Tradition and Ritual in Judiasm

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The purpose of this research paper will be to examine how Judaism rituals have helped the religion remained amongst the most prominent in the world. The use of tradition and rituals has been at the very core of its existence. Birth, adolescent, marriage and death rituals will be used to highlight how the Judaism way of life is not dependent on the written word but rather the actions of those who follow this historic Hebrew religion. The paper will begin with a brief outline of Judaism and its relationship with God and then continue with how the written word of the Torah has laid the basis for the many traditions still practiced in Judaism.

Belief System

An examination of Jewish customs and traditions and their accompanying rituals would be incomplete without first investigating the basics of how Judaism views God and the relationship they have with him. The Jewish people believe in a God, however; quite contrary to Christianity they do not view God as a hierarchy, a God making decisions for and on behalf of all his followers. Judaism is a monotheistic religion, believing in only powerful God. Devout Jews twice daily acknowledge their monotheistic God by reciting the Shema;

"Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One"

As Judaism has evolved, so has their view on God. Throughout the evolution, their monotheistic belief has remained; believing in one unknowable, universal and imageless being that demands love and justice from its human followers.

Judaism tends to focus on the way one acts and exists in the world rather than in a particular belief in a doctrine or creed. The Jewish religion emphasizes faith and belief is only of significance in light of how the individual acts in the world. Judaism...

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....jewfaq.org/marriage.htm

Meltz, Caryn. Death to Burial in Judaism, http://www.judaism.about.com/library/3_lifecycles/shiva/blashiva.htm

Katz, Lisa, What is a bar Mitzvah, http://judaism.about.com/cs/barbatmitzvah/f/barmitzvah.htm

Katz, Lisa, What is a bat Mitzvah, http://judaism.about.com/cs/barbatmitzvah/f/batmitzvah.htm

Robinson, George. Essential Judaism, A complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs, and Rituals. New York: Pocket Books, 2000

Shapiro, Rabbi Moshe. What is circumcision?, http://www.aish.com/literacy/lifecycle/what_is_circumcision$/asp

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