Judaism Jewish And Interfaith Rabbi

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By Linda Russell


A rabbi of this kind is sought out when the need arises to intermarry. Jewish and interfaith Rabbi is there to guide one as one searches into the meanings, custom and practices of what it means to be a Jew. This is especially so when one wants to marry someone who is not Jewish.

Judaism has many practices and customs and it is no wonder why someone such as this will be required to answer questions or to facilitate and wedding for that matter. From Kosher laws to ceremonial laws, it takes a great deal of studying to become proficient at them or to get an idea what it is really like being a Jew. For one, Laws regarding the Sabbath are plentiful and it takes some time before one gets a grasp of what it means to keep this Holy Day.

For one, there are many laws regarding the Sabbath which is the day of rest and occurs from sunset on a Friday night going all the way through to sundown on a Saturday night. No manner of work must be done and these are stipulated both in the oral law and written law. The oral law is that body of law that is handed down verbally throughout the generations. The written law is that part of the law that is contained in the Five Books of Moses.

When the Jewish people were wandering through the desert many years ago, they built the mishkan or as translated, the tabernacle. This was the holy ark that they carried around with them during the sojourn in the desert. The work that went into building it constitutes all types of work that is performed during the week and these are abstained from doing on the Sabbath day.

This even includes not touching objects that may lead one to do work thus desecrating the Sabbath and its laws. It is a day of rest and as a Jew one is expected to go to Shul or Temple and to pray and study both the Oral laws and those contained in the Five Books of Moses or otherwise known as the Written Law. In synagogue on a Saturday, the Torah is taken out and the weekly portion from it is read out aloud.

This is a whole study in itself but with a little patience and a little knowledge, it is something that can be put into practice relatively easily. It is all about separating what is holy to that which is not. There are certain foods that may be consumed such as meat derived from an animal that chews the cud and has cloven hooves two of which being cattle or sheep.

Furthermore, there is an order of prayers and customs that are practiced during the marriage ceremony itself where a chupah or canopy is erected for the bride and groom to stand under whilst vows are being shared. One can include this on the occasion as it too has been tradition since years gone by. There are four pillars that make up the chupah and one can decide or not to include family and friends to hold these poles whilst the ceremony is in session.

It is one that preaches patience, humility and love towards the fellow man. There is much to learn and embarking on this journey requires commitment and perseverance. Engaging in discussion with a Rabbi is advised should one want to know more or to just find out about the many facets of this Religion.




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