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A Jew is any person whose mother was a Jew or any person who has gone through the formal process of conversion to Judaism. Judaism was founded c. 2000 B.C. by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and has18 million followers in the U.S. Judaism espouses belief in a monotheistic God, who is creator of the universe and who leads his people, the Jews, by speaking through prophets. His word is revealed in the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament), especially in that part known as the Torah. The Torah also contains, according to rabbinic tradition, a total of 613 biblical commandments, including the Ten Commandments, which are explicated in the Talmud. Jews believe that the human condition can be improved, that the letter and the spirit of the Torah must be followed, and that a Messiah will eventually bring the world to a state of paradise. Religious observance takes place both at home and in temple. In Judaism, life is valued above almost all. Of the 613 commandments, only the prohibitions against murder, idolatry, incest and adultery are so important that they cannot be violated to save a life. Judaism not only permits, but often requires a person to violate the commandments if necessary to save a life. Because life is so valuable, we are not permitted to do anything that may hasten death, not even to prevent suffering. Suicide and assisted suicide are strictly forbidden by Jewish law. The Talmud states that you may not even move a dying person's arms if that would shorten his life. In some certain circumstances, Jewish law permits "pulling the plug" or refusing extraordinary means of prolonging life. Some Judaism Sacred practices include Sabbath night, kosher (foods only ritually acceptable), t’fillin (a covenant with God), Bar Mitzvah (“son of the commandment”) and Bat Mitzvah (considered an adult).
Approximate Word count = 1186
Approximate Pages = 4.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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