What are the beliefs of Orthodox Judaism?
Orthodox Jews believe the entire Torah, both written and oral, is the divinely inspired word of God and is therefore literally true. Any attempt to interpret or adapt that word of God to the changing circumstances of society is a watering down of the tradition received at Mount Sinai and must be rejected.
What is forbidden in Judaism?
Kosher rules Eating shellfish is not allowed. It is forbidden to eat birds of prey. Only clean birds, meaning birds that do not eat other animals, can be eaten. Poultry is allowed. Meat and dairy cannot be eaten together, as it says in the Torah : do not boil a kid in its mother’s milk (Exodus 23:19) .
Why do Orthodox Jews wear wigs?
Orthodox women do not show their hair in public after their wedding. With a headscarf or a wig – referred to in Yiddish as a sheitel – they signal to their surroundings that they are married and that they comply with traditional notions of propriety.
Why do Hasidic Jews cover things in foil?
The tradition of covering kitchen surfaces with foil during the Passover, or Pesach, all has to do with ensuring the surfaces upon which food is prepared during the Passover week are free of chametz. Chametz refers to foods with leavening agents, which are forbidden during Pesach.
Why do Hasidic Jews wear hats?
Hats and head coverings An observant Jewish man will always have this on his head. This is an essential rule, and the purpose is to remind himself constantly that G-d is above him in heaven. With any other hat that an Ultra-Orthodox man wears, he will still be wearing a Yarmulke underneath.
Why is mezuzah at an angle?
This is done to accommodate the variant opinions of the medieval Rabbis Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam as to whether it should be placed horizontally or vertically, and also to imply that God and the Torah (which the mezuzah symbolizes) are entering the room.
Why do you touch the mezuzah?
With the ritual of touching the mezuzah when going through a doorway, Jews are reminded of these spiritual or religious instructions for living. The mezuzah serves as a permanent post-it note stuck onto the door. It’s a reminder to live a spiritual and/or religious life. It’s a reminder to think about God.