Jewish+Social+Customs

Jewish Social Customs: Page by Nicole and Emily Being a Jew is not a matter of belief as with many christian religions. It is more like a nationality rather than a religion. According to Jewish law, even if a person believes and follows every law and custom of Judaism, they are still not considered a Jew until he or she meets the requirement of a Jewish mother or go through a formal conversion process.

Almost all marriages in the jewish community are arranged through the local matchmaker. This person is typically an older, higher standing member of the community. The Matchmaker acts as a go between for familys, negotiating and directing them in a certain direction. Jews sometimes marry close relatives, allowing a certain blood line to grow stonger. In their culture this is not illegal, a jew can marry a first cousin if so desired. It is common to marry early: between the ages of 14 and 18. This practice of marrying so young was a common practice up until the 20th century. In the film, //Fiddler on the Roof//, they give a great example of a Matchmaker's role. The sister talks about her finding them a husband and hoping for some luck. They have no say in the matter and may end up marrying some twice their age! media type="youtube" key="59Hj7bp38f8" height="344" width="425" Similarly, Ruth talks about how her mother and father had an aranged marriage. Her father married her mother in order to come to America. It was not for love but, rathor for convenience. There is another good scene from //Fiddler on the Roof// that gives you a good image of marriage rituals. media type="youtube" key="nLLEBAQLZ3Q" height="344" width="425" A popular dance, esppcialy at weddings, is the bottle dance. In the Jewish culture, men and women are not allowed to dance together, even in marriage. If you look closly in the video, their is a rope dividing the men and women as they dance. Another custom presnted at the beginning of the film is the chair dance. This dance is preformed at special occasions. The guest of honor will sit in a chair and the guests would hoist them up and parade them throughout their guests. media type="youtube" key="X_B4iljTugo" height="344" width="425"
 * Marriage**

The Jews also feel very deeply about visiting the sick. Their service of love does not stop there, though, they feel it is important for them to bury their dead as quickly as possible. As the funeral procession is passed, everyone who sees it is expected to join the convoy if it is at all possible. All reverence is shown towards the remains of the dead, and burying-places are always kept neat, clean, and nothing profane is allowed there. They respect the dead so much that they will not even talk out loud while at the burial site, but rather hold conversations in whispers. Burials generally follow as soon as possible after death, except for in special cases. This was no doubt for sanitary reasons, just as we do today. The preparations for the burial are very simple and include washing the body and putting the body into pure linens.
 * Death**

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Parenting as seen as a very large and important duty to the Jewish. A Jewish parent is sure to be consistent and fair with each child becuase they believe that in favoring one child over the others there can be dire conquences. A parent should never show open favoritism or any sort of inequality between children for the consequenses of these actions can be catastrophic. Also, a parent should not promise anything to a child unless they are absolutely certain that promise can be upheld. If these promises are broken, the Jewish believe that the frustration, dissappointment, and anger the child will endure could cause unnecessary hardship for the child. Discipline, as in other cultures, is a vital part to the upbringing of a child. A good Jewish parent knows how and when they are to use punishment and when they should be flexible. They should know the correct proportionment of caring and compassion. Parents also are suppose to fulfil duties to their children. Among these tasks assigned to them are giving sons a ritual circumcision, redeeming a firstborn, marrying off the first child, and teching a child a trade with which they can earn an income. Lastly, so believe that a parent should also teach a child how to swim. This way of life can be related to how Ruth raises her children. When James comes home after the sun has already gone down Ruth is ready to punish him for his misdeeds. Also, Ruth make sure that any time the children need to be disciplined, but when her children need her help she is there for them. This can be seen when James begins to go to school. Ruth takes him to his bus stop everyday.
 * Parenting**

The Jewish are very strict about following to their customs because it is not only their religion but also their way of life.

The follow the main way of life which consists of three parts, spirituality, ethics, and peoplehood.

The way of life associated with these three circles is considered sacred, and is strictly adhered to in all aspects of life.

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