-our sacred texts include more than just the 5 books of the “old testament”
-we don’t call it the old testament and please don’t call it that unless you’re referring to the christian use of it, when talking about the jewish torah use the term “hebrew scriptures”
-torah = the 5 first books (genesis exodus leviticus deuteronomy numbers) + the prophets and the writings (song of songs, psalms, etc)
-there is also Talmud (mishnah and gemara) which is where conversations by rabbis about how Jewish law should work were recorded (mishna) and further commented / debated on (gemara), and the law codes that later simplified and revised the talmud for better practical use (the shulchan aruch and mishne torah), sages’ commentaries on these law texts, and centuries of responsa to them. these texts are where you will find a lot of the rituals, observances, and rules that Jews follow (so for example the kosher laws, when we say what blessings, how we celebrate holidays, etc). so no, we do not participate in “old” testament ritual sacrifice and looking directly in there for how Jews live is a rather fruitless attempt.
-sometimes the word “torah” can refer to talmud as well, it can refer to any study of holy texts.
-responses and interpretations of Jewish law and scriptures goes on to this day
-Midrash is another type of important jewish texts which are basically poetic or interperative writings about the things in the torah/talmud/etc, comparable to parables, written by various jewish scholars to think through Jewish thought, history, religion, etc. not seen as binding legal texts but rather ways of thinking through torah/judaism. there are ancient published midrashim as well as modern ones.
-Basically understand that Jewish textual tradition goes far beyond what you know of the Hebrew scriptures and “Jewish practice is just Christianity without the New Testament” is terribly inaccurate.
-The idea that “Jews just do ancient barbaric Old Testament rituals” is ages old antisemitic slander.
non Jewish people are ok to reblog this because it is so often misunderstood
Image description: text over the image of an Egyptian hieroglyph of a long haired person pointing to the right. Text says (in all caps) “Worldbuilding tip #19 / When science doesn’t have the answers some turn to the gods. What gods exist in your world and what do they represent?” End description.
My addition: Are the gods *real* in your world? Do they walk among the people? Do they have human-like personalities, or are they alien to us? Are gods super powerful, or weak? Multiple gods? A single god? How do people organize to worship/fight the gods? What are the gods’ goals, and how do they conflict or mesh with the goals of human groups? *Are* there humans, or just some sort of humanoid being?
Hate crimes in Canada increased 47 percent in 2017, primarily targeting Muslims, Jews and black people, according to figures released by the country’s statistical agency on Thursday.
The biggest increase was in crimes targeting Muslims, Statistics Canada reported, in a year that saw a deadly mass shooting in a Quebec mosque, followed by a government motion to study Islamophobia that itself sparked anti-Muslim sentiment.
Four teenage Jewish boys wearing religious attire were assaulted and robbed in a hate crime Sunday evening, say police.
The 17-year-old boys were walking in Toronto’s north end wearing kippahs when they passed another group of nine people in their early teens, who made derogatory comments about their religion, according to police. The two groups were unknown to one another.
The group then assaulted two of the boys, “punching and kicking them” and stole a pair of sunglasses from one of the victims, reported police who arrived at the scene at 8 p.m. Officers arrested a 17-year-old whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The Jewish community is “deeply disturbed to learn of this vile assault,” said Noah Shack, GTA vice president of The Centre of Israel and Jewish Affairs in a statement. “Jewish Canadians should never fear wearing their kippah in public.”
To those who have swept or have blown the leaves from the walk, have rinsed the dishes or dusted their screens, Hestia looks on you from beneath her veil. She smiles, then wraps a shawl made of sunlit October air around you.
To those who remain in bed, who are on the edge of crying, who have turned on the tv to drown out the world, Hestia sits on the edge of your bed, patting circles on your back. I know, my love, she says, I know, I know. It can be so hard. My sweet, it’s time to get up. I need you, she says. Let’s make this home a sanctuary. Light a candle. Make your hands to care about this place. Let out the work of love.
I was just here to check out pagan prayers and now I’m tearing up
That last part, killing me lol, cuz I live in hell right now and it’s so depressing. I needed that. I’m trying. 😦
Since it’s sadly relevant, a PSA for anyone attending a Jewish funeral or visiting a home where they are sitting shiva: no flowers, please. We understand that’s your tradition and won’t be offended, but respecting our traditions is a better gift of care.
From the link: “What You Can Do–Many of you may be wondering how to express condolences to a Jewish friend and what types of sympathy gifts or items are appropriate to send or bring to a shiva according to Jewish customs and traditions. There are many ways to support bereaved friends and loved ones of the Jewish faith who are grieving. During the mourning period, you can provide food and meals, but it may be advisable to first check on the dietary and food requirements of the shiva home and consider sending kosher products if the family is Orthodox. Visiting a shiva (‘making a shiva call’) is another thoughtful gesture. In addition, sending a condolence basket containing fruit, chocolate or nuts, a sympathy card or planting a tree in Israel in memory of the loved one are common ways to show your support.”
Queer Fiction Writer 