Each nation has its own customs that existed in ancient times. Jews are no exception. Jewish traditions and customs are the first step towards understanding and familiarizing with this interesting culture. Israel today has become the center of identity not only for indigenous peoples, but also for many other peoples. It is for this reason that some moments in the foundations of the country resemble the customs of other countries.
Jewish festivities
First of all, you should pay 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 on Friday evening by women. Prayers are read before the start of the meal on this day.
It is also important that there is a dish on the table - cholent, which is prepared from beans, beans and meat the day before Saturday. Also on the feast are fish dishes, whichusually stuffed.
New Year
New Year's Jewish traditions and customs in culture have a special place. The period when the holiday begins falls on September and October. At this time, people repent of their sins, have good hopes for the future. Also, the people comprehend the connection with God and in general the surrounding world as a whole.
Dishes on the table are the symbols of the coming year, or rather, what it should be like. For example, they serve sweet apples in honey, hoping that the coming time will be generous and favorable. Pomegranate means the number of all good events in the future.
Yom Kippur
One of the holiest celebrations is Yom Kippur. Those who believe, as a rule, fast for 25 hours, do not wear clothes and shoes made of leather. Also they are not washable. During this period, they pray in the synagogue, expiating their sins. The signal that such a day is over is the sound of the shofar, an instrument made 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 lighting of a special lamp, which is placed on the windowsill. Every new day, another light appears on it. There should be eight at the end. For children these days they make holidays in all institutions.
Purim
Purim is considered one of the most fun holidays. Among all Jewish traditions and customs, it is possible to distinguish it. It starts at the end of February, and these days everyone does not stophave fun, dance. The family table contains various goodies - wines, cakes, gomentashen (pies with raisins and poppy seeds).
Pesach (Easter)
Easter is a holiday for which all Jews are preparing. It falls in March, April. It is customary to eat special unleavened cakes (matzo) during the seven days of the celebration. Families also take out a variety of goodies based on sourdough dough from home.
Wedding ceremony
The traditions and customs of the Jewish wedding go deep into history. Initially, it was accepted that the wedding takes place only thanks to the matchmaker, who connected the grooms with the brides. Today, you don’t see this very often, only ultra-Orthodox Jews use this method.
A couple can be different people who can meet by any rules. The basic principle is that the groom asks the bride's hand directly from her father. The first must provide a ransom commensurate with his ambitions.
First, before the wedding, there should be an engagement, at which it is customary to break a plate. We probably have such a tradition preserved as an action performed for the happiness of the young. For Jews, this symbolizes the destroyed temple of Jerusalem. The main task is to make it clear to the young that the past bitterness of the people is important and must 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. Such conditions are almost never met today. This may not be to the liking of the ultra-Orthodox communities, but foryoung it doesn't matter. The celebration begins a week before the date, with the whole period the bride and groom enjoying time and having fun.
Events for the bride and groom
The groom becomes part of the party, which begins with the fact that he prays in the synagogue. After that, he goes to his friends and family, talking about what lies ahead. In response, everyone strews him with sweets, offering him the best wines to drink. A man is relaxing in the company of his closest people.
The bride has completely different troubles. Her rite is that the girl is brought to the pool, where she must spiritually cleanse herself of all dirt. In view of this purification, the bride can enter into marriage with a pure soul and body. It is important that there should not be any jewelry on the girl’s body, the fingernails and toenails should be clean. She, completely naked, gradually enters the water, at the same time reading a prayer. A rite without extra eyes in the face of already experienced older women will not be complete, since it is they who monitor the entire process and give instructions for execution.
For a certain 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 proceeds as follows:
- The bride and groom begin the union under the Chuppah - this is an ancient custom that is very important for every Jew.
- Further, the newlyweds sign a special document - ketubah, which indicates all the standards of the future life together. Alsothe husband agrees, if necessary, to give a divorce to his wife, if she so desires.
- In the case of a weak union, a man cannot ignore this prescription.
- A man may also not sign this document, but then his wife will not be able to remarry in the future.
In fact, Jews value family bonds very much, so divorces are very rare.
Funeral
Jewish customs and traditions at funerals also express themselves vividly. They have been used for a long time, they are one of the most difficult. From the place where the deceased lived, people take out furniture, and relatives tear their clothes. Neighbors should get rid of all the water they have at home. Now everything is very simplified, prayers are read over the deceased, and a small incision is made on the lapel. Jews do not wear flowers to the grave, they leave a small stone on it.
