...Russian and Jewish Weddings.... Differences and Similarities Nicolette Pawelczak Introduction to Cultural Anthropology ANT 101 Kelley Sams March 23, 2014 Russian and Jewish Weddings.... Differences and Similarities There are many different types of marriage ceremonies that exist in our vast array of diverse cultures. So many similarities and differences exist between the different cultures that have a ritual for uniting a couple together in a bonded marriage union. I will be exploring the Jewish and Russian cultures that are worlds apart. The Russian culture is very close to my heart. My family is from Russia and my parents were married in a traditional Russian Orthodox Church for their wedding. After experiencing all that my culture has to offer in the ways of the “old country”, as my grandmother Anna would say, I have a clear understanding of why the wedding ceremony and the days leading up to it mean so much to the Russian culture. In the Russian culture we enjoy, relish and thrive for our traditions. As a child I would listen to stories about how my parents met, how my grandparents met and married but really did not “appreciate” what my family did or went through to become that married couple. As I grew older the stories meant so much more knowing that if the traditional “matchmaker” had not made the match of my grandparents my parents would have never met. While I examine all the aspects of a traditional Russian wedding we can see how it is similar...
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...Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies in the biblical Book of Esther. Purim is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the Hebrew month of Adar, which usually falls sometime in February or March. Purim is such a popular holiday that the ancient rabbis declared that it alone would continue to be celebrated after the Messiah comes (Midrash Mishlei 9). All other holidays will not be celebrated in the messianic days. The Purim Holiday received its name because Haman was angered by Mordechai when he would not kneel down to Haman. Haman then sets out to destroy the Jewish people. A pur or lottery is then placed in front of Haman to choose which day and month this would occur. When Mordecai discovered Haman’s plan to destroy the Jewish people he persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people. Knowing she would be put to death for being in the king’s presence without being summoned Esther fasted for three day to prepare herself. This was a dangerous thing for Esther to do, because anyone who came into the king's presence without being summoned could be put to death, and she had not been summoned. Esther fasted for three days to prepare herself. The king welcomed Esther and she told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, and Haman and his ten sons were hanged on the gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai. Reading the Megillah on Purim Reading the Purim Story from the...
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...Judaism is a religious tradition with origins dating back nearly four thousand years, rooted in the ancient region of Canaan, which is now known as the land between Israel and Palestine. Judaism did not emerge until the 1st century C.E. Judaism traces its heritage to the covenant God made with Abraham and his lineage that God would make them a sacred people and give them a holy land. The primary characters of Israelite culture include the great patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the prophet Moses, who received God's law at Mt. Sinai. Judaism is a tradition grounded in the religious, ethical, and social laws as they are articulated in the Torah. The Torah is known as the first first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Jews refer to the Bible as the Tanakh, an acronym for the texts of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. Judaism is a religion and a culture; it has a major influence on inheritance and heritage. The Hebrew history has been written back and forth from the exodus. The exodus was the mighty act of Yahweh. Yahweh is the most respectful name for God in the Jewish religion. The Jews take the name of Yahweh very serious and always use it with great diligence. If I were to compare and contradict my belief to Judaism I would say that Judaism is very similar to my own religion, Christianity, on belief but are very different in their own ways. For example in Christianity we believe that Jesus Christ is the lord and he is our savor; however, in Judaism they believe that there...
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...Hunter Moore 4/2/18 Religion 140-609Field Experience Essay How the Demographics of Messianic Judaism Influence How It’s Practiced A common assertion among Gentiles, non-Jewish people, is that Judaism pertains to primarily Orthodox Judaism. Contrarily, Judaism is not confined to a single form and is manifested in many different ways in present day America. One of these sects is Messianic Judaism. The belief that Jesus is the Messiah differentiates Messianic Judaism from other forms of the religion. An average Messianic Jewish congregation is composed of a large demographic of people that come from both traditional Jewish heritage and non-Jewish backgrounds. This variety in background and demographic produces a discrepancy in how the congregation...
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...symbols that represent the belief structure and hold special meaning for believers. According to the location religions can be divided geographically depending on which part of the world it is in. The traditions, customs, beliefs, symbols and history, and can be belief-based or it can be based on practice. Two of the largest religions are Buddhism and Judaism, which are the two religions I have chosen to analyze. Some anthropological perspectives would considered these religions that I know nothing about, to be universal because the laws and values can be adopted by anyone. Religion often provides a way of life for many individuals so it is important to understand the fundamentals of the practical and historical meanings of the religions of the world as well as the what it means to each follower of each religion. Culture reveals to ourselves and others what we are. It gives expression to our nature in our manner of living and of thinking, in art, religion, ethical aspirations, and knowledge. Buddhism first began in India during the first millennium BC and is being practiced currently in most parts of Southeast Asia as well as China and Japan. This religion was one of the movements that broke away from the Brahmanic tradition of ancient India. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who was born into a royal...
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...that Jesus went to synagogue (or “church” — if we’re going to call it that) because it was Jewish law. But scripture states He didn’t go to “church” because of law, but rather because of custom. Which makes me want to know what the difference is between law and custom. The Greek word used here for custom has the meaning: To be accustomed...
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...Laura Flatt December 18, 2014 Mrs. Urowitz Jewish History Major Assignment Leopold Zunz Contribution to Judaism Judaism is the way it is today because of Leopold Zunz. Leopold was born in Detmold, Germany in 1794. Throughout his life, Zunz critically investigated Judaism. Through his interesting and intriguing points of views, he influenced the modern days of Judaism. Leopold Zunz is shown as a contributing figure to the evolution of Jewish culture in the 19th Century, as seen through his writings that stressed the importance of reform in Jewish customs, the modernization of Jewish texts and his involvement in the study of the Science of Judaism (Wissenschaft des Judentums) movement. Leopold Zunz produced many pieces of writings throughout...
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...Marriage in Judaism Chair Throne for the bride (Figure 2) Singing, celebrating of the chatan (Figure 4) Breaking of the Glass (Figure 3) Religious Symbol for Judaism (Figure 1) Marriage in Judaism is an important of the Jewish tradition. Judaism believes in the concept of soul mates, called bashert. The purpose of marriage is love and companionship, not just childbearing, but it is traditionally expected to fulfil the commandment to have kids. The husband and women are believed to merge into a single soul once married. The wedding can be held on any day of the week apart from during the Jewish Sabbath and also on major Jewish festivals such as the Day of Atonement or Jewish New Year (when Jews are required to refrain from work. Nine major festive held on the Jewish weddings are the Kabbalat Panim, The Badeke, The Chuppah, The Blessings of Betrothal (Kiddushin), The Giving of the Ring, The Ketubah (Marriage Contract), The Seven Blessings, The Breaking the Glass, The Yichud and finally The Festive Meal (Seudah). Within four days before the wedding, the bride performs the ritual of 'mikvah', a ritual bath fed by pure rain or spring water. It is accompanied by a blessing and an appropriate prayer this is to effect spiritual purification in preparation for the physical relationship of marriage. Kabbalat Panim The first festive Jews celebrate is the Kabbalat Panim this is where the chatan (groom) and the Kallah (bride) are not to see each other for one week prior to...
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...Funeral Traditions in America from Around The World America has many traditions, but one tradition that many don’t like to speak of is funerals. A funeral is when a loved one has passed and there is a celebration of life and put to rest, in this case with many traditions around the world there are different ways of remembering ones loved one when passing. America is a big continent where many people from around the world live in and bring their traditions with them and still continue them here, and one of those traditions is a funeral. To begin with one of the popular traditions that are regular to do in most places like in the article that Marian T. Horvat states is in the past, the funeral was held from the home or from funeral parlors. In the former case, rarely practiced in the United States today, the body was prepared to repose in the person’s own bed for twelve hours, during which time only family members were received to offer their last respects and prayers. After this the coffin was placed in the living room, and the bereaved family received condolence visits from friends and neighbors. As a point of honor and respect, the family made sure that at least one person kept watch over the deceased at all hours until the body was taken to the Church for the requiem Mass and then burial. The term wake came from this time of watch. The customs vary in each country, but in general, the deceased is laid out at the family home or the hospital chapel, often in an open coffin...
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...placed more emphasis on orthopraxy than on orthodoxy. Jews believe that believing in one God does not make them a good Jew; instead, believing in one God and following the law set forth by God is what makes them good Jews. Jewish law is known as Halakah. Halakah is a term derived from the Hebrew word Halakh “to walk.” Halakah is the legal system which points out the way of life for the Jewish people, following the statement, “enjoin upon the laws and the teachings, and make known to them the way they are to go and the practices they are to follow” (EX 18:20)[2]. Halakah is one of the important ground for Jews for the strict adherence of religious laws. Orthodox Judaism basically accepts Halakhah as an unchanging corpus of law [3]. Minor differences of interpretation are tolerated in accordance with the historical customs that have evolved in local communities. Noteworthy are Ashkenazic and Sephardic customs that inadvertently perpetuate Jewish ethnicity. Conservative Judaism is more flexible in introducing religious change, while the reform and reconstructive Judaism reject Halakhah as a mandatory system dictating contemporary behavior. Not a majority of Jews in the world adheres strictly to Jewish laws, with Israel having a high percentage of followers of Jewish Laws. For instance, the sectors of Judaism which consider Halakah as a mandatory system, they does not accept intermarriages, and the sectors which rejects Halakah accepts intermarriages – Note: some of the sectors who...
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...Perspective of Messianic Judaism John W. Stroud HUM/130 November 28, 2010 Terry Barnes An Outside Perspective of Messianic Judaism Many people are born and raised in a religion without ever feeling complete or whole. There are those born and raised Jewish but never felt Judaism provided the answers for which they sought. These unsatisfied Jews have often looked to other religions for their answers. Many of those answers have been found in a form of Judaism that is often looked down upon by the more traditional Jews. This Messianic Judaism combines the core beliefs of Christianity with the traditional Jewish lifestyle. This combination of two distinct religions has shown the world that a religion can allow its members to maintain their traditional lifestyle while providing them with the spiritual nourishment they long for. Messianic Judaism Messianic Judaism is a branch of Judaism that believes Yeshua or Jesus was the Son of God and the Messiah as foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible. Messianic Judaism also believes that the Bible, which consists of the Tenach or Holy Scriptures and the B’rit Hadasha or New Covenant, is the only infallible and authoritative word of God (Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, 2008). This belief includes that the Bible comes from divine inspiration and its teachings are the final authority in matters of faith and how to practice that faith (International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues, 2010)...
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...right or wrong way to grieve, there are specific traditions and beliefs that pertain to each religion that can in one way or another help those mourning by not only acting as a support system, but also a guide to comfort. Some religions believe in the idea of an afterlife and reincarnation, while others believe in heaven and hell. However, the beliefs and traditions that belong to each religion can make a significant impact on the grieving individual. Grievers may turn to their religion as a guidance to overcome the pain because they tend to feel that their religion’s traditions and beliefs are more comforting than seeking a professional counselor. Most...
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...Jewish Holy Day of Hanukkah REL/134 November 1, 2011 Instructor: Tim Westley Jewish Holy Day of Hanukkah With most religions there are special times of the year that people of faith celebrate holidays associated with the religion one practices. Hanukkah or Chanukah celebrates the Jewish rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the Second century B.C. Legend says Jews rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors during the Maccabean Revolt (History.com, 2011). The meaning of Hanukkah in Hebrew is dedication, and is an eight day festival, known as the festival of lights which begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev; usually in the months of November or December. Hanukkah for those who do not practice Judaism is probably the best known holiday celebrated in the Jewish faith. The reason for this knowledge is because of its proximity to the Christmas holiday celebrated by Christians. Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas that many non-Jews come to believe (Jewish Virtual Library, 2011). The Hanukkah celebration praises a miracle which is said to have occurred during the Maccabean Revolt. It is said that God made the one day's worth of oil burn for eight days, thus giving us the term Festival of Lights. There is only one essential ritual of Hanukkah and it is the lighting of candles. The Hanukkah candles are held a candelabrum which holds nine candles. This is special form of menorah (Molloy, 2010). The menorah in the Jewish faith is believed to portray the...
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...Hanukkah There are many different religions practiced throughout the world that carry many different beliefs, traditions and views on how they perceive God. Judaism, one of the more highly practiced religions, celebrates a tradition known as Hanukkah. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, is an eight day holiday celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple. It is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev and is one of the most known Jewish holidays, because of how it close it is to Christmas. Hanukkah is considered to be the Christmas of Judaism, because it shares some of the same traditions, such as giving gifts and decorating. Though it is considered like Christmas, there is much more to Hanukkah than giving gifts. The origin of Hanukkah began back in 338 B.C.E. when Philip of Macedon invaded Greece. A few years later Philip died and his son took the throne. This was know as the reign of Alexander the Great.[1] He conquered the lands of Syria, Egypt and Palestine, and at the time allowed people to still practice their own religions. With him Alexander brought Hellenism to Jerusalem and the Jewish people, but the Jews weren’t in any hurry to begin adopting the Hellenistic culture on their own. After Alexander died his empire was split between his generals: Antiochus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy.[2] Antiochus ruled Macedonia and Greece; Seleucus ruled Babylonia, Persia, and Syria; and Ptolemy rule Egypt and Israel. In 175 B.C.E. when...
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...Maimonides’ Interpretation of Women’s Rituals in Jewish Law The Halakah expresses all aspects of Jewish Law through written passages in the Torah and oral dictations in the Talmud. The laws outlined in this literature are then further interpreted by rabbis in the Gemara in order to present a more cohesive and comprehendible understanding to the Jewish population. Although there are many rabbinic rulings on the laws and commandments outlines in the Halakah, one interpretation is valued significantly higher than the rest. Maimonides, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, was a descendent of Judah the Patriach. Judah the Patriach compiled the initial Mishnah, oral traditions in Judaism. As a descendent Maimonides’ interpretations were regarded as “second to Moses” when providing clarity among the numerous discussions of Hebrew traditions and provided rational explanations to the rulings of Jewish Law (Maimonides 1981, p.III). The explanations and interpretations of the Laws that Maimonides provided were extremely influential and led to improvement of everyday life for individuals, especially women. Maimonides’ reinterpretation and explanations for the women’s ritual of Niddah mitigated the conflicts with other Jewish laws and provided a significant improvement to the day to day lives of Jewish women. Maimonides was a very influential rabbinic voice. He was known to have reconciled the past teachings of the Jewish Bible with a present understanding in order to illuminate the importance of...
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