Jewish Culture Essay

Rough Draft: Jewish Culture

Judaism has been around since Biblical times. Although Judaism has been spread around the world, their culture has not been drastically changed. Jewish culture is unique in may ways, some of these ways include dietary restrictions, holidays, clothing, and their beliefs.

Food is very important to the Jewish faith because of foods importance, the Jews must follow dietary restrictions. These restrictions can be summed up in one word- Kosher ("Judaism" par. 43). The Kosher guideline comes from the Torah. A Kosher diet is not simple, therefore, it is something not everyone understands ("Judaism" par. 43). Kosher meat must not "touch the carcass," and must be considered clean animals (Leviticus 11:8). Along with entire types of food not being allowed, foods that are allowed have restrictions on top of the food. For example, foods like meats and milk may not be eaten together ("Judaism" par. 44). If a

Jews celebrate many holidays that non-Jews do not celebrate. Rosh Hashanah is the first holiday on the Jewish calendar year. Rosh Hashanah is the equivalent of "New Year" of the Jews (Scott 18). Rosh Hashanah does not occur in January, but in mid to late fall. (Scott 18). Cards are often given out for well wishes in the new year (Scott 18). The holiday created in the book of Ester, Purim, is still celebrated today (Scott 20). The holiday is celebrated by reading of the book of Ester at the synagogues (Scott 20). The most well-known Jewish holiday is Hanukkah (Scott 20). Hanukkah is the Jewish version of Christmas. It lasts a little over a week and is celebrated in December (Scott 20). Another well holiday is called Passover ( Scott 20). Passover is the celebration of the Exodus, which the Israelites escaped Egypt. The holiday of Passover is family oriented (Scott 20). Holidays are important to the Jewish culture because the holidays symbolize the past of