Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion full of unique culture, history, traditions and customs. Here are some steps to familiarize yourself with Judaism and potentially accept it as your religion, whether or not you are observant or a Gentile (non-Jewish) who wants to convert.
Steps
Step 1. Learn what Judaism is
Although there is no official list, Judaism has five main denominations:
Step 2. Hasidism
Rigid and conservative, he considers religion above all other aspects of life. Incorporate mysticism into the teachings.
- Orthodoxy. Most Orthodox Jews tend to fall under one of two sub-categories of which the most common is modern orthodoxy. In general, Orthodox Jews adhere firmly to religious laws and customs, while modern Orthodox seek a balance with secular life.
- Conservatism. Softer in observance than Orthodox Judaism, but still adhering to the basic values of the religion.
- Reformism. Very soft in observance but still aware of the values and traditions underlying Judaism.
- Reconstructionism. Little rigorous in observance and tending to a predominantly secular life.
Step 3. Choose a synagogue that is suitable for your level of observance
In the Orthodox, men and women sit separately to avoid "inappropriate" behavior and distractions and the religious service is almost always in Hebrew. In the others you can sit and mingle and ceremonies are held both in Hebrew and in the local language.
Step 4. Learn Hebrew
It is more difficult than it sounds, and knowing a few special words or phrases will help you understand and appreciate the prayer.
Step 5. Buy Hebrew books, prayer texts and a Tanakh (Hebrew bible)
You can find them in Jewish shops, bookstores and on the internet.
Step 6. If you want to become Hasidic or Orthodox, follow the Kashrut nutritional restrictions
This means that you can only eat foods prepared according to the laws of the Torah. You can call your local Orthodox rabbi and ask him for "kosher" cooking help.
Step 7. Kosher foods include:
- Animals with cloven hoofs and ruminants: cow, lamb, chicken and turkey.
- Fish with fins and scales.
- Fruits, vegetables and bread called "Parve", that is suitable for meat and fresh products.
Step 8. Non-kosher foods:
- Meat mixed with dairy products.
- Seafood.
- Pig.
- Horse.
Step 9. Orthodox Jews are Shomer Shabbat, meaning they respect Shabbat
Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and ends when there are three stars in the sky on Saturday night. Observe the Havdalah, the ceremony following Shabbat. According to Shabbat, no one can work, travel, bring money, discuss business, use electricity, light a fire, and make or receive phone calls; this ritual is appreciated for its relaxing and spiritual separation from the hustle and bustle of working days.
Step 10. Celebrate Jewish holidays
The stricter your observance, the more holidays you will have to celebrate or commemorate. Some of the major holidays include Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (the Day of Redemption), Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat, Purim, Passover, Lag b'Omer, Shavuot, Tisha B ' Av, and Rosh Chodesh.
Step 11. Wear a kippah (skullcap) and tallit (prayer shawl) during prayers if you are a man
Orthodox Jews wear the "tzitzit" (a fringed religious dress worn under the shirt) and the "tefillin" (phylactery) during morning prayers, except on Shabbat and holidays. Observant women dress modestly and wear handkerchiefs or wigs.
Step 12. Lead your life according to the teachings of Rabbi Hillel, a great rabbi of the Mishnah
He stated that the Torah could be summed up simply with the phrase "Treat your neighbor as you would like to be treated."
Advice
- Bring family and friends to the synagogue for Shabbat and holiday services.
- Always ask questions about what you don't understand. Jews are like an extended family and will be happy to help you familiarize yourself with the religion.
- Join a Jewish Community Center for education, participation in events, social activities and the use of their swimming pools, gyms and spas.
- If you are single, join some Jewish lonely hearts program.
