Running head: Principles and Culture of Judaism 1

Principles and Culture of Judaism

Isabella Martillaro

Arizona State University

Principles and Culture of Judaism
2

Abstract

For my research project I studied the principles of judaism as well as the culture. In this essay I

take a deeper look into the beliefs of the religion and history behind their traditions and way of

living. In order to fully immerse myself I was able to speak with members in the religion such as

a rabbi, as well as attending events such as temple and shabbat. Arizona State University has a

large jewish community, containing greek life specified for the religion as well as clubs and

events that were very accessible to me.

Keywords​: ​Judaism, Research, Culture, Traditions, Beliefs

Principles and Culture of Judaism
3
Principles and Culture of Judaism

Section 1, Question Bank

The purpose of this research paper is to truly immerse myself in jewish culture to fully

understand the lifestyle, beliefs and traditions within the jewish church. Growing up in a catholic

family, I was always completely isolated from jewish culture and was taught to steer away from

individuals who practiced this religion. I would like to know more about the holidays

surrounding the religion as well as the meaning of the torah.

Central Research Question

- What are the traditions and principles of judaism?

General Inquiry/Observation Questions

- What does Judaism mean to you?

- What does it mean to keep kosher? Why is it important?

- What are some common traditions within jewish families?

- What principles do you believe are the most important to live by?

- What is the difference between a non orthodox and orthodox judaism?

- What is the meaning of the torah? Why is it important to the jewish religion?

General Interview Questions

- There are some common parallels between christianity and judaism. What do you believe

divides the two religions the most?

Principles and Culture of Judaism
4

- What is the difference between the religion and the nationality?

- In your opinion, what separates jewish culture from the average american lifestyle?

- What are the primary beliefs you stand by?

- Is it important for a significant other the convert in order to be wed?

- What are the most important holidays and events in the jewish religion?

Interview Questions for Specific People

- What is Shabbat?

- What is yom kippur?

- How long do you sit Shiva?

- What makes you proud to be jewish?

- Why is important to attend synagogue?

- What are jewish wedding traditions?

- Was it difficult growing up jewish in a primarily christian community?

Principles and Culture of Judaism
5

Section 2, Sites of Inquiry

Sites of Inquiry Contact / Location Dates / Times

Simone Peretz interview Student Tuesday October 23, 2018

Taylor Place Residence Hall 8:00 pm

Harley Richtker Interview Student Thursday October 25, 2018

Manzanita Hall 2:00 pm

Barton Lee Rabbi Emeritus Friday October 26, 2018

1012 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 10:00 am
85281
Principles and Culture of Judaism
6

Section 3, Inquiring into Objects /Artifacts/Symbols

Of the individuals I interviewed, all three stated that the most significant items within the jewish

religion are the Torah and the Siddur. “The name of God”, is also considered to be an item in the

jewish religion.

The Torah scroll is the holy book of judaism but is not considered to be the words of god

as it was written by Moses. The Torah consists of five parts: ​Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,

Numbers and Deuteronomy. It is considered to be the holiest object in Judaism, so when writing

a Torah scroll there are many rituals and rules that the scribe has to follow. After speaking with a

Rabbi Barton Lee he stated, “it usually takes a scribe over a year to write a Torah scroll, if they

mess up or fail one of the requirements they have to start all over again”. This was interesting to

me because there is so much respect around a simple object, in christianity it is common to paint

your bible, to rip out pages, or alter it in some way. However, in Judaism it would be a huge

dishonor to perform anything close to those actions.

Another important object in Judaism is the Siddur, which is a jewish prayer book. The

Siddur is usually used in the Synagogue ritual and on weekdays. Certain prayers are only to be

spoken at certain times or with certain people. It is important for jewish people to maintain the

holiness of the word “God”. Often times they will only write “G-d”, if they do not feel it is

being used in the correct respect.

Principles and Culture of Judaism
7

Part 2, Principle Quotes or Observations with an explanation of value: examples

1. Simone Pretetz stated, “The most important object is that name of god, however some

don’t consider that to be an object. So, I would say the holiest object is the Torah. Often

times you need ten men to even open the Torah.” This is important because it shows how

important it is to the member of the religion that this object is respected.

2. “The Siddur is just a prayer book and isn’t held to the same standards of the torah, but I

would consider it to be the second holiest item for sure” (Harley Richtker). This was

interesting to me because it demonstrated once again how the Torah is a very important

aspect to the religion.

3. When speaking with Rabbi Barton Lee He reiterated the importance of the torah along

with all the rituals surrounding it. When trying to get a better understanding of the

meaning behind the book he described it as a ‘rule book’.

Principles and Culture of Judaism
8

Reflection

Learning about the Torah was one of my favorite parts of this research project. I found it

so interesting that there are so many rituals and traditions surrounding an object. Coming from a

Catholic family, the only object I could really put close to the same level is the gospel. However,

although this is considered to be the word of god in catholicism it is not held to the same respect

as the jewish Torah. Every individual I interviewed became bright eyed when asked this question

which was fascinating to see. It seems as if there is a lot of pride within the community regarding

the amount of respect they hold towards this object. Simone Peretz when asked question

regarding the Torah stated, “think of it like the american flag, how it doesn’t touch the ground,

how it has to be folded a certain way, it’s a way of showing your proud to be an american”. This

gave me a better understanding behind the rituals. It shows that they are proud of their beliefs

and are proud of their identity. The name of god was also interesting to learn about because I

didn’t consider it to be an object at first. After, speaking with the Rabbi it became easier to

understand. It is a difficult concept and he read me a few words from the Torah describing why it

is so important to never use this word in a situation it doesn’t belong. It is not something to be

spoken about casually as there are consequences within the religion for speaking ill of god or

speaking casually about the subject of the religion.

Principles and Culture of Judaism
9

Section 4, Inquiring into Place

The main place of worship in the jewish religion is the synagogue, which is just

considered a building the place of worship and service is called temple. However jewish worship

can be practiced as long as a “minyan” is assembled. A minyan is a group of ten jewish men, and

is necessary. Synagogues are holy buildings usually used for ​ prayer, the reading of Tanakh,

study and assembly. It is very important to jewish people to attend temple in order to strengthen

their religion and gain a sense of identity. All synagogues face jerusalem so that they are praying

towards the center of the faith. The Services are usually conducted by the Rabbi.

When entering a synagogue you have to act respectfully and dress nice in order to respect

god. You also do not need to be jewish in order to attend services held in a synagogue. Contrary

to popular belief the jewish community is very welcoming to other religions. In synagogues there

is always a light that is on because it represents a mannurah that is always lit. Harley Richter

described it as a way of saying that, “we are all still here”. This was interesting to me me

because it gives a sense of community. In traditional Synagogues woman and men are separated

by wall. This is usually only practiced in orthodox judaism. In Traditional synagogues women

must always have their arms and their legs covered. This is important because respect between

the two sexes is a very important structure to the religion. A Bimah is located facing the

congregation and is where the torah is read. In order to read the Torah you have to have been bar

mitzvahed. An individual never touches the Torah instead a ied is used because the oils of your

skin will make the ink on the pages run. This was interesting to me because in catholicism

anyone can read the bible.

Principles and Culture of Judaism
10

Part 2, Principle Quotes or Observations with an explanation of value:

4. “A synagogue isn’t necessary to worship but a lot of times a minyan is, the rules of when

and how you read the Torah is kind of tricky ” stated Simone Peretz. This is important

because the Torah is a necessity when practicing the religion.

5. When interviewing Harley Richtker “You need to dress nice and be respectful when

entering, it is very important to be respectful when we go because the reading of the

Torah is more than just an event it’s a service in which God is present” This is important

because it helped me understand that it is a way of showing their respect to God.

Principles and Culture of Judaism
11

Reflection

It was intimidating stepping into a synagogue. However, my experience speaking with

the Rabbi is something I will remember forever. He was willing to sit down with me and answer

every question I had in depth as well as treating me with enormous respect. He was interested to

hear in my beliefs and how I was raised. We talked for a long time about the parallels between

christianity and Judaism. Although, there are many differences between the two religions the

core values of the religions are the same, such as the ten commandments.
Principles and Culture of Judaism
12

Section 5, Inquiring into Activities/Events

Aside from temple I also attended an event called Shabbat. Shabbat is held every friday

night at sundown until saturday at sundown. I interviewed Simone peretz, who participates in the

practice of keeping shabbat. In keeping shabbat it means that during that time she does not

participate in anything considered work. She doesn't drive a car or cook or perform anything

conderied to be taxing. People who participate in shabbat go to synagogue on friday and saturday

and participate in Kiddush which is a blessing over the wine.

Halrey Ritchker often attending Shabbat during his reform camp, where on shabbat they

didn’t participate in any activities. It is a day of rest and fun activities. At Shabbat you attend

longer services and are expected to dress up for the Shabbat dinner. At the end of Shabbat there

is usually a party where everyone plays games and sing jewish hymns.

Shabbat is a time for people of the jewish community to come together and worship. It is

also a time to connect with one another. Rabbi Braton Lee described that people often get so

distracted with the fast pace of life that they don’t take enough time out to honor God. Shabbat is

a way for people within the jewish religion to take a break from their everyday life to really

focus in on their core beliefs and give praise.

Principles and Culture of Judaism
13

Part 2, Principle Quotes or Observations with an explanation of value:

6. Simone Peretz stated“ My dad doesn’t cook or drive. He’ll leave the stove on warms and

keep food on their for the next day. He doesn’t shower or shave. It is a day of rest

essentially”. This is important because it helped me understand the purpose of Shabbat.

Principles and Culture of Judaism
14

Reflection

Shabbat was actually very entertaining to attend as I went with two of my jewish friends

who were eager to take me to one of their favorite events. Simone and Harley look

forward to friday every weeks and I finally got to understand why. It was interesting to

see why these simple traditions are held so dearly to them. Shabbat is a time where they

get to connect with their community. The jewish club they are apart of was very

welcoming and thought it was nice that I chose to do my project surrounding judaism

because it is something that take very seriously and love to share with people.I got to

learn jewish hymns as well as eat traditional jewish foods. After the wine was blesses,

Everyone grabbed a glass and sat around a large table. The Air in the room was joyful

and was excellent to experience first hand.

Principles and Culture of Judaism
15

Section 6, Inquiring into People/Person

The most interesting part of this research project was learning about the culture

and community of judaism. Being catholic I was nervous to attend events let alone speak

openly with a jewish person about the beliefs and lifestyle I grew up with. However, in

the jewish religion it is very important to them to accept every individual no matter their

background or religion with open arms. In judaism there is such a huge sense of

community, they consider everyone within in their religion as family.

A lot of kids my age said it gave them a sense of identity growing up. There was

usually only two or three jewish children in their school. So going to jewish camps and

events such as temple, gave them a place to really explore who they were and celebrate

their religion.

Anti Semitism is also a huge issue in America, and it was eye opening to really

hear about it from people who have experienced this. It was difficult for some people to

fit in growing up, when they were attending schools that primarily contained other

religions. Some kids were bullied relentlessly, or isolate from certain groups of people all

because they held different beliefs than the majority. Even with all of this, no one within

the church looked at me differently and was nothing but accepting

Principles and Culture of Judaism
16

Part 2, Principle Quotes or Observations with an explanation of value:

7. Braton Lee spoke a lot with me about the importance of community withem the jewish

church and how it was difficult growing up. He values his time with other jewish people

because there is so much love within the religion.

8. Harley Richter described his experiences in elementary school being bullied. This was

eye opening to hear about and gave me an understanding of some of the struggles jeiwsh

people face in America

Principles and Culture of Judaism
17

Section 7, Soundscape Links

Principles and Culture of Judaism
18

Section 8, WP3 Proposal

I came into this project completely ignorant, not knowing a single thing about judaism.

So this experience was truly amazing for me. I got to learn so much about the culture and the

values of the people within the religion. I think it is important for more people to learn about

judaism because I believe a lot of the resentment held towards it is due to ignorance. There are a

lot of issue with anti semitism in America and this research project has really made me really the

importance of this issue and how more people need to be educated on the severity of this

problem. I was able to attend their events, learn about the Torah, and experience a whole new

lifestyle. The jewish religion know hold a whole new significance to me and without doing the

research I conducted I would have never truly got to understand the religion. Everyone within the

community welcomed me with open arms and having two jewish friends who are very close to

me I got to grow a bond with them that I never knew I could have.
Principles and Culture of Judaism
19

References

Judaism 101: Torah,​ www.jewfaq.org/torah.htm.

Septimus, Daniel. “The Thirteen Principles of Faith.” ​My Jewish Learning,​

www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-thirteen-principles-of-faith/​.

“The Torah.” ​The Bible Project​, thebibleproject.com/explore/torah-series/.

Interview: Richtker, Harley. Thursday October 25, 2018

Interview: Peretz, Simone. Tuesday October 23, 2018

Interview: Lee, Braton. Sunday October 21, 2018

Principles and Culture of Judaism
20
Principles and Culture of Judaism
21