Judaism is one of the most ancient religions in the world. It was formed in the 1st century BC in ancient Judea. The history of belief is directly connected with the Jewish people and its rich history, as well as the development of the statehood of the nation and the life of its representatives in the diaspora.
Essence
Those who profess this faith call themselves Jews. Some followers claim that their religion dates back to the time of Adam and Eve in Palestine. Others are sure that Judaism is a faith founded by a small group of nomads. Among them was Abraham, who made a pact with God, which became the fundamental position of religion. In accordance with this document, which is known to us as commandments, people were obliged to observe the rules of a pious life. In return, they received the protection of the Almighty.
The main sources for the study of Judaism are the Old Testament and the Bible in general. Religion recognizes only three types of books: prophetic, historical and Torah - publications that interpret the law. And also the sacred Talmud, consisting of two books: the Mishnah and the Gemara. By the way, it regulates all aspectslife, including morality, ethics and even jurisprudence: civil and criminal law. Reading the Talmud is a sacred and responsible mission that only Jews are allowed to engage in.
Differences
The main feature of religion is that God in Judaism has no appearance. In other ancient Eastern religions, the Almighty was often depicted either in the form of a man or in the likeness of a beast. People tried to rationalize natural and spiritual matters, to make them as understandable as possible for mere mortals. But Jews who revere the Bible call this idolatry, since the main book of the Jews strictly condemns servility to icons, statues or images.
As for Christianity, there are two main differences. First, God in Judaism did not have a son. Christ, according to them, was an ordinary mortal man, a preacher of morality and a pious word, the last prophet. Secondly, the religion of the Jews is national. That is, a citizen of the country automatically becomes a Jew, not having the right to later adopt another religion. National religions are a relic in our time. Only in ancient times did this phenomenon flourish. Today, it is revered only by Jews, while maintaining the identity and originality of the people.
Prophets
In Judaism, this is a person who carries the will of God to the masses. With its help, the Almighty teaches the people the commandments: people improve, improve their lives and future, develop morally and spiritually. Who will be a prophet, God himself decides - says Judaism. Religion is notexcludes that the choice may fall on a mortal who is absolutely unwilling to take on such an important mission. And he gives the example of Jonah, who even tried to flee to the ends of the earth from the sacred duties assigned to him.
In addition to morality and spirituality, the prophets also had the gift of clairvoyance. They predicted the future, gave valuable advice on behalf of the Almighty, treated them for various diseases, and even took part in the political life of the country. For example, Ahijah was a personal adviser to Jeroboam, the founder of the kingdom of Israel, Elisha contributed to the change of dynasty, Daniel led the state himself. The teachings of the early prophets are included in the books of the Tanakh, while those of the later ones are published in separate copies. Interestingly, the preachers, unlike representatives of other ancient religions, believed in the onset of the "golden age", when all peoples would live in peace and prosperity.
Currents in Judaism
Over the long centuries of its existence, religion has undergone many transformations and modifications. As a result, its representatives were divided into two camps: Orthodox Jews and reformists. The former piously adhere to the traditions of their ancestors and do not innovate in the beliefs and its canons. The latter, on the contrary, welcome liberal trends. Reformists recognize marriages between Jews and representatives of other religions, same-sex love and the work of women as rabbis. The Orthodox mostly live in most of modern Israel. Reformists in the US and Europe.
An attempt to compromise between the two warring camps wasconservative Judaism. Religion, poured into two currents, found a golden mean precisely in this synthesis of innovation and tradition. The conservatives limited themselves to introducing organ music and preaching in the language of the country of residence. Instead, important rites such as circumcision, Sabbath observance, and kash-rut were left untouched. Wherever Judaism is practiced, in Russia, the United States or in European powers, all Jews observe a clear hierarchy, obeying their elders in spiritual positions.
Commandments
They are holy for the Jews. Representatives of this people are sure that during the times of numerous persecutions and bullying, the nation survived and retained its identity only thanks to the observance of the canons and rules. Therefore, even today one cannot go against them, even if one's own life is at stake. Interestingly, the principle “the law of the country is the law” was formed back in the 3rd century BC. According to him, the rules of the state are binding on all citizens without exception. Jews are also required to be as loyal as possible to the highest echelons of power; dissatisfaction is only allowed to be expressed against religious and family life.
Observance of the ten commandments received by Moses on Mount Sinai is the essence of Judaism. And the main among them is the observance of the Sabbath holiday (“Shabbat”). This day is special, it should definitely be devoted to rest and prayers. On Saturdays, work and travel are prohibited, even cooking is prohibited. And so that people do not sit hungry, they are ordered to make the first and second courses on Friday evening - a few days ahead.
About the world and man
Judaism is a religion, inwhich is based on the legend of the creation of the planet by the Lord. According to her, he created the earth from the surface of the water, spending six days on this important mission. Thus, the world and all the creatures living in it are God's creations. As for a person, there are always two principles in his soul: good and evil, which are in constant opposition. The dark demon inclines him to earthly pleasures, the light one - to doing good deeds and spiritual development. The struggle began to manifest itself in the form of individual behavior.
As already mentioned, the followers of Judaism believe not only in the beginning of the existence of the world, but also in its peculiar end - the "golden era". Its founder will be King Mashiach, who is also the Messiah, who will rule the people until the end of time and bring them prosperity and liberation. There is a potential challenger in every generation, but only a true descendant of David, steadily keeping the commandments, pure in soul and heart, is destined to become a full-fledged Messiah.
About marriage and family
They were given the most importance. A person is obliged to start a family, its absence is considered blasphemy and even a sin. Judaism is a faith in which barrenness is the worst punishment for a mortal. A man can divorce his wife if, after 10 years of marriage, she has not given birth to his first child. The heritage of religion is preserved in the family, even during periods of persecution, each cell of the Jewish society must observe the rites and traditions of its people.
The husband is obliged to provide his wife with everything necessary: housing, food, clothing. His duty is to redeemin case of captivity, to bury her with dignity, to take care of her during illness, to provide means of subsistence if the woman remains a widow. The same applies to common children: they should not need anything. Sons - up to adulthood, daughters - before betrothal. Instead, a man, as the head of the family, has the right to the income of his soulmate, her property and values. He can inherit the state of his wife and use the results of her work for his own purposes. After his death, the elder brother of the husband is obliged to marry the widow, but only if the marriage is childless.
Children
The father also has many responsibilities to the heirs. He must initiate his son into the subtleties of the faith that the holy book preaches. Judaism relies on the Torah, and it is studied by the child under the guidance of the parent. The boy also masters the chosen craft with his help, the girl receives a good dowry. Little Jews respect their parents very much, follow their instructions and never cross them.
Until the age of 5, the religious upbringing of children is the responsibility of the mother. She teaches the little ones basic prayers and commandments. After they are sent to a school at the synagogue, where they learn all the biblical wisdom. Training takes place after the main lessons or on Sunday mornings. The so-called religious coming of age occurs for boys at 13 years old, for girls - at 12. On this occasion, various family holidays are held, which symbolize the entry of a person into adulthood. From now on, young creatures must constantly attend the synagogue and leada pious lifestyle, and to continue further deep study of the Torah.
The main holidays of Judaism
Main - Pesach, which Jews celebrate in the spring. The history of its origin is closely connected with the period of the Exodus from Egypt. In memory of those events, Jews eat bread made from water and flour - matzah. During the persecution, people did not have time to cook full-fledged cakes, so they were content with their lean counterpart. Also on the table they have bitter greens - a symbol of Egyptian enslavement.
During the Exodus, they also began to celebrate the New Year - Rosh Hashanah. This is a September holiday that proclaims God's kingdom. It is on this day that the Lord judges mankind and lays the foundation for the events that will happen to the people in the coming year. Sukkot is another important autumn date. During the holiday, Jews, glorifying the Almighty, live for seven days in temporary sukkah buildings covered with branches.
Hanukkah is also a big event for Judaism. The holiday is a symbol of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. It originated as a memory of the eight miracles that occurred during the uprising against the Greco-Syrian rule. In addition to these major observances, Jews also celebrate Tu Bishvat, Yom Kippur, Shavuot and others.
Food restrictions
Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism - each religion has its own characteristics, some of which extend to cooking. Thus, Jews are not allowed to eat "unclean" foods: the meat of pigs, horses, camels and hares. They also banned oysters, shrimp and other marine life. Proper food inJudaism is called kosher.
Interestingly, religion forbids not only certain products, but also their combination. For example, taboos are dairy and meat dishes. The rule is strictly observed in all restaurants, bars, cafes and canteens in Israel. To keep these dishes as far apart as possible, they are served out in these establishments through different windows and cooked in separate dishes.
Many Jews revere kosher food not only because this rule is written in the Torah, but also for the sake of improving their own body. After all, this diet has been approved by many nutritionists. But here you can argue: if pork is not so he althy, then what the seafood is guilty of is unknown.
Other Features
The culture of Judaism is rich in unusual traditions, incomprehensible to representatives of other faiths. For example, this applies to the circumcision of the foreskin. The ceremony is carried out already on the eighth day of the life of a newborn boy. Having become fully grown, he is also obliged to grow a beard and sideburns, like a true Jew. Long clothes and a covered head are another unspoken rule of the Jewish community. Moreover, the cap is not removed even during sleep.
The believer is obliged to honor all religious holidays. He must not offend or insult his fellows. Children at school learn the basics of their religion: its principles, traditions, history. This is one of the main differences between Judaism and other faiths. It can be said that babies suck in love for religion with their mother's milk, their pietypassed down through the genes. Perhaps that is why the people not only survived during the time of its mass destruction, but also managed to become a full-fledged, free and independent nation that lives and prospers on its own fertile land.
