Judaism

EDA Course 13-17 Jan 2014

Andy, Sacha, Ricky

•Orthodox Jews – Believe the Torah and the Talmud contain the actual words of God which must be applied in all circumstances.

•Progressive –They believe in the divine inspiration of the Torah–Since it was recorded by humans at a certain point in history, it then became necessary to reinterpret the words in the context of present day times.

Present Day Beliefs – Types

Key Beliefs

• There is one Universal God• Prophets (Abraham & Moses) • God has given the Torah to the Jews as a means of

showing in practice what an obedient and holy life is like.

• Shabbat• Bar / Bat Mitzvah

Diet & Drinking

WHAT IS KOSHER?

Sabbath (Shabbat)• Three important blessings are

said over the wine, candles and braided Challah

• A commemoration of the Israelites’ redemption from slavery in Egypt and God’s creation of the universe

Major Dates

FestivalsRosh Hashanah – “Day of Judgement” 5775 (in 2014)•Commemorates the beginning of the New YearYom Kippur – “Day of Atonement” •25 hour fast•The 10th and final day of the repentance of sins •Holiest day in Jewish CalendarPassover (Pesach) – “The feast of unleavened bread”•7 day holiday•Matzo the “official” food of PassoverSukkot – “Feast of the Tabernacles”Hunnakah (Chunakah) - The “Festival of Lights”•Commemorates 8 days of the rededication of the Altar

Working on Holidays

• Rosh Hashanah• Yom Kippur• Sukkot (days 1 & 2)• Shemini Atzeret • Simchat Torah• Passover (days 1,2,7&8)• Shavu’ot (Pentecost)

UP TO13 DAYS TOTAL

Working for the MOD

Type Need MOD Provision Civil Service / Service Personnel

Compatibility

ClothingUltra-Orthodox

♂ Free clothing & head gear choice (H&S allowing)

Service Uniform; Kippah + Tallit* (if unseen)

Fair to Good Limiting

♀ Head cover/wig modest clothing

Modest clothing/ head cover

Wear trousers/long sleeves; head cover*

Good Fair-Poor

Progressive Modern clothing (kippah optional)

Modern clothing& Kippah

Service Uniform (Men) Kippah +Tallit* Good

Diet(Ortho & Prog)

Kosher (strict rules)

Kosher source; poss mixing in catering

Ditto*Ration Pack available

Limiting to Good

Hair / BeardsOrthodox

Side locks & beard are mandatory

Hair & beard OK.(H&S allowing)

Beard* ( as long as no obstruction GSR etc) Hair secured*

Limiting to Fair

Progressive Beard for festivals Ditto Good

Fasting Orthodox

6/7 - 12 days per annum (or more)

Normally should be allowed; be aware that there are some circumstances i.e. Ops where fasting is discouraged. Personnel should not fast if risk of unfair burden on others exists.

Good*

Progressive 1 – 6/7 days/year

Religious HolsOrtho & Prog

Up to 13 days per annum (not incl. Hunnakah)

Mandatory block leave needs to be justified, otherwise all requests for leave for religious hols should be considered objectively.

Limiting to Good

D-i-S/Burial

FaithAd

24 hr burial Spiritual Guidance

On Ops in extremis burial possiblemost likely Repat. Service religious advisor

Limiting-Good

Limiting-Good