Task I: online research about Jewish traditions

To contextualize better what is happening in the book the task this week is to make a litle research about jewish traditions.

Sabbath
An important part of Judaism is acknowledging the fruits of the earth as a gift from God. Hence, Judaism prescribes the recitation of blessings before and after eating, before enjoying fragrant aromas such as spices, or upon seeing pleasing sights such as rainbows. The blessing serves to elevate the physical into the realm of the spiritual. On Friday evening, as Jews welcome in their holy day of rest, Shabbat, blessings are recited over candles, wine, bread, children and more.
                                                                    http://judaism.about.com/od/sabbathdayshabb2/



Mezuzah
In the Torah, God commands the Jewish people to hang mezuzot on their doorposts. Two Torah portions, Shema and Vehaya, include the verse: "And you shall inscribe these words upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates."
The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) begins with "Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One." The Shema reminds us that God is always present in our lives, and that we should keep God's words constantly in our minds and in our hearts. The Shema tells us that one way to do this is by writing them on the doorposts of our house. Vehaya (Deuteronomy 11:13-21) assures us of God's compensation if we fulfill his commandments (mitzvot).
It is a Torah commandment to hang mezuzot on our doorposts. Mezuzot, in turn, remind of God's presence and of our duty to fulfill God's commandments.

Tefillin
A G-d-given commandment, the wearing of Tefillin proclaims allegiance to G-d and Judaism therefore views wearing Tefillin made in strict adherence to Jewish Law of utmost importance.
Our commitment to quality, we have a department for Manufacture of Tefillin, Mezuzot, and Seferi Torah. Tefillin includes several levels of Kashrut, You can rest assured that you are getting the highest quality Tefillin for each level of Kashrut. Each set of Tefillin is checked both  computer and by a certified scribe. Our Tefillin are 100% Kosher and made in Israel.

http://www.ajudaica.com/category/3/Tefillin/


Shofar
The shofar (שופר‎) is a Jewish instrument most often made from a ram’s horn, though it can also be made from the  of a sheep or goat. It makes a trumpet-like sound and is traditionally blown on Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year.

http://judaism.about.com/od/holidays/a/whatisashofar.htm



Hanukkah

Hanukkah (sometimes transliterated Chanukkah) is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. It starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which coincides with late November-late December on the secular calendar.

In Hebrew, the word "hanukkah" means "dedication." The name reminds us that this  commemorates the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E.

http://judaism.about.com/od/holidays/a/hanukkah.htm

Kosher

  Kosher food is food prepared in accordance with Jewish Dietary Laws.

In their most "biblical" form, Jewish Dietary Laws state:

• Pork, rabbit, eagle, owl, catfish, sturgeon, and any shellfish, insect or reptile are non-kosher.
Other species of meat and fowl must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner to be kosher.
• Meat and dairy products may not be made or consumed together.

http://kosherfood.about.com/od/whatiskosherfood/f/kosherfood.htm

Tzedakah

 In Judaism, tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to do what is right and just, which Judaism emphasises are important parts of living a spiritual life.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzedakah

I hope this short resume of some of the jewish traditions can be helpfull and intresting for everyone, because indeed they are (as seen in the video) since long time ago, Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, so to keep this is an amazing work of a solid culture, that remains tills today bright.