Jewish Milestones
Storyboard Text
- Birth
- Coming of Age
- Marriage
- When the baby is born, it is given a formal Hebrew name that is usually selected in remembrance of a deceased relative. This then signifies the importance of the Jewish faith placed on tradition. Jewish girls are given their names in the synagogue shortly after birth, while jewish boys are being circumcised eight days after they’re born.Practice/Ritual:A baby boy is given his name during the circumcision ceremony, which takes place after morning prayers at the synagogue.The formal name is usually only used in religious rituals, such as reading the Torah.
- Divorce
- When a boy turns thirteen, he celebrates his bar mitzvah, which means “son of the commandment.” He is then considered an adult in the Jewish religion. Months leading up to the bar mitzvah, the boy studies and prepares for the big day. The bar mitzvah usually happens on the first Sabbath after his thirteenth birthday. When a girl turns twelve, she celebrates her bat mitzvah, which means “daughter of the commandment.”Practices/Rituals:They both have to study a portion of the Torah to chant in front of the congregation.
- Death
- It is a very important part of life for Jewish people because the family plays such a predominant role within Jewish tradition. Although a Jewish person is not required to marry within the faith, it is usually thought to be preferable. It is believed that difficulties might arise if a Jew marries someone who does not understand and shares his or her faith. Most weddings take place in a synagogue and are conducted by a rabbi.The bride and groom stand under a special canopy called a chuppah, which is a symbol of the home they will share. Practice/Rituals: At the end ofthe ceremony a glass is crushed under the foot of the groom to symbolize that the couple will experience both good and bad.
- Judaism does allow divorce, it tries very hard to discourage a couplefrom taking that final step. Friends and family will do their best to help the couple get through their difficulties.Practice/Ritual:If this fails, the husband gives his wife a “get”, which is a Jewish certificate of divorce, allowing them to remarry in the Jewish religion.
- Funerals take place as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours after the death of a person. The funeral service is very simple. The body cannot be cremated because the belief is that cremation destroys what God has made. Jews believe in life after death, but it is not a very important part of their faith.Practice/Ritual: (Shiva)While sitting shiva, family mourners do not leave the house, so friends and relatives come to visit. The mourners recite the Kaddish, known as the mourner’s prayer. In some homes,the mirrors are covered so that mourners do not look at themselves, and avoid vanities at this time.
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