Jewish Practices and Customs

A mezuzah is a piece of parchment, contained in a decorative case, and is inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah (Old Testament, Deuteronomy, the fifth Book of Moses, 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One". The parchment is written by a qualified scribe, in black indelible ink with a special quill pen, rolled up, and placed inside the case

In the book of Deuteronomy, the fifth Book of Moses and the Old Testament, (5:12-15) the commandment to "observe" the Sabbath is to ensure that no creature, not even animals, will work without respite. In the modern world, very religious Orthodox Jews have interpreted this to include the using of any appliance or piece of equipment that requires 'energy' that has been generated in order to function - lighting a fire, cutting paper with scissors, switching on the radio, going shopping or even writing. As a result, in strictly observant homes, meals for the Sabbath or High Holy Day will have been pre-prepared, and if needed to be served hot, will be placed on a low cooker light the previous evening. Also, to make hot drinks during the Holy Day, a "Sabbath kettle" will be boiled prior to the Sabbath or High Holy Day and left undisturbed on a low light for the duration of the day

In traditional Jewish homes there will nearly always be at least one charity box for the needy. Jewish tradition encourages charity to be put aside just prior to lighting the Sabbath candles on a Friday night (because money should not be handled on a Sabbath) or a special occasion so as to remember and do something concrete for those who are less fortunate. Jewish custom states a person should give at least a tenth of their wealth to the poor, although it warns that giving beyond one’s means is counter-productive because if it makes them poor they would be unable to help others

According to Babylonian experts, "nebach" translates as an unlucky or unfortunate person, but it also means "It's a pity." It is often apologetically used in situations where to demonstrate the user is unable to help but wants to offer their condolences

Jewish Law forbids the naming of children after their own living parents, that is, if the father's name is 'David', it is not permitted for any of his sons to be named 'David'. Jewish children are usually given at least two names, one being a full secular name and the other a full Hebrew name. The full secular name is the one used in daily life, as seen on passports, in addresses and by friends, etc. The Hebrew name, used for ceremonies in the synagogue, is one usually based on (but not named after) the parent. For example, Harry Michael Taylor's son David would be referred to, if being called to make a reading in the synagogue on the Sabbath, as, "David, son of Harry Michael" (this would be translated and called out in Hebrew as "Dovid, ben [son of] Hersh Michel")

The Torah (Book of Jewish Law) describes creation as "And there was evening, and there was morning, one day." So according to Judaism, a new day begins in the evening, at sunset. Therefore the Jewish Sabbath, like all days as far as Judaism is concerned, begins at sunset the previous evening. The Sabbath ends at nightfall, when three stars are visible, some 40 minutes after sunset

While non-Jewish participation in a Jewish funeral is usually limited to either serving as a pall bearer or, if especially close to the deceased, reading a tribute, in Jewish tradition, the burial of the dead is sometimes referred to as an act of true loving kindness because the dead can’t repay for the act of helping them to rest in peace

Orthodox Jewish homes normally have separate drawers and cupboards for dairy and meat cooking and eating 'equipment'. Depending on the level of Orthodoxy, this may extend to a dual kitchen, where there will be two of everything (cutlery, pots and pans, crockery, cooker, microwave and dishwasher). The ultra-observant Orthodox will sometimes extend this as far as having two kitchens, one for the preparation of meat meals and one for the preparation of dairy product meals

There is nothing in Jewish Law that states marriage is a union for life, as it recognises that marriages can fail. While a Jewish divorce is a consensual document, it may only be granted by the husband for the wife to accept. A civil divorce also has to be granted. However, without the Jewish divorce, neither of the parties would be otherwise free to remarry in a Jewish ceremony

Each Friday in a Jewish home, shortly before sunset (no later than 18 minutes before) the lady of the house lights at least two candles, which usher in peace and blessing to their homes and to the world. At least two are lit to signify the two commandments to “remember” the Sabbath and to “keep” the Sabbath day holy