Jewish Purim Holy Day Essay Example for Free

Jewish Purim Holy Day EssayThe Jewish faith has been approximately for more than a thousand years. Judaism like galore(postnominal) other faiths such as Christian, Muslim, Hindus, and Buddhist has holi twenty-four hour periods that be part of a tradition that is followed. When an individual makes a choice to believe in one faith and follow it as its way of faith it is Copernican to understand all elements that come along with that organized religion. This story impart review the devoted day known as Purim and the review will explain the chronicle of this day and the practices associated with this Blessed day. The last section will discuss cultural differences that may affect how this day is observed by different growes of Judaism.PurimThe holy day Purim is findd in March this is the twelfth month in the Jewish calendar. The holy day starts at sundown of the first secular date for utilization 2014 the celebration will start at sundown on March 15th and end at nigh tfall of the 16th.The storyThe book of Esther explains that like many tails we read about we have a villain and a hero. Haman the adviser to the kind tells the king that there are people who do non follow the laws that the king has created. Haman creates a plan to exterminate all of the Jews. Esther the kings queen, the king does not know she is Jewish. Esther uncle asked her to goes to the king and ask him to save her people. Esther fasted for three days for fear that she will be killed for see the king uninvited. Esther goes to the king and asks him to save her people. The Jewish people are saved. This leads to the celebration of the Purim. This holy day is renowned as one of the joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar (Molloy, 2010).Religious practicesPurim is not defined in the Torah still has been celebrated by Jews sense the second ascorbic acid CE. Purim has been nicknamed the Jewish Mardi gras (Institute for Curriculum Services, 2012). For the holy day all Jews are required to fulfill the four Purim mitzvoth. The two readings of the Megillah the Scroll of Esther and Mikrah Megillah. There is to be a celebration with a feast during the feast alcohol is consumed, adults drink till they are unable to say distinguish between the phrase Cursed be Haman and blessed be Mordecai (Religion Facts, 2004 para.14). Next Jews are to give gifts of food to their friends. Last an act of charity to the poor. Purim states that two acts of charity must be effrontery in the amount equal to the balance of ones inexpensive meal. The act must be given directly to the poor and must be given without merit (Religion Facts, 2004).Branches of JudaismThe Jewish religion is not unlike many other types of religion where many of the followers have created new branches. The Jewish religion has 4 different branches that appear to be the main views that are followed. Orthodox Judaism Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional branch that is practiced by Jewish followers. The re is a large range of differences in the Jewish-Orthodox views. The idea to modernize but to as well as adhere to the Jewish laws makes this a very difficult branch the idea to embrace new views but do not forget Jewish cultures. Reform Judaism The touch that individuals have a choice over what they believe to be meaningful within the views of Judaism. This giving each(prenominal) person the idea that they have the choice to follow the path that is best suited for them.Reformed Judaism teaches that honest laws are binding while ritual laws can be changed to fit into modern day society. fusty Judaism Currently the middle ground of orthodox and Reform Judaism, the idea that Judaism can keep tradition and in addition adapt to modern circumstances. There is an importance within Conservative Judaism to study traditional Jewish school text to assist in the guide for ethics and practice. Reconstructionist Judaism Reconstructionist Judaism teaches that it is not simply a religion b ut also an evolving civilization Within Reconstructionist Judaism the Jewish laws do not have to be followed, but it does state that the companionship will be strengthened if they are.Cultural difference in the observation of PurimPurim is a holy day that celebrates the defeat of those that wanted to exterminate Jews. Not only do religions celebrate that they have overcome many obstacles so do countries, nations, towns, and tribes. Many references to the holiday Purim states that this holy day has been around for over thousands of years and will continue to be celebrated for many more thousands of years (Institute for Curriculum Services, 2012).As society changes this may change how followers of the Jewish faith may change how they celebrate holy days. This Jewish holy day may not only referee to Esther the queen that saved all the Jews from extermination but also to the time in history were Hitler again tried to exterminate the Jewish race. Judaism has been around for century but so have people and races that have felt threated by them and felt the need to exterminate them. This day of celebrate is a day that the Jewish people can rejoice in the feature that they have overcome many obstacles in life and they will survive.ConclusionHoly days or holidays however it is said can mean many things depending on the faith that is may be referring to. To celebrate Santa clause or to celebrate overcoming an obstacle can bring people together. Religion is exactly that the carry together of a group of people that want to rejoice in the feeling of something more than just themselves. Judaism is a faith that has had challenges but has overcome many challenges to become stronger with time that is why the tradition of Purim is important to follow.ReferencesInstitute for Curriculum Services. (2012). Branches of Judaism. Retrieved from http//www.icsresources.org/curricula Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the worlds religions Traditions, challenge, and change (5th ed.). New York, NY McGraw-Hill. ReligionFacts. (2004-2013). Purim. Retrieved from http//www.religionfacts.com/judaism/holidays/purim.htm