Having recently watched Fiddler on The Roof I was aware that I knew very little of the Jewish traditions and customs in the film. For example the piece of metal in doorway, the candelabra, the lighting of the candles on the Sabbath and others. I ask as my daughter wanted to know
2007-01-20 03:51:54 · 8 answers · asked by Paul H 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The piece of metal that we put in the doorway is a container for a piece of parchment that contains the Shma, the most used of all blessings. Ultra Orthodox Jews strive to say it the first thing when they wake up and the last thing before they go to sleep, and the last thing before they die. It is in honor of God.
The candelabra and lighting of the candles is also in honor of God, thanking Him for giving us food. We bless the candles and the food before we light them and before we eat (we do it instead of saying grace).
2007-01-20 04:23:48 · answer #1 · answered by Emily 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A mezzuzah is small container made of wood, plastic or metal. Found inside a doorway on a piece of parchment are some of the most important words from the Jewish Torah including the oft-repeated Shema (Hear O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one! Deuteronomy 6v4). It is done because of the commandment to write the Torah on our hearts, doorways, etc..
The Sabbath candles are lit prior to the sabbat because one is not supposed to light a fire during the sabbath.
A candleabra is simply that on the Sabbath, but there is a menorah that is lit during Chanukah.
I'll post some links for you to study further.
2007-01-20 03:59:58 · answer #2 · answered by Kallan 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The candlestick is a menorah, a symbol of the burning bush that spoke to Moses. It normally has seven candles, except those used at Hanukkah, which have nine. The metal on the doorway is a mezuzah, a small box containing Jewish scripture that reminds the Jew that God is with him. Candles are burned during the Shabbat to remind Jews of the miracle of God's creation and give thanks. Judaism has lots of symbols and some very beautiful practices. There is a lot of information available on the we if you want to know more.
2007-01-20 04:04:34 · answer #3 · answered by queenbee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A great book to read to learn about Jewish traditions is "The Jewish Book of Why" by Alfred J. Kolatch. It explains those traditions and many others. Kudos for trying to explain Jewish traditions to your daughter!
2007-01-21 09:21:52 · answer #4 · answered by harassanoy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as for the metal, and the candelabra i dont know, but the lighting of the candles is for Shabbot. It's in honor of God, a blessing is said, and they light a candle for their meal and for their drink.
2007-01-20 03:57:05 · answer #5 · answered by Elizabeth B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch Tottenham Hotspur regularly !
2007-01-20 04:08:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theres too many to count, but start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_law_and_tradition
2007-01-20 03:56:50 · answer #7 · answered by Kurt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THey cut off your helmet
2007-01-20 03:54:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋