Judaism is the religion of the Jews. It’s followers believe in “One God”. The basic tenets of this religion are found in both the Bible and the Talmud. Talmud is the central text of Rabbinic Judaism and the primary source of Jewish religious law and Jewish theology. “Torah” contains the Joda or the basic principles of Judaism. Torah is the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, namely the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. In that sense, Torah is the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. It is also known in the Jewish tradition as the Written Torah. Judaism has history up to 1200 BC ie the death of Moses. “Toy” is also called “Five Books of Moses”. In addition to the ‘Torah’, there are eleven other books in the Habu Bible, besides books of moral teachings and history. The house of worship is called the Jewish Temple. It has schools for study of Judaism, history and the Hebrew language. Their religious teacher is called ‘Ruchi’. To obtain the rank of rabbi, one must study the history, religious texts, doctrine, philosophy, and law of Judaism for many years. The word Rabbi means “master” or a Jewish scholar and is traditionally being used for a religious teacher. The religious teachings of Judaism may provide solution to the problems of people. There are different ways of prayers in different sections of this religion. The classicists worship every day and the reformers worship only on holidays and in the morning. During prayers, men and women sit separately, while the reformists, men and women, sit side by side. In Judaism, the last day of the week, Saturday, is called Subbah. This day is a holiday. It’s time is from friday sun set till saturday night. Worship is done at home or in the temple. At this time, jews do not work, it is also forbidden to travel and carry money with them. The Jews celebrate many holy days, according to the Hebu calendar. The first month of the calendar comes approximately in September-October. During this time the major holy days are celebrated during ‘Timi’. According to Jewish tradition, the 10 days under Roshya HaShanah (Jewish New Year) are days of penance. Jews ask God for forgiveness for their past deeds and hope to do good deeds in the future. In ancient times, Jews wanted to travel to Jerusalem during the three main festivals. Those three main festivals were Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. All three of these festivals are related to the Jewish exodus from Egypt and their arrival in Israel (ancient Canaan).
Around 165 AD, the Jews won the first war to gain their religious freedom. Maccabean Revolt was a Jewish rebellion led by Maccabees against the seleucid empire and against Hellenistic influence on Jewish life. The main phase of the revolt lasted from 167–160 BCE and ended with the Seleucids in control of Judea, but conflict between the Maccabees, Hellenized Jews, and the Seleucids continued until 134 BCE, with the Maccabees eventually attaining independence. Judas Maccabeus defeated the Syrians who had asked him to give up Judaism. Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who had earlier launched a massive campaign of repression against the Jewish religion in 168 BCE. A festival of Lights” is called “Hanukkah” which falls in December and is celebrated by lighting lamps, the second festival is Purnima, which is celebrated in February and March. A conspiracy was hatched and their temple was destroyed by Babylonia before 586 BC. Jews follow special rules in eating and drinking. They keep milk and meat cooked items separately and do not eat both together. Unlike Muslims, animals are not halal, that is, animals are not killed by torturing them, but animals are killed by experienced killers so that they end up in a short time. Muslims kill sacrificial goats, chickens etc. by torturing them gradually while sikhs cut with a sharp sword. Jews mourn death of their near dears, for seven days. They call this ceremony “Shiva”. The prayer that the mourners recite is called the Kaddish. Praise of the Lord is sung, during their prayers. Candles or lamps are lit on each anniversary of the deceased.
