Traditions Of A Jewish Commentary

Having the privilege to serve in the military has allowed this writer the opportunity to be exposed to the pluralistic society in a way which has exposed him to the beauty of the diversity enjoyed in American culture. One aspect of said diversity is the interaction which has taken place amongst the Christian and various world religions who also wear the same uniform in defense of America. It was the pleasure of the writer to attend a local synagogue in which his Jewish brothers and sisters welcomed him with open arms. The local congregation of Jewish believers went out of their way in order to ensure their newest visitor understood the flow of service and the significance of the ritual which took place on the first Shabbat or Sabbath of the month. The following essay will serve to detail the worship experience as well as how it and other beliefs of Judaism compare/contrast with the Christian faith.

Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Jewish religious movements, sometimes referred to as denominations, can be looked at in terms of paradigm shifts in the Jewish Culture. Jewish denominations include different groups of Jews that have developed since the ancient times. In the United States, these denominations took the form of three large groups known as Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. While each denomination keeps to certain core beliefs, there is diversity within the faith as a whole.

Having been strongly influenced by her mother-in-law, she adapted the Kosher lifestyle to her household to honor a rich family history and ancient traditions. Through her college years, she began to familiarize herself with her grandmother’s recipes, one in particular being stuffed cabbage. It took Ehrlich many attempts to perfect the recipe, and at a time when other factors were affecting her in college, it was not an easy task. “College was one long fatiguing struggle for sanity, self-confidence, truth. Did that pan of stuffed cabbage symbolize my malady, or the cure?” (61). In Ehrlich’s case, her lid was her battle with her identity during her college years. It is what prevented her from mastering a family tradition for a significant period of time. Through these trials and errors however, she was able to develop a sense of belonging to a history of traditions with the Jewish religion and her complex family background. Ehrlich was successful in removing her

Within many known religions, the devotional practices has been known to acquire great importance. The essence of practicing what you preach has scolded many religious groups, introducing true beliefs, righteousness, and a wider connection to the supreme being . In the book entitled “ Living religions” by Mary Pat Fisher, clarified and firm descriptions were introduced about religious rituals. Surprisingly; the author utilized small parts of modern concepts, limiting the reader from a full comprehension of religious practices today, therefore; I will only discuss the basic and traditional rituals. To elaborate; in this paper, I will be providing an opinionated but also, comparative description of the major practices and rituals that undergo in both the Abrahamic and indigenous religions.

As the story develops, the reader’s thoughts are guided by the structure of the piece in a way that Tan is able to share an important lesson through the form of a personal narrative. The opening text immediately introduces the narrator and her insecurities as she wishes for a “slim new American nose” (Tan 1). The story initially takes on a negative tone as Tan proceeds to have a negative outlook throughout the entire evening. Her overwhelming anxiety can almost be felt by the reader as she worries what Robert will think of her “noisy Chinese relatives who lacked proper American manners” and overall “shabby Chinese Christmas” (Tan 1). With the tone set, Tan continues to amplify each dreadful detail of her family’s traditional Christmas Eve dinner. This includes the actual meal, that of which appeared to be

Traditions such as homemade decorations, Grandma’s banana pudding, and ugly Christmas sweaters often remain close to the hearts of family members. Candles, decorations, food, and outfits, the list of customs never terminates! Two families, who practice traditions in the book, The Chosen by Chaim Potok, include the Malter family and the Saunders family. David and Reuven Malter enjoy habits of weekly services, prayer, and special articles of clothing in their lives as Orthodox Jews. Because the Saunders family practices the Jewish sect of Hasidism, the family hosts traditional feasts while the father lectures on Jewish texts; he also plans on bestowing the role of tzaddick to one of the male children. Both families participate in studying holy Jewish scriptures each Shabbat, or Sabbath day, despite their contrasting habits. Although the Malter’s practice unique traditions that differ from the the Saunders family’s customs, the families share the tradition of studying holy Jewish books.

In modern society, most traditions are viewed as customs that unify people, strengthening relationships between family, friends, and community. In contrast, Shirley Jackson and Charlotte Perkins Gilman blatantly exhibit how outdated traditions in history have severed relations amongst people, acting as divisive forces rather than unifying practices. In “The Yellow Wallpaper” and “The Lottery”, old traditions of the societies in the stories incite conflict amongst the characters, negatively influencing relationships between and within characters.

Allison`s parents divorced when she was only six years of age. It didn’t take the both of them to remarry. Her mother married a Bulgarian man. A few years later he died of cancer. Four years after his death Allison`s mother married another man who was a Moroccan immigrant. She likes some of the food that was introduced to her by her Moroccan step-father. Because her mother married two men of two completely different cultures Allison and her family were introduced into different customs, food, and traditions.

Unlike the German Christian wives, the Jewish wives were not viewed to be flattering by becoming dominant members of society and be fully engaged in the male dominant labor force. The Jewish wives were viewed as subordinates in the society who were assumed to become active and bring home an income. The Jewish women travelled to the fairs to sell their merchandise and this did not undermine the woman's reputation. Unlike their Christian partners, women who earned much brought additional marriage proposals, because it indicated the woman's commitment to her husband and family. The memoirs serve as a reminder to her children to know the value of hard work. The memoir shows the distinction between hard work of the German Jewish women and the German Christian women in the 17th and 18th century.

From cultures to opinions, from sizes to emotions, many families have similarities and differences. These characteristics make every family special. One special family is in “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker. While having many difficulties, this family still focuses on heritage, similar to my own family that has its own difficulties. Comparing my family to the family in “Everyday Use” , we have similarities and differences regarding unity, helpfulness, and humility.

David Malter, an Orthodox rabbi, is often condemned by Reb Saunders for his Zionistic beliefs. Mr. Malter shows his understanding of character while rebuking his son for a comment about Saunders, saying, “The fanaticism of men like Reb Saunders kept us alive for two thousand years of exile” (219). His statement shows a true understanding of human character, and exemplifies respect for someone condescending. Not only does he show this wisdom through words, but also through acts of kindness, such as talking to Danny and helping him find good literature when the boy appeared lonely. Ergo, through kind actions and wise words, David Malter illustrates an understanding of human

For example, the Palestinian culture displays traditions that others would find unusual. As Palestinian’s don’t have a strict government they rely on their family to fill the gaps that the government would usually fill. Hayaat has a very close and large family that all live under one roof, which includes Hayaat’s, mother, father, grandmother, sister and two brothers. The author tried to show that there’s families around the world that live in a constricted living area however, they still love each other. Another family tradition is parents choosing a husband for their daughter. For example, in “Where the streets had a name” Hayaat’s sister had to choose from men her parents choose. However, she already met a man once at a friend wedding. Shortly after with their parent’s permission they got married. But, the parents have to make sure the man is good for their reputation and only then will they give their

For everybody the Crutchman's family apple is perfect, but inside, it is repellent. With the help of the atmosphere the author shows his own discourse about the problem – for him this family's way of life is ridiculous and absurd. He dwells upon it with tongue in cheek. It seems that characters are everywhere but not in their family just because they know and understand the despair and ruefulness of their little family theater.

There are many different cultures that surround us everyday; each one with its own unique customs and lifestyles. The Jewish culture contains some of the oldest traditions and customs that date back thousands of years. This culture has survived everything from exile to almost being diminished during the Holocaust. The Jewish culture has a unique culture, that has much to share with the world around them.