The World-Cultural-Heritage &
the world-cultural-shock in 2024
People of the Torah
Text is written by MYRTLE LANGLEY
AT THE HEART of the Jewish religion is the Torah, “the Law”, written in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Torah does not only mean “law”, but also “teaching” and “guidance”. In the Torah, God has given teaching about himself, his purposes, and how he wishes his people to obey him in every part of their lives. For a religious Jew, to obey the Torah is to follow God`s guidance. The reading of the Torah is a major part of worship in the synagogue (assembly).
People also respond to God by communicating with him in prayer. Jewish people have a special role in God`s plans for humanity, since it was to them that God revealed the Torah. They look forward to a time when God will send his Messiah (“anointed one”) to announce the final setting up of God`s rule, or kingdom, on earth.
Family and community
Text is written by MYRTLE LANGLEY
THE CENTRE OF JEWISH RELIGIOUS LIFE is the home. Great emphasis is laid on the family and relationship. The Jewish year contains many festivals, which give a pattern and a rhythm to the community`s life. Many of them are not only religious, but family festivals too. 
These festivals bind the community together. They also make the continuing story of Israel`s relationship with God a living part of people`s lives. The most important is the weekly Shabbat (Sabbath), a day of rest when Jews do no work and recall the completion of creation. At the centre of public worship and of social life is the synagogue, or “assembly”. On Friday evenings and on Saturday mornings the Jewish community gathers there for Sabbath services.