Judaism

Background
Judaism dates back over 3,000 years and Jews have been present in England for many centuries. In the UK there are both Sephardi and Ashkenazi communities. There are approximately 15 million Jews worldwide, of whom an estimated 300,000 live in the UK. The largest concentration of British Jews are in Greater London, Manchester and Leeds but there are small communities in most major cities.

Fundamental beliefs
Orthodox Jews believe the 'Torah' (the five books of Moses) was revealed, word for word, by God and accord the Bible and rabbinical interpretations full authority in determining law, life and religious practice. Progressive Jews believe the Torah was inspired by God but regard it as open to challenge and revision. Conservative Jews maintain traditional religious practice whilst recognising the influence of history on the development of Judaism. The Torah contains 613 commandments ('mitzvot'), which deal with questions about ethics, spirituality, sabbaths, festivals, dietary rules and other matters. Study of the Torah and practice of its commandments is central to religious life. Jews look forward to the coming of the 'Messiah' or the dawning of a messianic' age.

Religious rites and observances
Jews believe that God entered into a covenant with them through Abraham and Moses. This imposes a duty upon Jewish believers to live morally and in accordance with the Jewish Law. The importance of the land of Israel 'Eretz Yisrael' - the concept of Zionism is found in both a religious and political sense.

In progressive Judaism, men and women play an equal part in religious ceremonies including becoming 'rabbis' (spiritual leaders of the community). In Orthodox Judaism, women do not have a similar role. Hebrew is the main language of worship and many children learn it in 'cheder' (synagogue based classes) or denominational schools.

Circumcision is required of all male babies on the 8th day of life. According to 'Halacha' (Jewish law based on the Talmud) a Jew is a person born of a mother who was born Jewish or has converted to Judaism.

Barmitzvah and batmitvah
At age 13, a young male (or female in progressive sects) takes part in a ceremony, which confirms their new responsibilities. It involves reading from the Torah and presents are given.

Worship
The Sabbath ('Shabbat') is central to Jewish life. Shabbat begins about an hour before dusk on Friday evening and ends at nightfall on Saturday night. It is a day of worship and rest with special synagogue services, special meals and time for the whole family. The general rule is that Jews are forbidden from engaging in activities considered as work (which includes activities such as travelling or writing) on Shabbat. In practice, this is variously interpreted by different groupings. The exception to the Shabbat rules (as in all areas of Jewish life) is where there is a danger to life.

Prayers should be said three times a day, at home or in the synagogue. Communal worship can take place anywhere e.g. in a mourner's home during the 'shiva' week (a week of mourning following the funeral when mourners stay at home to receive visitors). It is not necessary for a rabbi to lead the communal prayers.

Main festivals
The Jewish year is both lunar and solar, in a 19 year cycle, so timings vary. Each month is the equivalent of 29 or 30 days and a year is 354 days. 1994 is the Jewish year 5754/5. The Jewish day goes from evening to evening. All festivals begin in the evening.

'Rosh Hashana' Jewish New Year in September/October.
'Sukkot'Tabernacles in September/October
"Pesach' Exodus from Egypt March/April.
'Shavuot. 'Pentecost May/June.
'Chanukah' Festival of Lights December.
'Purim' Saving of Jews in Persian Empire February/March.
'Tisha Be'Av' Fast day of Commemoration July/August

Diet taboos and social etiquette
The Jewish dietary rules are known as 'kashrut'. The extent to which kashrut is observed varies from person to person. Animals, birds and fish are either 'kosher' (permitted) or'treif' (forbidden). Kosher meat must be slaughtered and prepared in a prescribed manner. Milk and meat products must not be prepared or eaten together. Utensils must be kept separate.

Men and boys cover their heads when in synagogue with a hat or skullcap but devout men always keep their heads covered. Devout men also wear a fringed undergarment 'tzitzit' at all times. Men and women sit separately in orthodox synagogues. Traditionally, married women cover their hair in synagogue. Devout married women cover their hair at all times, often with a wig. They do not wear sleeveless garments or trousers. 'Hasidic' men are distinguishable by their dark clothes, wide brimmed hats, long coats, beards and sidelocks. They are members of ultra-orthodox sects.
Women, especially mothers, are very important in Jewish life because of their role in the family and home, which are central to Jewish continuity and values and, in particular, to many of its festivals and celebrations.
Divorce is permitted. The religious divorce (get) has to be given by the husband and be accepted by the wife.

Burial takes place as soon as possible after death, often within 24 hours. There follow four stages of mourning; between death and the funeral; the week of mourning 'shiva' following the funeral when the mourners stay at home and sit on low stools to receive visitors; a further period of 23 days when life gradually returns to normal and a period of less intense mourning lasting until the end of the year following death.