home glossary Central Teachings History Sanctification Of Life Image Map
Site Basics
Title: Just Judaism: The Judaism Blog
Hosted by: Blogspot.com

Under The Hood
Made By: Leslie Mullen
Made For: Religion Isu
Layout & Coading by: Leslie Mullen

Upcoming Holidays
January 20th, Thursday - Tu Bishvat
March 20th, Sunday - Purim
April 19th, Tuesday - Passover (Pesach)
May 1st, Sunday - Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah)
May 8th, Sunday - Israel Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron)
May 9th, Monday - Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut)
May 22th, Sunday - Lag B'Omer
August 9th, Tuesday - Tisha B'Av
September 29rd, Thursday - Rosh HaShanah
October 8th, Saturday - Yom Kippur
October 13th, Thursday - Sukkot
October 20th, Thursday - Shemini Atzeret
October 21st, Friday - Simhat Torah
December 21st, Wednesday - Hanukkah (Chanukah)

Materials Used
2011 jewish Holiday Calender
World Religions: A Voyage of Discovery (Textbook)

Rites of Passage

The rites of passage serve two purposes. They reflect the inevitable changes of life, while a the same time providing a sense of permanence through their unchanging rituals and the deeply rooted values they set forth. They also help to define the responsibilities of each stage of life.

Birth and Naming
The rite of passage for birth is naming and for boys is circumcision. the circumcision usually takes place on the eighth day, after birth, and takes place at the parents house. Girls are named during a Sabbath service at the synagogue.

Coming of Age
The ritual marking the coming of age for Jewish children is called bar mitzvah, for boys, and bat mitzvah, for girls. This marks the point of a young persons life in which they take on the full religious responsibilities of an adult.

Marriage
Marriage is the ideal human relationship in Judaism. It celebrates God's creation by symbolically recreating the Garden of Eden. Some symbols are the huppah (bridal canopy), seven blessings that are read over a cup of wine, and the groom breaking a wine glass beneath his foot (symbolizing that life involves difficulties and pain along with some joy).

Death and Mourning
Death poses unique challenges to the family of the deceased and to the community. There are several distinct stages of mourning. The first stage lasts from death to burial. When they first learn of the death they acknowledge God as the "true judge". The second stage occurs after burial with the recital of the kaddish, a prayer of mourning. This lasts for seven days. The third stage lasts for thirty days after the burial. Social gatherings and celebrations are avoided during this stage. If the deceased is someones parent, a fourth stage occurs until the first anniversary of the death. During this stage the mourners avoid their usual seats at the synagogue and recite the kaddish during service.

Labels: