Judaism Jade and Amlie JUDAISM What do Jewish

Judaism Jade and Amélie

JUDAISM What do Jewish people believe in: Jews believe that there is a single god that created the universe and that every Jew can have their own special relationship with him. Judaism originated in Israel around 4000 years ago. Abraham is the founder of Judaism and they worship and glorify him. He is the father of all Jews and is a symbol of God. Moses is also another big leader in the Jewish faith. Moses was the one who led the Jews out of Egypt and out of slavery. Moses is very important because he gave the Jews the Torah. The Torah is like the Jewish bible and contains the laws of God. The Jewish religion has many celebrations but the main one is Passover and Hanukkah.

PASSOVER How is Passover celebrated: Passover is celebrated to remember the children of Israel that were stuck in slavery but were released and led out of Egypt by the holy MOSES. This celebration goes for eight days. It starts on the 15 th day of Nisan and end on the 21 st day of Nisan. At the beginning of the festival, the story of their deliverance is retold and shared during the meal. Special food that is eaten during Passover: Matzah is eaten during the festival and other symbolic foods. Salt water, bitter herbs, lamb bone and an egg is also shared at the table.

HANUKKAH What is Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights. It lasts for eight days and occurs around December. How do Jews Celebrate Hanukkah During Hanukkah, on each of the eight nights a candle is lit on a special menorah (candelabrum) called Hanukkiyah. There is a special ninth candle called Shammash, this is sometimes called the servant candle. It is used to help light the other eight candles. This special ninth candle is usually in the middle and in a higher position. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit and on the second night the second candle is lit and so on until the last night of the festival the eighth candle is lit. Traditionally all the candles are lit from left to right. A special prayer and song is sung before lighting the candle. The menorah is placed on the window sill so that everyone passing can remember the story and what is represents. Hanukkah is also a time of giving and receiving presents. Every night gifts are exchanged and given to each other. Lots of games are also played during the time of Hanukkah. During Hanukkah, food fried in oil is usually eaten.

YOM KIPPUR How is Yom Kippur celebrated: Yom Kippur is the most holy holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews refrain from work, fast or attend synagogue services. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10 th day of Tishri. The name ‘Yom Kippur’ means ‘Day of Atonement. ’ It is a day to think and forgive about all the sins that you have done the past year. This day is your last appeal, your last chance to change your judgment or decision. Yom Kippur is a Sabbath day. No work can be performed on this day. You must refrain from eating and drinking, even water. It is a 25 hour fast, beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. Most of the holiday is spent in synagogue praying and worshiping. It is a tradition to wear white on this holy day to remember and respect each other.