Each nation has its own customs, which existed in ancient times. Jews are no exception. Jewish traditions and customs are the first step towards understanding and familiarizing yourself with this interesting culture. Israel today has become a center of identity not only of indigenous, but also of many other peoples. For this reason, some moments in the foundations of the country resemble the customs of other countries.
Jewish festivities
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the most famous holiday of the people - Saturday. On this day, based on beliefs, not a single soul can work. The customs and traditions of the Jewish people are, first of all, Shabbat, when you need to relax, talk with your neighbors and friends. It is accepted that only candles are used as light, which are lit specifically by women on Friday night. Before the meal begins, prayers are read on this day.
It is also important that there is a dish on the table - a cholt, which is prepared from beans, beans and meat the day before Saturday. The feast also includes fish dishes that are usually stuffed.
New Year
Jewish New Year traditions and customs in culture have a special place. The period when the holiday begins is in September and October. At this time, people repent of their sins, have good hopes for the future. Also, the people comprehends the connection with God and the surrounding world as a whole.
Dishes on the table are symbols of the coming year, or rather, what it should be. For example, sweet apples are served in honey, hoping that the coming time will be generous and supportive. Pomegranate means the number of all good events in the future.
Yom Kippur
One of the holiest celebrations is Yom Kippur. Those who believe, usually fast for 25 hours, don’t wear leather clothes and shoes. Also they do not wash. During this period, they pray in the synagogue, atoning for their sins. The sign that such a day is over is the sound of the shofar - a tool from a ram’s horn.
Hanukkah
Jewish traditions and customs cannot be right without Hanukkah. The period falls in November and December. The principle of the holiday is the ignition of a special lamp, which is placed on the windowsill. Every new day, another light appears on it. There should be eight such at the end. For children these days they make vacations in all institutions.
Purim
Purim is considered one of the most fun holidays. Among all Jewish traditions and customs, it is precisely him that can be distinguished. It begins at the end of February, and these days everyone does not stop having fun, dancing. The family table contains a variety of goodies - wines, cakes, giants (pies with raisins and poppy seeds).
Passover (Easter)
Easter is a holiday for which all Jews are preparing. It falls on March, April. Taken during the seven days of the celebration there are special unleavened cakes (matzo). Families also bring home a variety of goodies based on pickled dough.
Wedding ceremony
The traditions and customs of the Jewish wedding go deep into history. Initially, it was accepted that the wedding is only due to the matchmaker, which connected the grooms with the brides. Today it’s not very common to find this, only ultra-Orthodox Jews use this method.
Different people who can meet by any rules can become a couple. The basic principle is that the groom asks for the bride’s hand directly from her father. The first should provide a ransom commensurate with his ambitions.
First, before the wedding, an engagement should take place, on which it is customary to break a plate. We probably have such a tradition preserved as an action performed on the happiness of the young. For Jews, this symbolizes the destroyed temple of Jerusalem. The main task is to make clear to the young that the past bitterness of the people is important and needs to be remembered. At the end of the marriage, the custom is repeated.
Young people can celebrate such an important event at any time, but not on Saturday and on the dates of the main holidays of the people. Similar conditions today are almost not respected. Ultra-Orthodox communities may not like this, but for young people it doesn’t matter. The celebration begins a week before the date, and the entire period the bride and groom enjoy time and have fun.
Events for the bride and groom
The groom becomes a party member, which begins with the fact that he prays in the synagogue. After that, he goes to his friends and relatives, talking about what lies ahead. In response, everyone covered him with sweets, offering to drink the best wines. A man is resting in the company of his closest people.
The bride has completely different chores. Her rite is that the girl is brought to the pool, where she must spiritually clear herself of all the dirt. In view of this cleansing, the bride can enter into marriage with a pure soul and body. It is important that the girl’s body should not have any jewelry, the nails on her hands and feet should be clean. She, completely naked, gradually enters the water, while reading a prayer. A ritual without extra eyes in the face of already experienced older women will not be complete, since it is they who monitor the entire process, give instructions for execution.
For some period before the onset of the celebration, the couple should not see each other. Often this rule does not matter to the younger generation.
The marriage takes place as follows:
- The bride and groom begin an alliance under the chuppah - this is an ancient custom, which is very important for every Jew.
- Next, the newlyweds sign a special document - ketubu, which indicates all the standards for future life together. The husband also agrees, if necessary, to divorce his wife, if she so wishes.
- In the case of a weak union, a man cannot ignore this injunction.
- A man also may not sign this document, but then his wife will not be able to remarry later.
In fact, Jews value family bonds very much, so divorces are very rare.
The funeral
Jewish customs and traditions at the funeral also express themselves vividly. They have been used for a long time, are some of the very complex. People take out furniture from the place where the deceased lived, and relatives tear clothes on themselves. Neighbors must get rid of all the water that they have at home. Now everything is very simplified, prayers are read out over the deceased, and a small incision is made on the lapel. Jews don’t wear flowers on the grave; they leave a small pebble on it.