Judaism is ... How is Judaism different from other religions? The essence of Judaism

Judaism is one of the most ancient religions of the world. It was formed in the I century BC in ancient Judea. The history of belief is directly connected with the Jewish people and its rich history, as well as the development of the statehood of the nation and the life of its representatives in the conditions of the diaspora.

The Essence

Those who profess this faith call themselves Jews. Some followers claim that their religion originated in the days of Adam and Eve in Palestine. Others are convinced that Judaism is a belief founded by a small group of nomads. Among them was Abraham, who concluded a treaty with God, which became the fundamental position of religion. In accordance with this document, which is known to us as commandments, people pledged to observe the rules of a pious life. In return, they received the protection of the Most High.

The main sources of the study of Judaism are the Old Testament and the Bible as a whole. Only three kinds of books are recognized as a religion: prophetic, historical and Torah - publications that interpret the law. And also the sacred Talmud, consisting of two books: Mishnah and Gemara. By the way, he regulates all aspects of life, including morality, ethics and even jurisprudence: civil and criminal law. Reading the Talmud is a sacred and responsible mission, which is allowed only for Jews.

Differences

The main feature of the confession is that God in Judaism does not have a face. In other ancient Eastern religions, the Most High was often depicted either in the form of a person or in the likeness of an animal. People tried to rationalize natural and spiritual matters, making them as understandable as possible to ordinary mortals. But Jews who worshiped the Bible call it idolatry, since the main book of the Jews strictly condemns servility to icons, statues or images.

As for Christianity, there are two main differences. First, God did not have a son in Judaism. Christ, in their opinion, was an ordinary mortal man, a preacher of morality and a pious word, the last prophet. Secondly, the religion of the Jews is national. That is, a citizen of the country automatically becomes a Jew, not having the right to subsequently accept another religion. National religions in our time are a relic. Only in ancient times this phenomenon flourished. Today, it is revered only by Jews, while preserving the identity and identity of the people.

The Prophets

In Judaism, it is a man who brings to the masses the will of God. With his help, the Almighty teaches the people the commandments: people improve, improve their lives and future, develop morally and spiritually. Who will be a prophet, decides God himself - asserts Judaism. Religion does not exclude that the choice can fall on the mortal, who absolutely does not want to take on such shoulders such an important mission. He gives an example to Iona, who even tried to flee to the end of the world from the sacred duties imposed on him.

In addition to morality and spirituality, the prophets also possessed the gift of clairvoyance. They predicted the future, gave valuable advice on behalf of the Most High, treated for various diseases and even took part in the political life of the country. For example, Ahijah was the personal adviser of Jeroboam, the founder of the Israeli kingdom, Elisha - promoted the change of the dynasty, Daniel - he himself headed the state. The teachings of the early prophets are included in the books of the Tanakh, the later ones are published in separate copies. It is interesting, but the preachers, unlike representatives of other ancient religions, believed in the offensive of the "golden age" when all nations would live in peace and prosperity.

The currents in Judaism

Over the long centuries of its existence, religion has undergone many transformations and modifications. As a result, its representatives were divided into two camps: orthodox Jews and reformists. The first piously adhere to the traditions of their ancestors and do not introduce innovations into beliefs and its canons. Second, on the contrary, they welcome liberal trends. Reformists recognize marriages between Jews and representatives of other religions, same-sex love and women's work as rabbis. Orthodox mainly live in most of modern Israel. Reformists - in the US and Europe.

Conservative Judaism was an attempt to compromise between the two warring camps. Religion, poured into two currents, found a golden mean in this synthesis of innovation and traditions. Conservatives confined themselves to the introduction of organ music and sermons in the language of the country of residence. Instead, such important rituals as circumcision, observance of the Sabbath and kash-rut, they did not touch. Wherever Judaism is practiced, in Russia, the United States or in European powers, all Jews observe a clear hierarchy, obeying the eldest in their spiritual position.

Commandments

They are holy for the Jews. Representatives of this people believe that in times of numerous persecutions and humiliations, the nation survived and preserved its identity only through observance of canons and rules. Therefore, in our day it is impossible to go against them, even if the life is at stake. It is interesting, but the principle "the law of the country - the law" was formed in the III century BC. According to him, the rules of the state are mandatory for all citizens without exception. Jews also have to be as loyal to the highest echelons of power, discontent is allowed to express only to religious and family life.

Observance of the ten commandments received by Moses on Mount Sinai is the essence of Judaism. And the main among them is observance of the Sabbath holiday ("Shabbat"). This day is special, it should be devoted to rest and prayers. On Saturdays it is impossible to work and travel, even cooking is prohibited. And so that people do not sit hungry, they are ordered to make the first and second meals on Friday evening - a few days in advance.

About the world and man

Judaism is a religion based on the legend of the creation of the planet by the Lord. According to her, he created the earth from the watery surface, spending six days on this important mission. Thus, the world and all living creatures in it are God's creatures. As for man, then in his soul there are necessarily two principles: good and evil, which are in constant opposition. A dark demon inclines him to earthly pleasures, bright - to doing good deeds and spiritual development. The struggle began to manifest itself in the form of the behavior of the individual.

As already mentioned, the followers of Judaism believe not only in the beginning of the existence of the world, but also in its peculiar end - the "golden era". Its founder will be the Tsar Mashiach, he is the Messiah who will rule the people until the end of time and will bring him prosperity and liberation. In every generation there is a potential challenger, but only to the true descendant of David, steadfastly keeping the commandments, the pure soul and heart, destined to become a full-fledged Messiah.

About marriage and family

They were given the most important significance. A person is obliged to acquire a family, its lack is considered blasphemy and even a sin. Judaism is a belief in which infertility is the worst punishment for a mortal. A man can divorce his wife if, after 10 years of marriage, she did not bear him a first-born. The legacy of religion is preserved in the family, even during periods of persecution every cell of Jewish society must observe the rites and traditions of its people.

The husband must provide his wife with everything necessary: housing, food, clothing. His duty is to redeem it in case of captivity, dignify bury, take care during illness, provide means of subsistence if the woman remains a widow. The same was true of common children: they should not need anything. Sons - up to adulthood, daughter - to betrothal. Instead, the man, as the head of the family, has the right to the income of his second half, her property and values. He can inherit the state of his wife and use the results of her work for her own purposes. After his death, the widow must marry the elder brother of her husband, but only if the marriage is childless.

Children

The father also has many responsibilities to the heirs. He must dedicate his son to the subtleties of faith that the holy book preaches. Judaism rests on the Torah, and the child is studying it under the guidance of the parent. The boy also with his help takes possession of the chosen craft, the girl gets a good dowry. Parents, little Jews are very respected, follow their instructions and never contradict them.

Up to 5 years, the mother engages in religious education of children. She teaches the little ones basic prayers and commandments. After they are sent to school at the synagogue, where they master all the biblical wisdom. Training takes place after the main lessons or on Sunday morning. The so-called religious majority comes in boys at 13 years, girls - at 12. On this occasion, arrange various family holidays, which symbolize the entry of a person into adulthood. Since then, young creatures must constantly visit the synagogue and lead a pious lifestyle, as well as continue to further deep study of the Torah.

Major Holidays of Judaism

The main one is Passover, which the Jews celebrate in the spring. The history of its occurrence is closely connected with the period of the Exodus from Egypt. In memory of those events, Jews eat bread from water and flour - matzo. During the persecution, people did not have time to cook full-fledged cakes, so they were satisfied with their lean counterpart. Also on the table they have bitter greens - a symbol of Egyptian enslavement.

In the period of the Exodus, also began to celebrate the New Year - Rosh Hashanah. This is a September holiday that proclaims God's kingdom. It is on this day that the Lord judges mankind and lays the foundations of those events that will happen to the people in the coming year. Sukkot is another important autumn date. During the holiday, Jews, glorifying the Almighty, live seven days in temporary sukkah buildings, covered with branches.

Chanukah is also a great event for Judaism. A holiday is a symbol of the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness. Has arisen as a memory of the eight miracles that occurred during the time of the uprising against the Greco-Syrian rule. Besides these main memorable dates, the Jews also celebrate Tu-Bishwat, Yom Kippur, Shavuot and others.

Restrictions on food

Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism - each religion has its own characteristics, some of which extends to cooking. So, Jews can not use "unclean" products: meat of pigs, horses, camels and hares. Also they are banned from oysters, shrimp and other marine inhabitants. The right food in Judaism is called kosher.

Interestingly, religion prohibits not only certain products, but also their combination. For example, taboos - dairy and meat dishes. The rule is clearly observed in all restaurants, bars, cafes and canteens of Israel. To ensure that these dishes are as far apart as possible, they are given in these establishments through different windows and are cooked in a separate bowl.

Many Jews revere kosher food not only because this rule is spelled out in the Torah, but also for the sake of improving one's own organism. After all, this diet was approved by many nutritionists. But here you can argue: if pork is not so useful, then what are the offending seafood - is unknown.

Other Features

The culture of Judaism is rich in unusual traditions, incomprehensible to representatives of other faiths. For example, this concerns circumcision of the prepuce. Rite is already on the eighth day of life of the newborn boy. Becoming completely adult, he is also obliged to let go of his beard and whiskers, like a true Jew. Long clothes and a covered head are just the unspoken rules of the Jewish community. And the cap is not removed even during sleep.

The believer is obliged to read all religious holidays. He should not offend or insult his fellow men. Children at school learn the basics of their religion: its principles, traditions, history. This is one of the main differences of Judaism from other religions. It can be said that kids love sucking in with mother's milk, their piety is transmitted literally by genes. Probably, therefore, the people not only survived in times of mass destruction, but also managed to become a full-fledged, free and independent nation that lives and lives on its own fertile land.