World Religions Report Essay Example

law of the Practicing Jew, 1999). According to Jewish law, an individual born to a Jewish mother is considered a Jew, regardless of their level of religious observance. Nevertheless, many Jews actively engage in following the religious practices of Judaism. Judaism originated in the Middle East approximately 3,500 years ago and stands as one of the oldest religions still present today.

Today, there are around 18 million Jews living in different parts of the world. They have significant communities in the United States, Europe, and Israel. These Jews belong to various groups and practice different religions. The main factions mentioned in Jacobs' book "The Book of Jewish Belief" are Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative Jews. According to Jewish texts, Abraham is highly respected as the first Jew and is often called the ancestor of the Jewish people. He led a nomadic tribe called the Hebrews.

During a time when the Hebrews practiced polytheism, Abraham stood out as a unique teacher who believed in and insisted on monotheistic worship. According to Jewish belief, God established a covenant with Abraham, promising protection and land for him and his people if they remained devoted to Him and led righteous lives. This promised land later became known as Canaan (refer to Shenker, Israel. Coat of Many Colors: Pages from Jewish Life (Doubleday, 2001)). Eventually, the Jews settled in Canaan; however, due to a famine years later, their descendants were compelled to journey to Egypt in search of sustenance.

Despite serving the Egyptians, the Jews were treated as slaves and lived in perpetual suffering. However, God remembered his promise to Abraham and selected Moses to lead them towards freedom. Moses continuously pleaded with Pharaoh

to release the Jewish people but was consistently denied. Only after God brought ten disastrous plagues upon Egypt did Pharaoh ultimately give in. As a result, Moses successfully led the Jews out of Egypt and into the desert.

After 40 years of wandering, God guided the Jews back to the Promised Land (see Prager, Dennis, and Joseph Telushkin. Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism (Simon ; Schuster, 1999). The Jewish scriptures are called the Tenakh. They are divided into three parts—the Torah (5 Books of Teaching), the Nevi’im (21 Books of the Prophets), and the Ketuvim (13 Books of Writings). The initials of the three parts—T, N, and K—give the word Tenakh. For Jews, the Torah is the most important part of their scriptures because it contains the rules that teach Jews how to live their lives.

These are the teachings that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai during the Jews’ journey through the desert. They are summarized by ten rules, or commandments (see Musaph-Andriesse, R.G. From Torah to Kabbalah: Basic Introduction to the Writings of Judaism (Oxford University, 1998).

• I am the Lord your God.

• Worship no other gods but me.

• Do not use God’s name falsely.

• Keep the Sabbath day holy.

• Respect your father and mother.

• Do not kill.

• Do not commit adultery.p>

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<The term synagogue, meaning "meeting place", refers to a space where Jews come together for various purposes like worship, study, celebration, and community gathering. Although some synagogues conduct daily services, most Jews attend only on the

Sabbath (known as Shabbat in Hebrew) and during significant holy days. The Sabbath morning service typically lasts approximately two hours and incorporates prayers, blessings, and readings from the Torah. These services are guided by a religious leader called a rabbi.

The Torah readings take place on the bimah, a central platform inside the synagogue. When not in use, the Torah scrolls are kept in the Holy Ark, a dedicated alcove that is considered the most sacred part of the synagogue. During prayer, everyone focuses their attention on the Ark.

"From Torah to Kabbalah" is a book published by Oxford University in 1998 that explores the writings of Judaism. In synagogue services, Jewish men wear a kippah as a sign of their respect for God. Some men also wear a prayer shawl to remember God's presence. Traditional Jews may utilize two tefillin, which are small leather boxes. One is placed on the forehead and the other is tied to the arm facing the heart. These boxes contain scrolls with passages from the Torah. Wearing tefillin serves as a constant reminder for Jews to love God wholeheartedly (see Musaph-Andriesse, R.G.).

From Torah to Kabbalah: a Basic Introduction to the Writings of Judaism (Oxford University, 1998).

Discussion A.

Name and Location of the SiteThe interview was conducted at Mikvah Chabad House at New Brunswick, New Jersey this is where I had the chance to conversed and interview Gary Austein. It is the place where Jewish people go for spiritual purification.  Going in these place help Jewish women come together with their husband and together with their love for each other where in they also follow

the commandments that God has established for His people. Mitzvah of Mikvah is one of their tradition in which helps them get more connected with their God.

Interview Summary

During the interview I asked Gary Austein the important holidays and traditions of this religion.

Regarding the influence of Judaism on his life,

he mentioned the presence of various important holidays and traditions within the religion, such as Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashana, and Passover. Out of these, Yom Kippur is considered the most sacred day in Judaism and is known as the Day of Atonement. On this day, adults who have undergone Bar/Bat Mitzvah (ages 12-13) observe a fast and reflect on their sins from the previous year while seeking forgiveness from God.

Rosh Hashana comes before Yom Kippur and signifies the Jewish New Year. Lastly, Passover takes place during springtime and commemorates the liberation of Israelites from Egypt. During this holiday, individuals abstain from consuming leavened bread."

My religious identity is defined by my devotion to Judaism. Being Jewish is more important to me than my American nationality and has shaped who I am. My upbringing in the Jewish faith greatly influenced my values and beliefs. As an adult, Judaism plays an even bigger role in my life as I have created a Jewish household, married a Jewish wife, and will soon become a parent. Working at a Jewish Day School strengthens both my personal and professional connection to my religious identity.

Jews worldwide face ongoing anti-Semitism, which sadly has become a accepted reality for families like mine. It's deeply disturbing that many individuals have lost their lives because of their commitment to the Jewish faith. From

historical events like the Holocausts and Russian pogroms to modern-day terrorist attacks, countless Jews have been victims of violence due to their religious beliefs. Living an observant Jewish lifestyle often presents challenges within society; for example, observing the Sabbath means refraining from activities such as driving or working from Friday night until Saturday night – which can be difficult amidst the usual weekend hustle and bustle. Additionally, following kosher dietary restrictions poses difficulties when dining out since most food establishments are not certified as kosher.

Many people hold misconceptions about Judaism.

Misunderstandings about Judaism and other religions stem from a worldwide lack of understanding and acceptance. It is important to recognize that Christianity and Islam are connected to Judaism, as they acknowledge the Torah (also known as the Old Testament) as God's word and trace the origins of their own faiths back to Judaism. Recognizing this connection can encourage greater acceptance of diversity among people. Embracing Judaism helps shape Jewish identity, which individuals take pride in. Time-honored customs like male circumcision hold deep significance as they have been observed for thousands of years.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the Jewish people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering commitment to their faith. For this individual, Judaism has profoundly shaped his life, defining his identity as a Jew. The support and influence from those in his surroundings have played a pivotal role in shaping his religious convictions. His parents have instilled in him a strong sense of Jewish identity, while family friends have nurtured it further. Additionally, his closest companion—a student aspiring to become a rabbi—has notably influenced his development as a follower of Judaism.

His Jewish identity was significantly impacted by

his marriage, as his wife converted to Judaism. This has resulted in him developing a newfound passion and devotion to his religion. His connection to Judaism has also been shaped by studying the Holocaust. Additionally, visits to Israel, the Jewish state, have instilled in him a unique sense of pride in his homeland. He identifies as a Conservative Jew, which is considered a moderate stance within Judaism. In general, Jews from different backgrounds tend to be understanding and respectful of the traditions and practices of other branches of Judaism, except for the ultra-Orthodox movement.

Regardless of the practice, one's sincere belief in their heart is essential for being Jewish according to the laws and traditions of Moses. The concern about misinterpretations by other sects does not bother him. Judaism serves as the common bond and foundation of Jewish culture, playing a crucial role in establishing Israel, the Jewish State. Protecting Israel at all costs is of utmost importance. Judaism both persecutes and unites the Jewish people. The Covenant, which is an agreement between God and Abraham, designates Jews as "the chosen people" and is accepted by Christians and Muslims alike. This covenant is symbolized by Abraham's circumcision and becomes obligatory for all Jewish males a week after birth—a widely misunderstood fact.

The major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, have more similarities than differences. They share the same major prophets and their historical texts are derived from the Jewish Bible. Moreover, they all believe in one omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent God. Although their practices and forms of worship may vary, they are interconnected as they trace their origins back to Abraham and Sarah. In essence, they are

like siblings.

IV. Comparing Judaism to Christianity

Christianity is centered on Jesus Christ's life and teachings. It originated in Palestine and was proclaimed as the fulfillment of Jewish teachings regarding the arrival of the Messiah – a promised figure by God who would provide redemption from sin. Jesus emphasized that Jews were chosen by God as His people who should receive the Gospel message before anyone else according to Hebrew prophets' doctrine.

According to McCollister's The Christian Book of Why, the teachings of Jesus had a worldwide purpose and were intended for every individual and nation. Christianity is a missionary religion that believes in the universality of Jesus' message, not limited to any specific group. In accordance with Mark 16:15-16, Jesus instructed his disciples to "Go into the whole world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." As a result, Christianity has influenced not just religion but also society and politics.

Despite the use of military force, which may seem contradictory to Jesus' teachings, Christianity has had a significant impact in promoting justice and love for others. With approximately 25% of the global population identifying as Christians, there are over 1.6 billion Christian believers worldwide, making it the largest religion in terms of membership. The core beliefs of Christianity are summarized in the Apostles' Creed, which acknowledges Jesus Christ as the Son of God who came to Earth to suffer and die for humanity's redemption. Additionally, the creed affirms Jesus' resurrection from death, his ascension into heaven, and his eventual return to Earth to judge both the living and the dead.

Both the belief in the virgin birth of Jesus and the

belief in an afterlife are essential aspects of the Christian creed (see McCollister, J.C. The Christian Book of Why (Jonathan David, 2000). In pre-Christianity, earlier religions emphasized man's dependence on a higher power for assistance. The central doctrine of the Christian faith states that God is loving and merciful rather than vengeful. Christians also hold that despite humanity's serious transgressions and separation from God's love, redemption can be attained through repentance. All Christians acknowledge both the necessity and possibility of communion between God and man (see Wiggins, James, and R.S.

Doctrinal Differences

Ellwood. Christianity: a Cultural Perspective (Prentice-Hall, 2002).
Initially, the teachings of Jesus were disseminated through his disciples, who retained his words. However, as both Jews and gentiles joined the church, different perspectives were introduced, leading to diverse interpretations of doctrines.

In this work, the early Christian theologians incorporated ideas from Greek philosophers into their teachings while also being influenced by national traits and customs that affected rituals and observances. Additionally, variations in practice can be found within each of the three major divisions of the Christian church—Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox—with the Protestants exhibiting the most diversity. The sacrament of baptism serves as an illustrative example.

Baptists require full immersion in water for baptism, while Methodists believe sprinkling water on the head is sufficient. Some denominations baptize infants, but others require individuals to be old enough to comprehend the sacrament's significance. Additionally, certain Protestant groups including the Disciples of Christ solely rely on the Bible as their guiding source. Most Christians accept the doctrine of the Trinity, which acknowledges the Father, Son, and

Holy Spirit as three beings in one divine nature; however, Unitarians and Universalists reject this belief. (Walker, Williston. A History of the Christian Church, 4th edition (Sribner’s, 1998); Wiggins, James, and R.S. Ellwood)

Christianity: a Cultural Perspective (Prentice-Hall, 2002). Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglicans acknowledge seven sacraments while the majority of Protestants acknowledge only Holy Communion (also known as the Eucharist or Lord's Supper) and baptism. Catholics hold the belief that through the sacrament of the Eucharist, the priest is able to transform bread and wine into the actual body and blood of Jesus. On the other hand, most Protestants interpret the ritual as a symbolic representation of Jesus' presence (refer to Wiggins, James, and R.S. Ellwood).

Christianity: a Cultural Perspective (Prentice-Hall, 2002). The method of church government is a common cause of differences between denominations. The Roman Catholic Church places final authority in the pope, whom it calls the Vicar of Christ. The Episcopal form of church government is headed by bishops of equal authority. Authority over the churches in the Presbyterian form of government is exercised by boards, called presbyteries, ministers, and elected laymen. In churches with the congregational type of government, each congregation has complete local rule (see Walker, Williston).

Conclusion

A History of the Christian Church, 4th edition (Sribner’s, 1998).
Judaism in the United States is divided into four branches: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist. The total membership of these branches is lower than the estimated number of Jews in the United States, as many Jews who reside outside the US and Canada follow Orthodox practices. Orthodox Jews are dedicated to the strict observance of traditional rituals and customs. Within

the Orthodox branch, there exists a small group called Hasidic Jews, who are known for their extreme orthodoxy and mysticism. Many orthodox synagogues are affiliated with the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.

Reform Jews have forsaken numerous rituals and traditions they consider unsuitable for contemporary life. They prioritize the prophetic concepts in the Bible rather than the Law, emphasizing the Jewish mission to propagate righteousness worldwide. Originating in 19th century Germany, the reform movement is currently primarily based in the United States. The Union of American Hebrew Congregations represents a collective of reform congregations.

Conservative Jews, who emerged in the United States during the 1890's, occupy a moderate position between orthodox and reform Jews. The United Synagogue of America serves as the national body for Conservative congregations. On the other hand, Reconstructionist Jews embrace numerous traditional practices while dismissing supernatural beliefs and divine revelation.

Reconstructionist Judaism, a movement within the Conservative branch, was established by Mordecai Kaplan in the 1920's. It became a separate branch of Judaism with the founding of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1968.