Republic of the Philippines

WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Social Work and Community Development
Bulatok, Pagadian City

CORE BELIEFS, HISTORICAL ORIGINS, RITUALS AND PRACTICES OF JUDAISM

REPORT TITLE

Group Members:

1. Janalan, Laila S.
2. Lanticsi, Shela Mae L
3. Sinangote, Maribeth Mae S.
4. Parila, Erich Joy E.
5. Dumaboc, Cynde
6. Dominado, Jazzmin
7. Ouano, Reynald Q.

OBJECTIVES:

1.To gain knowledge and understand the core beliefs, historical origins, rituals and
practices of Judaism
2. To identify and explore the range of rituals and practices that may be part of Jewish
person’s, or families’, experiences of life cycle events and rituals that are part of the
religious and cultural life for Jews
3. Appreciate the cultural beliefs and practices of the Jewish people

Content:

Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions, dating back nearly 4,000 years, and is
considered to be the original Abrahamic faith (which include Islam and Christianity). As a
monotheistic faith, followers of Judaism believe in one God who revealed himself through
ancient prophets, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Solomon and others.

This religion is rooted in the ancient near eastern region of Canaan (which today
constitutes Israel and the Palestinian territories). Judaism emerged from the beliefs and
practices of the people known as “Israel”. What is considered classical, or rabbinical, Judaism
did not emerge until the 1st century CE. Worldwide, there are about 14 million Jews today, who
worship in religious centers known as synagogues.

The origins of Jewish faith are explained throughout the Torah. According to the text,
God first revealed himself to a Hebrew man named Abraham, who became known as the
founder of Judaism. Jews believe that God made a special covenant with Abraham and that he
and his descendants were chosen people who would create a great nation. Abraham’s son
Isaac, and his grandson Jacob, also became central figures in ancient Jewish history. Jacob took
the name Israel, and his children and future generations became known as Israelites. More than
1,000 years after Abraham, the prophet Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt after being
enslaved for hundreds of years. According to scriptures, God revealed his laws, known as the
Ten Commandments, to Moses at Mt. Sinai.
JUDAISM BELIEFS

Jewish people believe there’s only one God who has established a covenant—or special
agreement—with them. Their God communicates to believers through prophets and rewards
good deeds while also punishing evil. Most Jews (with the exception of a few groups) believe
that their Messiah hasn’t yet come—but will one day. Jewish people worship in holy places
known as synagogues, and their spiritual leaders are called rabbis. The six-pointed Star of David
is the symbol of Judaism.

Jewish people believe in the Torah, which was the whole of the laws given to the
Israelities at Sinai. They believe they must follow God’s laws which govern daily life. Later legal
books, written by rabbis, determine the law as it applies to life in each new place and time.

The Ten Commandments, as written in the Torah, are:

1. Worship no other God but Me.

2. Do not make images to worship.
3. Do not misuse the name of God.
4. Observe the Sabbath Day (Saturday). Keep it Holy.
5. Honor and respect your father and mother.
6. Do not murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not accuse anyone falsely. Do not tell lies about other people.
10. Do not envy other’s possessions.

There are three basic groups of Jewish people who have a different understanding of the
interpretation of the Torah.

Orthodox Jews believe that all of the practices in the Torah which it is practical to obey
must be obeyed without question.

Conservative and Reform Jews believe that the ancient laws and practices have to be
interpreted for modern life with inclusion of contemporary sources and with more concern with
community practices than with ritual practices.

Reform Jews also allow everyone to sit together, men and women, and both Hebrew
and the local language are spoken in services.

What are the sacred texts of Jewish people?

The Tanakh or the “Hebrew Bible” is the ancient collection of writings that are sacred to
the Jews. They were written over almost a thousand years from 1000 to 100 BCE. The word
Tenakh comes from the three first letters of the three books included in this text: the Torah,
plus the Nev’im (prophets) and the Ki’tuvim (writings, which include histories, prophecies,
poems, hymns and sayings).

The Torah is written on scrolls and kept in a special cabinet called the aron hakodish,
the holy ark, in synagogues. The Torah is read with a pointer called a yad (hand) to keep it from
being spoiled. Each week, one section is read until the entire Torah is completed and the
reading begins again. The Torah—the first five books of the Tanakh—outlines laws for Jews to
follow. It’s sometimes also referred to as the Pentateuch.

The Talmud is also an important collection of Jewish writings. Written about 2000 years
ago, it is a recording of the rabbis’ discussion of the way to follow the Torah at that time. Later
texts, the Mishnah Torah and the Shulhan Aruch, are recordings of rabbinic discussions from
later periods.
 The Talmud, a collection of teachings and commentaries on Jewish law, was created.
The Talmud contains the Mishnah and another text known as the Gemara (which examines the
Mishnah). It includes the interpretations of thousands of rabbis and outlines the importance of
613 commandments of Jewish law. The first version of the Talmud was finalized around the 3 rd
century A.D. The second form was completed during the 5th century A.D.

Judaism embraces several other written texts and commentaries. One example is the 13
Articles of Faith, which was written by a Jewish philosopher named Maimonides.

Shabbat is recognized as a day of rest and prayer for Jews. It typically begins at sunset
on Friday and lasts until nightfall on Saturday. Observing Shabbat can take many forms,
depending on the type of Judaism that a Jewish family may follow. Orthodox and Conservative
Jews, for example, may refrain from performing any physical labor, using any electrical device
or other prohibited activities. Most observant Jews celebrate Shabbat by reading or discussing
the Torah, attending a synagogue or socializing with other Jews at Shabbat meals.

Jewish Temples

Around 1000 B.C., King David ruled the Jewish people. His son Solomon built the first
holy Temple in Jerusalem, which became the central place of worship for Jews. The kingdom fell
apart around 931 B.C., and the Jewish people split into two groups: Israel in the North and
Judah in the South. Sometime around 587 B.C., the Babylonians destroyed the first Temple and
sent many Jews into exile. A second Temple was built in about 516 B.C. but was eventually
destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. The destruction of the second Temple was significant
because Jewish people no longer had a primary place to gather, so they shifted their focus to
worshipping in local synagogues.

RIRTUALS AND PRACTCES

1. Circumcision

The Brit Milah ritual, eight days after a male baby’s birth, is a circumcision ceremony
that brings the child into the covenant of Abraham, the first Jew. The baby is passed from the
mother to the sandek, who holds the boy, and the mohel performs the operation. The father
and mohel bless the baby, and the baby’s first name is announced.

2. Naming of a girl, ( Brit Bat, Simchat Bat or Zeved Bat or Britah)

After the birth of a Jewish baby girl, the girl’s name is announced, often at the
synagogue, in a ceremony that somewhat parallels the naming that is a part of a boy’s
circumcision. For this reason, the ceremony is sometimes called a Brit Bat (bringing a daughter
into the covenant) or Britah (the feminine version of the word Brit, or covenant). It is also called
a Simchat Bat (the Joy of the Daughter) or a Zeved Bat (the Gift of a Daughter). The ritual
during this ceremony is less fixed than that of a circumcision, and besides the naming, it can
also include a festive meal, a reading from the Torah and other readings and songs. The timing
of the ceremony also varies, ranging from a couple of days to a few months after the birth.

3. Pidyon haBen (Redeeming of the son)

Jews hold a Pidyon HaBen ceremony for first-born sons that originates in the Torah
(Exodus 13:12-15, among other places). It is held when the baby is at least one month old, The
child is redeemed via a symbolic payment to a Kohen, a descendant of Moses’ brother Aaron,
who can perform special mitzvot or duties. In biblical times the payment equalled five silver
shekels. Today, the payment consists of five silver coins or a small silver article. During a Pidyon
HaBen ceremony, the father recites two blessings. The first praises God for commanding the
redemption and the second thanks God for bringing them to this moment in time. The father
then hands the money to the Kohen. The Kohen holds the money over the baby’s head and
recites a number of prayers. A festive meal (seudat mitzvah) is often held following the
ceremony.
 4. Bar-Mitzvah/ Bat-Mitzvah

The Bar Mitzvah for men and Bat Mitzvah for women is the public celebration of the
coming of age. The term means “A son/daughter of age to fulfil the commandments”, and
refers both to the ceremony and to the person celebrating it. Celebrated at 13 for men and 12
or 13 for women, the ceremony symbolizes the beginning of adulthood, which traditionally was
the moment from when the Bar or Bat Mitzvah was considered obligated to keep the
commandments. B’nai Mitzvah (plural form) usually consist of the celebrant reading from the
Torah during a service. In Orthodox Jewish circles this is only done by boys – there, the
ceremony for girls is much less elaborate. Afterwards, the father or parents of the new adult
will recite a blessing. Following the service, the family will usually hold a reception or party, and
gifts are given to the Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

5. Ritual Bath (Mikvah)

A mikvah is a pool of water that is supplied by a natural source such as a river or a lake.
It is used for ritual purification ceremonies. The mikvah is used during the conversion ritual,
before weddings, and by Orthodox and Conservative Jews to cleanse away the ritual impurity
caused by menstruation. Some Chassidic men immerse in the mikvah every week, or even every
day. Mikvahs are also used to purify utensils when they are first bought. When a person uses a
mikvah, he or she must be completely immersed. All hair is to be worn loose and no jewellery
or clothing or even bandages should be worn. Every part of the body should be touched by the
water.

6. Wedding

The Jewish wedding is typically held in synagogue or a local location, presided over by a
rabbi or officiate. The couple stands under a canopy known as the chuppah, symbolizing their
home. The officiate recites a blessing, and the couple shares a cup of wine. The husband gives a
ring, and the wife also gives a ring, followed by the reciting of seven blessings for the couple.
The groom smashes a glass to remind of the destruction of the Temple of – a reminder that
amidst all the joy of the wedding, there is still sorrow in the world. The wedding is often
followed by a reception or meal, with some communities hosting meals by friends and family.

7. Funeral/ Burial

A Jew dies and recites prayers ending with the Shema, reaffirming their faith. They are
ritually washed and buried, with primary mourners torn before the ceremony. Jews are buried
in simple coffins or shrouds, symbolizing equality and the worthlessness of material wealth. The
funeral is brief and simple, with immediate family sitting shiva for seven days, with prayers said
every evening and a candle burning. After thirty days, the family refrains from attending
celebrations or parties.

8. Mezuzah

A Mezuzah is a parchment inscribed by hand with verses from the Torah in Hebrew. It is
affixed to the door frames of Jewish homes. In Deuteronomy 6:9, God tells the Jewish people to
attach the commandments to the doorposts of their houses. The Mezuzah is the fulfilment of
this. The parchment, written in black ink with a special quill pen, is rolled up and placed in a
protective and decorated holder that can be made of any material, and then affixed to the
doorways of the house.

9. Tefillin

The Tefillin are two small square black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment
inscribed with verses from the Torah, held by leather bands. Each weekday morning (Sunday to
Friday) Jewish men are required to wear during prayers: one Tefillin box is placed above the
forehead and the other box is tied on the left arm so that it rests against the heart.
 10. Pesah Seder

The Pesach Seder is held on the first and second nights of the Jewish holiday of Pesach
(Passover) (which falls in March or in April). Families and friends gather around the table to
read the Haggadah (literally: “telling of a story”), the story of the Jewish exodus from Egypt.
While many Jewish holidays revolve around the synagogue, the Seder is conducted in the family
home and it is customary to invite guests, including strangers and needy persons. During the
Seder, participants drink four symbolic cups of wine, eat matzah (unleavened bread) and
partake of numerous other symbolic foods placed on the “Seder Plate”. The ceremony goes on
until late at night, with the participants discussing passages of the Haggadah and singing special
Passover songs.

11. Shabbat

The weekly day of rest in Judaism, Shabbat starts at sundown on Friday and lasts until
sundown on Saturday. The Shabbat (or Sabbath) symbolizes the seventh day after the
beginning of the world, when God rested after the six days of creation. Traditionally, Jews are
prohibited from working on Shabbat, including business transactions, writing, and using electric
appliances. Shabbat is not specifically a day of prayer, although prayers are included, and for
many Jews it is the one day on which they attend synagogue services. On Shabbat, Jews often
spend time and meals with their families and friends. Traditionally, three festive meals are held:
a Friday night dinner, a Saturday lunch and a Saturday-evening meal.

12. Chanukah

Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated
in late November or December. The most significant ritual involves candle lighting in a special
candelabrum called Menorah or Chanukiah. Traditional foods include potato latkes (pancakes)
and sufganiot (donuts). Chanukah’s status is lower than biblical holy days, as it originated in the
2nd century BCE. Gifts are often given to children during the festival, which falls closest to the
secular New Year and Christmas.

13. Purim

This festival is the Jewish version of carnival, and this early spring holiday, recalls how
Esther saved the Jews of Persia from annihilation as described in the biblical Book of Esther. The
festive celebration, as with all Jewish holidays, begins at sundown, when the Book of Esther is
read in the synagogue. The story is read from a Megillah or scroll and Jews are instructed at this
festival that they should get so drunk that they cannot tell the difference between good and evil
and pandemonium reigns in the synagogue. Esther’s role and her true identity as a Jew are
hidden during the story and therefore Jews especially children, celebrate the festival in fancy
dress. Purim is further celebrated by exchanging gifts of food with friends (Mishloach Manot),
by giving alms to the poor and by a festive meal.

14. Avoidance of Writing and Uttering ‘God’

In orthodox strands of Judaism, speaking the name(s) of God is generally forbidden. This
is often due to the belief that language cannot truly capture the being known as ‘God’. The
most often used name of God in the Hebrew Bible is ’YHWH’, which are the Hebrew letters of
‘Yud’, ‘He’, ‘Vav’, ‘He’. Expanded in English as ‘Yahweh’, this formulation of God’s name is
prolific throughout the Jewish tradition. Some substitutes used to refer to God verbally include
using the word ‘Adonai’. Some extend this restriction to the writing of God’s names, opting to
instead write ‘G-d’. By doing so, the name of God will not be defaced or erased should the
paper be destroyed.
 15. Charity (Tzedakah)

The term ‘tzedakah’ is the Hebrew term for charity. The amount of money or goods
donated depends on the tradition of Judaism. Many traditional Jewish homes have a pushke,
which is a collection box for coins to be offered as charity to the less fortunate. There are many
ways Jewish people act charitably. For example, donating to health care institutions,
synagogues, supporting one’s children beyond the age when a parent is legally required to or
supporting one’s ageing parents. The donation does not necessarily need to be offered to
Jewish organizations; one may give to non-Jewish causes.

16. Prayer (Tefillah)

Jewish prayers (tefillah) typically entail recitations and contemplations. Some may pray
three times a day within specific time ranges (z’manim); shacharit (morning prayer), mincha
(afternoon prayer) and ma’ariv (evening prayer). Traditionally, men typically pray three times a
day while women pray one to two times a day depending on the stream of Judaism. When
praying, people will often use a Jewish prayer book (siddur) as additional assistance.

For Jews, worship can take place either in the synagogue or at home. It is often more
important to practice faith at home. For example, this is the case for the practices related to
Shabbat. Worship in the synagogue includes daily services, rites of passage and festivals.
Worship at home includes prayers, Shabbat meals and study.

Orthodox synagogues hold three daily services in Hebrew. The person leading the
congregation faces the aron hakodesh. Men and women sit separately, and men cover their
heads with a skull cap or kippah. Married women wear a scarf over their head, which shows
respect for God. Orthodox Jews often sway, which helps them to concentrate on the words
being said. Orthodox Jewish men wear a tallit and often a tefillin. The tallit reminds Jews that
they are obeying God’s word whenever they wear it. The tefillin makes them concentrate on
God when they are praying.

Reform synagogues don’t have daily services like those held in Orthodox synagogues,
but when they do the services is in both Hebrew and the language of the country the
synagogue is in. In the UK, this is English. Reform synagogues hold services on Shabbat. Men
and women sit together and often musical instruments are played.

The service

Services are usually led by a rabbi but anyone with religious knowledge can lead
worship. For Orthodox Jews the rabbi must be a man, but Reform Jewish rabbis can be women.
Often a cantor, called the hazzan, stands at the front facing the aron hakodesh to lead prayers,
which are often sung or chanted. The siddur is used during each service. It contains the daily
prayers.

Opening prayers are usually said, and these are followed by a recitation of the Shema.
The Shema is the Jewish declaration of faith, and Jews have a duty to recite it three times a
day.

“Hear O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone” Deuteronomy 6:4

The Amidah is a prayer that is central to Jewish worship. It is performed standing and in silence
while facing Jerusalem. Worshippers think over the words in their minds rather than saying
them out loud.

Services also contain readings from the Torah. These are followed by final prayers, such as the
Aleinu, which is a prayer to praise God.
The Amidah prayer consists of a series of blessings:

 The first three blessings praise God and ask for his mercy
 The middle 13 blessings ask for God’s help
 The final blessing thanks God

Worshipping at home

Jews pray three times a day at home. As well as prayer, there are often other reminders
of God found in the home, eg on the doorpost there may be a mezuzah.

References:

Judaism (August 11, 2023). Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/religion/judaism

Origins of Judaism (N.D). Retrieved from

https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/support/world_religions/judaism/origins.pdf

Chara Scroope (2022). Rituals and Practices. Retrieved from

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/religions/judaism/resources/judaism-rituals-and-practices

Judaism: Basic Beliefs (N.D). Retrieved from https://www.uri.org/kids/world-religions/jewish-

beliefs