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How do you practice your religion?
Although I am not a serious religious individual, I do practice my religion which is Reconstructionist Judaism. To practice my religion I attend services at the synagogue, however only twice a year. Many younger people and those who are not so serious about their religion do the same thing and only attend when invited or on the high holy days, which are Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. By going we chant the portions of the day from the torah and the Talmud [both books] in order to become closer to g-d.
Have you ever had any type of emotional experiences while practicing religion?
I have had some, nothing like the things talked about when explaining enlightenment, but usually I just feel very good while chanting along with the entire community. I have also had consoling feelings when attending Jewish funerals because the entire community is there supporting you and everything.
What are some of the myths or stories that are prominent in this religion?
The most prominent myths are the ones that are mentioned on the major holidays, Passover, Hanukkah, and the coming of the religion. The story behind Passover is that of Moses freeing the Jews from oppression in Egypt and how he used the ten plagues. During Hanukkah we talk about Judah the macabe who fought for the Jews right to prayer. In the story of the coming of the religion it talks about Abraham and his covenant with g-d and all of his descendents, Isaac, Jacob, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.
What are some of the rules that are implemented into this religion?
The rules that are used in this religion are the Ten Commandments. In them g-d says, “I am your g-d, you shall have no other g-ds before me, you shall not make for yourself an idol, you shall not make wrongful use of the name of your g-d, remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, honor your father and mother, you shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor , and you shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. ” All of these things are the basis of all other made rules. In Reconstructionist Judaism there are not as many rules as in Orthodox Judaism.
Is there any type of doctrines in this religion?
The entire basis of this sect of Judaism is based on the Reconstructionist doctrine. It is saying how Judaism is a humanistic thing and it represents not only the religion but the culture as well. In this it tries to unify the Jewish people and gives modern Jews ways to embrace their heritage. It includes all different types of people.
What kind of social activities are there available?
Services in themselves are very social because there is always time before and after to chat with fellow community members. In my synagogue I was required to go to Hebrew school from preschool to the seventh grade which was a very social thing. We also have a youth group that does actitivities like building a sukka during Sukkoth or reading at each other’s bar and bat mitzvahs, or volunteering around the community at the Purim fair. After our class was done being bar and bat mitzvah’d we still continued with youth group and went to Shadowland and out to dinner and things. We built a really strong community base there.
How are material items used in your religion?
We use many material items, such as both of our books, tallit, yarmulkes, as well as special things used on holidays. Usually we do not use tallit until kids complete their bar and bat mitzvahs because they need it to be able to read torah in front of the congregation. Girls do not usually wear yarmulkes unless it is during their bat mitzvah ceremony, but it is up to personal preference. One the Sabbath we use wine cups and candle holders. The same is during Hanukkah when we use a menorah to symbolize the eight nights that a candle holder stayed lit for the macabes.
