Category: Walking Torah
Take to Heart
Judaism is, perhaps more than any other religion, rich in traditions. Books abound on the practicalities of how to be an observant Jew. Certain actions, behaviors, diets, articles of dress, and so forth, are all part of the traditions.
Some of these traditions are actual commands or mitzvot directly from the Torah, e.g., abstention from eating pork. Others are interpretations of the Torah because, while the command is there, the "how to" is sometimes not explicit; for example, the tzitzit (Numbers 15:37-41) of today and the mezuzah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
Other traditions–like reciting the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) in synagogue–can be wonderful reminders. Lighting candles to open Shabbat, the tashlich ceremony of Rosh Hashanna, eating dairy on Shavuot, and wearing a kipa have considerably less direct links, if any direct links at all, to instruction set out in the Tanach.
In this and future issues we intend to examine particular Jewish traditions–why we do or don't observe them, where they originated, whether they will enhance our relationship with God or be a burden, etc.
Yeshua spoke negatively at times about the traditions of men, while He did participate and find meaning in many. The rabbinic system of today, as a whole, has evolved from the Pharisaic systems of the 2nd through 5th centuries. Before that, Judaism was even richer in diversity with the Essenes, Sadducees, different sects of Pharisaism, Zealots, and Notzrim–all having their own halacha (ways of observing Torah). A majority of our practices in the U.S. are Ashkenazi orthodox traditions. While there is some overlap with Ashkenazi tradition, Mizrachi Jews and those from North Africa (such as Ethiopia, Morocco) hold many traditions that are totally foreign to Jews from western countries.
Unity and Observance
It is wise as Torah submissive communities to incorporate practices into our lifestyle that help o...
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