Blog post 27 - 5-3-13

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

May 2, 2013

Blog Post 27: Five Pillars of Islam

 

 1. Why is the pronouncement of the shahada central to a Muslim’s identity and

 practice of the Islamic faith?

The pronouncement of the shadaha is central to a Muslisms faith because the Shahada pronounces the two main tenets of Islam which are the following: God's monotheism and Muhammad being his prophet. This is central because it highlights that there is one God and Muhammad is the prophet who outlines everything Muslims must do in order to submit to Allah. According to Muslims, this pronouncement answers all questions and is said often. The Muslim identity is monotheism and the practice was taught by Muhammad the prophet.

 

2. How does the practice of the salat both mentally and physically help Muslims to

live in obedience to the will of Allah?

Muslims are required to be in a constant state of prayer so that they are never distracted from God. Salat is the opportunity to pray and show physical submission to Allah in the prayer five times a day. From a psychological aspect Muslims are constantly focused on God and Salat outlines a physical ritual to accompany their prayer and show total submission.

 

3. In what ways does the practice of zakat influence Muslims as a community of

faith? In other words, what does this practice say about the Muslim community

and its commitment to the poor and marginalized?

Muslims recognize the people in need through their faith because there is a pillar of faith that directly deals with the poor. It influences them to help those in need and form a close community. This practice shows that the Muslims are devout and show a constant commitment to the poor.

 

4. How does the practice of sawm both mentally and physically help a Muslim to

live in obedience to the will of Allah?

Muslims fast during Sawm and believe that the fasting makes them think and practice self-discipline all in order to live in obedience. Fasting in the physical approach and the fasting leads to a greater mental reflection, fulfilling the mental approach.

 

5. Why do you think that the hajj is a pillar of the Islamic faith? How is this practice

similar and different from other world religions?

The Hajj encompasses all of the mental and physical practice that a Muslim partakes in. It provides Muslims with a concrete shrine and part of history that serves as an affirmation to their faith in Muhammad and Allah. The pilgrimage often makes Muslims more devoted and controlled in their religion. This is unique because most other religions do not have a place that so many people congregate at least once in their lifetime and retrace the footsteps of the founder.

 

6. What do you think are some of the challenges of practicing a life in relationship to

the Five Pillars?

Balancing a constant devotion to Allah and having a job, family, kids, and parents to care for.

Mainly that because praying and charity become so woven in with daily life that it isn't an inconvenience when you are devout to Allah. But it still might be hard to balance relationships with others when you are so constantly focused on your relationship with God.

Blog Post 26 - 99 Names of God

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

April 30, 2013

 

Blog Post 26: 99 Names of God

Feminine Titles:

1. The Merciful (Feminine)*

The title merciful can be viewed upon as feminine because women are commonly seen as the more sympathetic gender in comparison to males. Males are viewed as the strong and non-compassionate gender females are seen as the compassionate and easygoing gender that are more likely to be merciful and forgiving in certain situations. Although this term through society is viewed as a feminine term, God who is known to be The Father is very merciful. God mercifully forgives us for all of our sins, he bestows mercy upon us despite of the actions that humans have partook in. In addition he doesn’t hold any grudges after he has shown mercy upon us. Mercy is viewed as feminine because it implies in some cases a nurturing nature, which is society has always been a more feminine role, God is our nurturer despite his gender.

 

2. The Fashioner (Feminine)*

Fashion, throughout society has been seen as a feminine attribute. This is seen as feminine because women are known to be “obsessed” with their appearances. Women desire to look a certain way, women seek the new trends and love to be in tune with what is new in society or in other words, what is fashionable. Being fashionable goes beyond being able to dress, it is being aware of what society is now like. This clearly relates to the actions and intentions of God. God desires to know what is fashionable in our lives. He wants us to talk to him on a daily basis. He wants all of his children to self-communicate with him what is new within their lives. He doesn’t want to find out through his own ways, he wants testimonials from his children. Same as women in society, women seek fashionable trends threw testimonials of other individuals which mirrors God in many ways.

 

Masculine Titles:

3. The Masterful (Masculine)*

The title masterful can be viewed as masculine because men in society are seen and in history have always been seen as the domineering force in society, or in other words the master. Men are the head of the household, they are the breadwinners, the keep the house in order are some of the messages that are embedded into societal minds on a daily basis. Without men being the orderly figures or the master then society, families, etc. will be in disarray. This can be mirrored perfectly with the image and likeness of God. God is the breadwinner in society, keeps everyone in society intact. Without God being in a masterful position then the entire world would be in disarray. The theory of the man in society being the controller within society being embedded into the minds of society, God also being the controller within society and the master of all things has been embedded into society.

 

4.  The Proud (Masculine)*

            The title of The Proud is viewed in society as masculine because men within society are seen as needing to be proud and honoring what their role is in society, their job, or their family life. Their duty as father one of the most important roles in a child’s life, fathers are the role that helps mold a child. And for some fathers, hopefully they take pride in the role they have acquired. The pride that comes in being such an important influence in someone’s life creates a sense of pride for that person. This can be communicated through the likeness of God because he takes pride in being all of the world’s father and protector. God realizes the influence he has on individuals lives on a daily basis, people devote their entire lives to serving the Lord is beyond and influence on individuals. And he has great pride with acknowledging that he is our father and protector.

 

Blog 26 - April 28, 2013

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

April 26, 2013

Blog Post 26 --> WebQuest

 

Task 1:

 

1. What is the highest estimate for the total number of Muslims in the world today?

At this moment Muslim population stands at 2.1 billion which is far greater than currently estimated 1.6 to 1.7 billion.

 

2. List 10 countries in which Muslim population is greater than 86%.

Ten countries that has a greater population than greater than 86% are the following:

-          Indonesia

-          Bangladesh

-          Pakistan

-          Iran

-          Egypt

-          Algeria

-          Morocco

-          Saudi Arabia

-          Syria

-          Iraq

3. What country has the largest Muslim population?

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population, the population of Muslims that reside in Indonesia is 182,570,000 people.

 

4. How many Muslims are there in the United States?

There are 2,595,000 Muslims that reside in the United States.

 

Task 2:

Summarize each of the key beliefs in complete sentences:

-          Belief in one God, the same God that Christians praise and worship.

-          Muslims believe in angels, these are honored creatures that worship God alone.

-          Muslims believe in the revealed books for the guidance of mankind, the book that Muslims has is the Quran.

-          Muslims believe the prophets and messengers of God which include Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus.

-           Muslims believe in judgment day.

-          Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill.

Teachings of Muhammad in complete sentences:

-          Muhammad was the final prophet of God

-          Allah means “One true God”

-          Islamic religion existed before Muhammad was born

Task 3:

1. What does the Quran provide?

The Quran provides wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, etc., but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. The Quran , it provides guidelines and detailed teachings for a just society, proper human conduct, and an equitable economic system.

 

2. In what language(s) does the Quran exist? Why?

The Quran only exists in Arabic. This is because the Quran was revealed in Arabic.

 

3.  During which month was the Quran sent down from heaven?

The Quran was sent down from heave during the 9^th month of the Muslim calendar.

 

4. What did the angel Gabriel command Muhammad to do ? What happened next?

The angel Gabriel commanded Muhammad to read verses from the Bible, after Muhammad read the verses from the Bible he was inspired to write the Quran.

 

Task 4:

 

-          List and explain the 5 pillars of Faith:

 

 •Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith

•Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day

•Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy

•Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan

•Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

 

2. Why are the pillars important?

The pillars of faith are important because it creates a foundation for their everyday lives, in addition it also creates a systematic schedule for their everyday lives. Practicing the five pillars also demonstrates the devotion a Muslim has to their own personal faith.

 

3. Why is cheating on one of the five pillars impossible?

Cheating on one of the five pillars is impossible because it is done on a daily basis in public, so that everyone must witness you practicing your faith.

 

4. Compare the five pillars with other activities in other religions.

The five pillars of faith is similar to within the Catholic religion individuals are required to attend mass on a weekly basis, and individual cannot lie about attending mass because it is done in public so that everyone can see, which is similar to the five pillars of faith within the Islamin religion.

 

Task 5:

1. What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation". Which is also the month of fasting for Muslims.

 

2. What restraints are placed on Muslims during Ramadan?

During the month of Ramadan Muslims cannot eat from sunrise to sunset. Smoking and sexual activity is forbidden during the month of Ramadan as well.

 

3. What can destroy the good acquired during  Ramadan?

Something that can destroy the good acquired during the month of Ramadan is telling lies, slander of any sort, denouncing someone behind their back, false oath, and greed or covetousness.

 

4. Why is the 27^th day of Ramadan significant?

The 27^th day of Ramadan is significant because Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.

 

5. What happens when Ramadan ends?

When Ramadan ends fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals.

 

6. What are the three reasons Ramadan is important?

Three reasons why Ramadan is important are the following;

-          Good actions during this month will equal great reward later

-          It also helps in becoming a better Muslim with a stronger faith

-          Ramadan also helps them to fight off the devil

 

7.  Why is it easier to do good during Ramadan?

It is easier for Muslims to good during Ramadan because they have extra support from their family during the entire month of Ramadan.

 

Task 6:

 List 10 interesting facts about the links provided:

 

1. "Islam" means "Peace through the submission to God

2. Muslim" means "anyone or anything that submits itself to the will of God".

3. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. To become Muslim, a person of any race or culture must say a simple statement, the shahadah, that bears witness to the belief in the One God and that Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet of God.

4. Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life: moral, spiritual, social, political, economical, intellectual, etc.

5. ) Muslims believe that God has revealed 99 of His names (or attributes) in the Holy Qur'an

6. Muslims neither worship Muhammad nor pray through him. Muslims solely worship the unseen and Omniscient Creator, Allah

7. The Holy Qur'an has no flaws or contradictions

8. Actual seventh century Qur'ans, complete and intact, are on display in museums in Turkey and many other places around the world.

9. The Holy Qur'an was not authored by Muhammad

10. The word "jihad" does not mean "holy war". Instead, it means the inner struggle that one endures in trying to submit their will to the will of God.

3rd Quarter Extra Credit - 3.17.13

 

 

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World-p.8

March 17, 2013

Extra Credit: The Monastic Community

 

1. Why might it be easier to practice Buddhism if you're a monk or a nun?

It might be easier to practice Buddhism because monks and nuns are already have taken an oath to the of disciplinary rules called the Vinaya. A disciplinary code called the Patimokkha was also compiled in order to regulate the day-to-day conduct of the members of the Order. The difficulty that is to take the oath for all Buddhists, nuns and monks have already taken that oath as a lifestyle. Monks and nuns have taken an oath to sexual intercourse, theft, taking of a human life, false proclamation of miraculous powers. All of these oaths that the individuals of the Order must take and also must maintain the monks and nuns have already committed to living the lifestyle.

Another reason why monks and nuns may have an easier time practicing Buddhism. Because monks and nuns have devoted their lives to solitude and to focusing their life to their religion. But implementing their lifestyle into their practice of Buddhism that will make their devotion to their religion will be a great devotion to the religion in general.

 

2. What are the main differences between the rules for a Theravadin monk/nun and a monk/nun in the Tibetan tradition?

A Theravadin monk/nun -Buddhism is unique among Indian Religions in that Buddha, as founder of a spiritual tradition, explicitly states in canonical literature that a woman is as capable of nirvana (enlightenment) as a man, and can fully attain all four stages of enlightenment in the Dhamma and Vinaya of the Buddha Sasana. There is no equivalent, in other traditions, of the Therigatha or Apadanas which record the high levels of spiritual attainment by women.

This is different in Tibetan tradition monk/nun -In recent years, due to the repressive conditions in Tibet, an influx of nuns have arrived to join the refugee communities in India and Nepal. Ranging in age from pre-teen to mid-eighties, these nuns come from all parts of Tibet and from many different backgrounds. Upon arrival in India, many nuns are suffering severely from the stresses of their long, arduous and often dangerous journeys of escape. Some have faced torture and imprisonment at the hands of the Chinese authorities in Tibet and are enduring immense physical and emotional pain. In most cases, the nuns arrive without money or possessions. In this Indian religion women play a more submissive role.

 

3. Could any rules governing the lives of monks/nuns be modified or done away with altogether, without compromising the purpose and integrity of ordination? If so, which ones and why?

Yes, I do believe that the rules of governing the lives of monks/nuns . The one law that I believe should be changed is the following: They must respect the leadership of the Party and government, respect the Socialist system, strenuously study relevant official policies and voluntarily accept the leadership and oversight of government offices at all levels. The reason for this is because although they have devoted their lives to their religion doesn’t mean they should not be allowed to voice their opinion about the social and political structure of society.

Korean Buddhist Nuns from the Choir ^^

Blog Post 22 - Ancient Western Religions

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

March 14, 2013

Blog Post 22 - Ancient Western Religions

 

1. When and where did Zoroastrianism begin to flourish?

Zoroastrianism began to flourish throughout Iran  during the Persian Empire, which occurred during the 5^th and 4^th centuries.

 

2. How did Zoroastrianism spread beyond its place of origin?

Alexander the Great conquered Persia which resulted in the culture of Zoroastrianism to spread among Persia and other countries.

 

3. Briefly describe the religious experience Zarathustra had at age 30.

Zarathustra at the age of thirty years old came in contact with an angel called Good Thought, Good Thought brought him a soul called Ahura Mazda. From that point on Zarathustra recognized Ahura Mazda as the only true God.

 

4. Name the sacred text of Zoroastrianism. What is the oldest material in this text, and who wrote it?

Avesta is the sacred text of Zoroastrianism. The oldest material within the Avesta is the Gathas. Zarathustra wrote the Gathas.

 

5. Summarize the characteristics and actions associated with the Ahura Mazda.

The Ahura Mazda is characterized as eternal and universal goodness. The Ahura Mazda controls all cosmos and the destiny of all human beings, the Ahura Mazda is the father of the pathway of the sun. “By whom the moos waxes and wanes”, is how Zarathustra characterized the Ahura Mazda.

 

6.  What is Ethical Dualism?

Ethical Dualism is the belief in universal forces of good and evil. In Zoroastrianism, Ethical Dualism is the most distinctive feature.

 

7.  What is the LIE, and how does is relate to the Ahura Mazda?

The LIE is a belief that evil really exists, and that the LIE is really present in the world. This challenges monotheism of the Ahura Mazda. If an evil force really is this powerful to be among us than the Ahura Mazda may not really exist.

 

8. What must humans choose between in the Zoroastrianism comic scheme?

Humans much choose between truth and the LIE, which is the beneficent of the spirit and the hostile spirit.

 

9. Summarize Zarathustra’s understanding of human destiny.

Zarathustra’s understanding of human destiny is that after death individuals undergo Judgement. Which requires a crossing the Bridge Separator, which starts out as torment then leads to paradise.

10. Where are the general ethical demands of traditional Zoroastrianism life?

The general demands are caring for the livestock and fields. Generally one is to lead a simple life of always telling the truth and doing what is right.  Great care should be taken to avoid evil and the LIE.

 

11. Who are the Parsis’, and where do most of them live today?

The Parsis’ are the modern Zoroastrianism practices, most of them reside in India in today’s world.

 

12. What are commonly regarded as having been the Bible of the ancient Greeks?

The epic poems of Homer entitled Illiad and Odyssey are the books that were regarded as the Bible of the ancient Greeks.

 

13. Explain the meaning of this sentence: The Gods of the Olympian pantheon  are anthropomorphic?

The meaning of this sentence means that the gods of the Olympian pantheon have or are in human form and human characteristics.

 

14. What was Aeschylus’ main contribution to the understanding of the gods of the Olympian pantheon? Give an example.

Aeschylus’ contributed to the new ideas of Homeric religion. He became concerned particularly with the idea of Divine justice.  The play Agamemnom explain humans suffering as the divine plan of Zeus.

 

15. What is an oracle? What is the most famous oracle of ancient Greece, and why was it consulted?

An oracle was a sanctuary favored by a particular god, which was communicated by those who visited the site of the god. The most famous oracle was Delphi, Delphi was consulted because his wisdom was sought out.

 

16. Briefly identify the three basic aspects of the mystery religions:

- Individuals had to choose to become initiates, and they went through some form of initiation ritual .

- Initiates experienced a personal encounter with the deity.

- Initiates gained spiritual renewal through participation in the religion and, as with most mystery religions, hope for a better afterlife.

 

17. What mystery religion honored Demeter and Persephone?

The mystery religion of Eleusion (religion par excellence) honored Demeter as well as his daughter Persephone.

18. What is the god Dionysus associated with , and how is he often depicted as in Greek art?

Dionysus is classified as the god of fertility. Dionysus is often depicted through Greek art with grapes and vines. Dionysus often appeared in art of wild vegetation of hills and mountains.

 

19. Name the goal of the ascetic practices of the Orphics.

The goals of the ascetic practices on the Orhics was that the soul might eventually escape the body and realize the divinity of Dionysus nature.

 

20. What is Plato’s theory of knowledge?

Plato’s theory of knowledge is that we have knowledge of things because we have had that experience in a previous life.

 

21. What is Platonic Dualism?

Platonic Dualism is the connection between the mind and the body, in which both become one.

 

22. Why did Jesus seem to have much in common with the ancient Asclepius?

Jesus seemed to have much in common with the ancient inhabit because both were referred to as Saviors and the closeness of the worshippers and Asclepius which resembles the relationship between Christians and Christ.

 

23. What were numina, and what sorts of things were they thought to inhabit?

Numina are supernatural powers. These powers were thought to populate homes, towns, and the countryside.

 

24. Who was the most powerful Roman deity?

The most powerful Romans deity was Jupiter, the sky god.

25. Identify the 6 planets of our solar system that are named after Roman deities.

The 6 planets that are named after our solar system are the following: Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn.

 

26. Why did the Roman state consider it essential to maintain official worship practice?

It was believed to help ensure the welfare of the Roman state.

 

27. Which mystery religions were the main rivals of Christianity in the later Roman Empire?

The mystery religion that was the main rival with Christianity in the later Roman Empire was the Mithraism mystery religion.

 

28. Briefly summarize the Egyptian  myth of Iris and Osiris.

The Egyptian myth of Iris and Osiris was that Osiris (Iris’ husband) was killed and cut into pieces by Iris’ evil brother. Iris looked for Osiris’ body parts, and when she found them she mummified his body parts and that brought him back to life. And when Osiris came back to life he became the god of the underworld.

 

29.  Briefly describe the sort of emperor worship encouraged by Augustus.

The type of emperor worship that was encouraged by Augustus was not on himself but on the genius guardian spirit that he designed.

30.  Why did Christians and Roman rulers clash over emperor worship?

The Christians and the Romans clashed over emperor worship because Romans believed that Christians did not support the state by not worshipping the emperor, and Christians did not worship the emperor because that would go against their entire belief of only worshipping the one true God.

Judaism Assignment - 3.10.13

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

March 11, 2013

Judaism Questions:

 

1. What are the three functions of a synagogue?

The three functions of a synagogue are the following :

-          1.House of Assembly- Here Jews use this as a meeting place. Within Judaism there are strong roots of a communal society. The synagogue is the place where people meet to pray, study, celebrate, mourn, and socialize. Jews receive support and guidance through the advice of the community, this foundation begins in synagogues.

-           2.House of Study- The main function of a synagogue is used as a place to study. In synagogues Jews study the Torah.

-          3. 3.House of Prayer- Here individuals meet for prayer, Judaism requires prayer three times a day.

2. What does the layout of a synagogue look like? Check out the various items and then identify the purpose and location of the following:

Ark- The aron ha-kodesh (the holy ark) serves as the replacement for when the Torah is not used. The Holy ark also serves as the focal point while an individual is praying. Above the ark stands an eternal light that represents the eternal light of the Temple. The ark can be decorated in many ways and come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. The core of the ark is a cabinet that contains the Torah scrolls.

Torah Scrolls-usually has a parokhet or curtain covering it. For specific holidays some Torah Scrolls are decorated with white cloth to recognize its purity. But ordinarily the Torah Scrolls are decorated with elaborate jewels and rhinestones.

Ten Commandments-  Located below the Torah Scrolls

3. What is a rabbi?

In the Jewish community, a rabbi is viewed not only as a spiritual leader but as a counselor, a role model and an educator. Rabbi literally means teacher.

-          How does a Jew become a rabbi?

To become a rabbi one would usually train for about five years at seminaries such as Hebrew Union College (Reform) or The Jewish Theological Seminary (Conservative). Orthodox rabbis will usually train at Orthodox seminaries called yeshivot.

-          How does a rabbi differ from a clergyman?

Rabbi’s differ from clergymen because clergymen guide the members of the community while rabbi’s teach members of the community.

-          What is the rabbi’s role?

A rabbi is viewed not only as a spiritual leader but as a counselor, a role model and an educator.

 4. What is the nature Shabbat? (also called Sabbath) When does it occur?

The nature of the Sabbath is a day of prayer spent in synagogues. But the nature of the Sabbath is to devote one day out of the entire week and focus on the more important things in life other than work and school primarily for one’s faith and observance. The Sabbath occurs on the seventh day of the week, which is Saturday.

 

 5. What is the Torah? What is the Talmud?

 

-          Torah - Torah" refers to the Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. But the word "torah" can also be used to refer to the entire Jewish bible. To Jews, there is no "Old Testament." The books that Christians call the New Testament are not part of Jewish scripture.

-          Talmud – the Talmud is the Oral Torah. There is a tradition explaining what the above scriptures mean and how to interpret them and apply the Laws.

6. There are different branches of Judaism. Describe the following…

Orthodox: They believe God gave the whole Torah to Moses at Mt. Sinai,  Orthodox are sometimes called "modern" Orthodox

Reform: German rabbi Abraham Geiger suggested reforming Judaism by underplaying traditional beliefs, and have a greater focus instead on the acceptance and promotion of moral law and monotheism. These ideas eventually led to the start what is now referred to as  Reform Judaism

Conservative: Conservative Judaism believes that while sacred Jewish writings did come from God, there was a human component. Although Jewish law should be obeyed, it must adapt.

Zionist: While a few secular and some Orthodox Jews remain anti-Zionist, support for Israel is now overwhelming.

 

7. What is Hebrew?

It was the language of the early Jews, but from 586 BC it started to be replaced by Aramaic.

 

8. What is Yiddish?

Yiddish was the primary language of Ashkenazic Jews in the shtetl, found throughout eastern and central Europe.

 

 9. Define the following Yiddish terms:

Mazal Tov: "good luck/fortune" in Hebrew and has been incorporated into Yiddish, and is now used in English as well. It is often used in place of "congratulations."

                                                                                                

Shalom: Shalom means"peace." Peace is only one small part of the meaning. "Shalom" is used to both greet people and to bid them farewell, and it means much more than "peace, hello or goodbye.

 

Mitzvah: a precept or commandment of the Jewish law.

 

10. Rites of Passage – Use this link to define and describe the following:

 

Brit Milah (Bris): A part of Jewish birth is the ceremony of circumcision.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah: From the age of 13 and a day onward, a Jew is counted as part of a minyan [the quorum required for public prayer], eligible to read Torah publicly, and obligated to fulfill the dictates of Jewish life.

Jewish Marriage: Originally, a Jewish marriage was proposed in two stages: Kiddushin (betrothal) and Nisu'in (marriage). Through the Talmudic period, these two stages,  were acted one year apart; by the Middle Ages, they had been combined, as they are today. According to the Mishnah, a Jewish marriage is a legal contract which can be formed in three ways. Which are the following: (1) with money (as when a man hands a woman an object of value for the purpose of contracted marriage, and in the presence of two witnesses, and she accepts); (2) through a written contract; (3) or by sexual intercourse, a method strongly discouraged by the Sages.

 

11. Holidays –

Rosh Hoshanah- Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year

Yom Kippur- Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services on this day. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri.

Hanukah- Hanukah is Jewish Christmas, which mirrors many many of the Christmas customs, such as exchanging gift and various decoration.

Passover- Pesach begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan.

 

12. What is something you knew about Jewish traditions that this confirmed?

Something that is confirmed about the Jewish traditions that this lesson confirms is the practice of the Sabbath. I heard that the Sabbath was on Sundays but sometimes I heard it was on Saturdays, and this lesson confirms the conflict.

 

 13. What is the most interesting or surprising information out of all of this?

The most interesting/ surprising information about all of this lesson is the intricate process that Jews go through during their marriage process.

 

 14. What is one aspect of Jewish tradition which is similar to a tradition in your life?

One aspect of Jewish tradition that is similar to a tradition in my life specifically is the tradition of Jewish Bar Mitzvah’s. This is similar to my family tradition of when an individual in my family turns 16. My family throws a large family party and highlights how much that 16 year old has grown and how they are at the starting point of adulthood.

 

15. What is one aspect of Jewish tradition that is different from a tradition in your life?

One aspect of Jewish tradition that is different from my traditional way of life is their marriage system. It’s much more intricate than my traditional views of marriage.