008). The religion is still in practice today and has influenced other world religions like Islam and Christianity. Unlike the other religions in the contemporary world, the central authority in Judaism does not lie in the hands of single individual or group rather in holy writings, traditions, and learned Rabbis who give meaning to those writings and laws of the religion. Judaism has existed for thousands of years already but it remains loyal and true to most of its religious principles (Abrahams, 2008). Among its principles, the most important is the belief in one, omniscient, all powerful, kind, encompassing God, who made the universe and continues to oversees it. The traditional Jewish faith states that the God who made the universe created a covenant with the Israelites, and disclosed his laws and teachings to Moses on Mount Sinai in both the Written and Oral Torah forms, and the Jews are the progenies of the Israelites. It is the study and the observance of God's laws and teachings, as indicated in the Torah and further explained in the Talmud, that the traditional practice of Judaism revolves (Abrahams, 2008). As mentioned, the most important teaching of Judaism is the principle of Monotheism, or Unity of God that serves as the foundation of the religion. The Jews' faith in their one God is more than just being part of their religion. It is a passion and an inspiration that gives them the power and strength to endure tribulations and death. Many people believe that woman are discriminated against in the religious practice of Judaism when Judaism points out that God has both masculine and feminine qualities. It is also said that both man and woman are created in the image of God. This misunderstanding of inequality in men and women is interpreted by the higher power of men up until this very century (BBC, 2012). Most religions commemorate, or celebrate, with certain traditions. As for the Jewish traditions, they have a collection of ritual objects. First is the Yarmulke. This is a small cap that reminds the Jews that they must always live by the words of God at all times and in all places. Next there is the Tefillin. This object is a small leather box that has straps attached that are worn on the left forearm and on the forehead. The inside of these boxes contain scriptures, including the Shema which are little prayers written in the Jewish language. Finally, the last traditional wear is the Tallit. The Tallit is a prayer shawl with fringes that remind them of the commandments of the Torah. They put it on before prayer and worship. Another tradition, and a less amusing ritual, is the Brit Milah. To us, that is a Circumcision. Every baby boy on exactly their eighth day of life is circumcised. T hey also have traditions known as, Bar Mitzvahs for boys, or Bat Mitzvahs for girls. There is also the Baby-naming Ceremony. This tradition is slightly different today, in which many families chose to do this in their own homes, rather then in the Synagogue. A lot of holidays are celebrated with Judaism and they are not the average holidays. One such holiday is called the Passover. This is simply a celebration of the Jewish nation. On this holiday, that takes place on the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month, a Passover Seder is performed. This is where the Jews tell the story of Exodus while they endeavor to transition their life condition from slavery to emancipation. The