Unique Customs
Peculiar customs are observed by Jews across the world, a result of Judaism being one of the oldest religions in history that is still followed by millions today. Jewish religious practice and beliefs manifest in the form of daily rituals, holidays, life cycle events, communal events and more. An integral part of the Jewish tradition is to observe the laws of the Torah and to sanctify the everyday life with holiness and joy. For example, two of the most popular rituals within the Jewish faith are circumcision, called Brit Milah, and the traditional Shabbat dinner, which is celebrated every Friday night.
Circumcision is the most ancient of all Jewish rituals, one of the three originated by Abraham in the Jewish Bible, and it is considered to be the symbol that a Jewish male is part of the covenant between God and his people. Shabbat, or Sabbath, is another very important holiday within the Jewish faith, and it is celebrated as a day of rest. Shabbat starts at sunset Friday night and is commonly celebrated with family and friends for a delicious meal to celebrate the beginning of the “Sabbath Queen”.
Uniquely, Jews also practice a mourning ritual for relatives when someone dear passes away. The ritual is called “Sheloshim”, and Orthodox Jews observe a full month of mourning and wear a black ribbon tied around the left arm.
Values and Traditions
Judaism is unique because it carefully handcrafts a life full of values that prioritize righteousness and welfare. Jews are also taught to strive morally, being honest and trustworthy and being optimists. The notion of Tzedakah, integrating charity into work and donating money to society, is part of the Jewish way of life. Jews are encouraged to help the poor and the weak and donate generously to charities.
The traditional Jewish texts are seen as an essential aspect of the Jewish faith, and the Torah is a central part of the Torah, containing the first five books of Moses, together with the rest of scripture, written by other prophets and sages. The Torah and the Hebrew Bible contain rich lessons and are a source of spiritual guidance for Jews. The key values and principles from the Torah are obligation to a greater power, social justice and solidarity, as well as committed religious practices.
Dietary and Ritual Restrictions
One thing that makes Judaism unique is the dietary and religious restrictions around cleanliness and sacredness that Jews abide by. For example, adherence to the Kosher Diet prohibits the consumption of all non-kosher animals, including pork, shellfish and other seafood, birds of prey and more. On the other hand, there are many foods that are deemed kosher and can be eaten, including all vegetables, poultry, and some types of seafood.
In addition, Jewish religious tradition dictates that certain items, food and places are considered holy. All items made of leather are considered to be off limits, as are items like matches, coins and food containers. Additionally, Jews must not enter a Jewish place of worship, known as a synagogue, if they have been in contact with a dead body or have been exposed to a contagious disease.
Holiday, Festivals and Celebrations
The Jewish calendar is filled with holidays, festivals and celebrations that are unique to their faith. One of the most widely known is Hanukkah, a festival of lights and one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays around the world. Hanukkah is an eight-day event, starting on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, during which Jews light the Menorah, an eight-light candelabra, each night in public places and in homes.
Some of the other festivals and holidays Jews celebrate are Passover, which celebrates the Exodus and freedom of the Jews, Rosh Hashanah, which marks the start of the Jewish New Year, Hanukkah, Lag BaOmer, which marks the end of a plague that killed thousands of Jews, Sukkot, which is when Jews are supposed to set up small wooden huts outside their homes, and the Fast of Tisha B’Av, which is an annual day of mourning for the Jews.
Synagogues and Worship
Like other religions, Judaism also focuses on spiritual worship and the concept of being an integral part of a community of believers. Jews typically gather on Friday night and Saturday morning in synagogues to pray and sing. Synagogues are the centre of Jewish life and community, where people come together to connect with each other, exchange ideas, ask questions, and discuss their beliefs.
In addition to physical houses of prayer, Jews engage in online worship and meditation. All around the world, technology has enabled Jews to connect with prayer leaders, rabbis and peers as there is now an online presence of spiritual leaders. As a result, online Jewish resources have become an invaluable tool to connect with Judaism.
Role of Talmud and Study
The Talmud is a very important religious text for Jews, containing the teachings of the rabbis and the Jewish tradition. In addition to the Hebrew Bible, study of Talmud serves as a source for religious laws and interpretation. Jews study Talmud to learn about their faith and to understand its deeper meanings and implications. The text is an essential part of Jewish tradition and includes stories, sermons, ethics and laws.
In the Jewish faith, study is a regular part of the life of an individual. Jews are encouraged to improve their knowledge of the Torah and their understanding of the world. Learning is considered to be an important part of life, and as a result, Jews spend a lot of time studying and practicing their faith.
Jewish Peoplehood
The concept of Jewish peoplehood is one of the most unique aspects of the Jewish faith. Jews believe that all Jews around the world are part of a larger people, with a shared history, set of values and culture, and the belief that all Jews are responsible for each other. This concept is embedded in the idea that Judaism is driven by covenantal relationships between God and the people, God and the Land of Israel, and the people of Israel amongst one another. As a result, Jews uphold a strong sense of group unity, responsibility and belonging.
Significance of the State of Israel
The State of Israel plays a major role in the lives of Jews around the world. The establishment of the State of Israel back in 1948 was a significant event for the Jewish people, who were given a homeland to call their own. To Jews everywhere, the State of Israel is a symbol of hope and resilience, serving as both a religious and political centre.
The importance of the State of Israel to Jews is not just symbolic. Since its establishment, Israel has taken on the responsibility of protecting Jewish people around the world and providing a safe haven for all Jews in case of a major global crisis. Similarly, the State of Israel provides Jews with access to a range of cultural, social and political opportunities, allowing them to engage in their faith and proudly express their heritage.
Continuity and Inheritance
Judaism perpetuates the importance of education, intergenerational dialogue and inheritance, ensuring that the Jewish faith and heritage is passed on from one generation to the next. Jewish communal life and religious practice are the center of Jewish life, heavily relying on traditional practices and rituals of the faith.
For centuries, Jews have been teaching, studying and learning together with the goal of preserving Jewish tradition and building a legacy to ensure the continuity of Judaism. Jews also commemorate important events throughout their lives as a way to honor the faith, such as celebrating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a wedding, a Brit Milah (circumcision) or a funeral. These customs are designed to not only commemorate important life moments, but also to teach Jews about their religious past and wider Jewish identity.
Call to Action
The uniqueness of Judaism is, in part, due to its long-standing position as the foundation of a continuous faith with a deep set of values and traditions. As a result, Jews have the responsibility to maintain and pass on the key aspects of their faith, such as learning, prayer, holidays and rituals, and the importance of the State of Israel. For Jews around the world, it is important to remember that Judaism is more than just a religion, but a way of life shaped by centuries of tradition.
Final Thoughts
Judaism is unique because it is a vibrant and ancient faith with a deep set of values, traditions, privileges and responsibilities. Jews cherish this legacy and continue to pass on its key aspects to their descendants, from the ways of worship to their dietary and ritual regulations, to their everyday life practices, the State of Israel and the call for intergenerational dialogue. As a result, Jews have the responsibility to live and act in accordance to their faith, showing self-respect, respect for others, and donating generously to charitable causes.
