Laws in Judaism

When we look at the long existence and unity that exists among the Jews, we get the impression that the practitioners of this religion are subjected to a very rigid logic of subservience. Although logical, this impression is radically distant from any religious behavior that took root over the years through the discussion of laws and their improvement.

An ancient Jewish anti-legend tells that, in carrying out the Ten Commandments, the Creator would have offered to different nations of the world the opportunity to guide themselves through those precepts determined. Every time a people complained about a prohibition, the deity eliminated the possibility of establishing a pact with that people. Thus, when he presented himself to Israel, divine fury raised a mountain over the heads of the Jews that would be hurled at them if they did not accept the laws.

As imposing as this legendary narrative is, we observe that Jews are especially careful with the laws that define their traditions and with obedience to liturgical rituals. As they say, every Jew has an obligation to put a fence around the Torah, the most important Jewish holy book. More than a sense of protection, this stance suggests that Jews should observe the application of their laws in light of different everyday situations.

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An example of this can be noted in relation to a requirement that forbids Jews from consuming the meat of an animal with the milk of that same animal's mother. However, so that the principle is not distorted, he does not carry out the consumption of the flesh of an animal that is prepared with any other ingredient obtained from the being that gave it life. In this way, the rules of the Torah ended up being added to several considerations that involve an extensive group of recommendations transmitted orally.

If any of the established guidelines raises doubt or the adoption of an unprecedented behavior, the Jews plunge into a long discussion aimed at the correct observance of the precepts that underlie its cultural unity and religious. With this, we note that the relationship of Jews with their laws embodies a sense of abnegation that balances with reflection and debate about the behavior of its practitioners.

By Rainer Sousa
Master in History
Brazil School Team

Judaism - Religion - Brazil School

Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:

SOUSA, Rainer Gonçalves. "Laws in Judaism"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/religiao/as-leis-no-judaismo.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.

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