Jewish Passover Essay

Words: 3711
Pages: 15

At the start of the Jewish religion, Jews were considered a tribe, most likely of shepherds1. The Jews had a new concept at the time called ethical monotheism, which became the basis of the Judaism religion1. Judaism became a religion characterized by a new relationship between people and Diety1. Judaism was established in 1200 BC and began with a covenant between God and Abraham1-8. At the basis of Jewish prayer is the idea that God listens to prayer and that prayer is part of a dialogue between man and Creator1. The establishment of Judaism is described in the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah2. The five books of the Torah are titled Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. A portion of the Torah is read each week in traditional synagogue, on Mondays, Thursdays, Sabbath, and on holidays. The Jewish people split into groups around 920 BC, which is considered the time of the prophets2. In 600 BC the temple was destroyed and the Jewish leadership was killed and many Jews were sent into exile in Babylon2. When the Jews were allowed to return home, many chose to stay in exile, which …show more content…
Passover lasts for about 7 days. The Seder has fourteen elements, which are in the following order, kadesh, urkhatz, karpas, yakhatz, maggid, rakhtsah, motzi matzah, maror, korekh, shukhan orekh, tsafun, barekh, hallel, and nirtzah1. The Seder is performed during Passover for the purpose of telling the story of Exodus and allows each generation to engage and discuss the meaning in a personal way. The Seder opens with kadesh, which includes the recitation of the Kiddush, which is done over wine. After the Kiddush, everyone drinks their first four glasses of wine1,9. The Seder includes the recitation of the Haggadah and a discussion with many questions and a debate about the meaning of the