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Judaism

       Judaism is the world's oldest extant monotheistic religion and developed perhaps four thousand years ago. Like all world religions, it has many variations. However, all religious Jews define themselves through their relationship with the Torah-the first five books of the Hebrew Bible that offers a guide for life. The cornerstone of the Torah is the commandments given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. These injunctions deal with how one ought to relate to God and one's community. Throughout the Torah and the remainder of the Hebrew Bible (the Prophets and the Writings), Jews are said to possess a special covenant with the divine. Thus, Judaism has always placed emphasis on the oneness of all the people of Israel and the necessity of treating others with an attitude that is reflective of God's nature. The extraordinary relationship between Jews and God is represented via many life cycle rituals and religious holidays. For example, the circumcision ceremony for infant boys functions as a visible sign of the covenant between God and the biblical patriarch Abraham. The Bar Mitzvah (for males) and Bat Mitzvah (for females) celebrate entrance into an adult community of believers. And, the weekly Sabbath from sundown on Friday to nightfall on Saturday is observed through prayer, attendance of a synagogue or temple, and a family meal. On a yearly basis, Passover remembers the Hebrews captivity in Egypt and their divinely inspired release from this confinement. Many other life cycle rituals,annual holy days, and feasts are commemorated, all of which celebrate connection between God and the Jews and emphasize spiritual growth, a strong sense of community, and the necessity of service to others.
       Torah law offers myriad injunctions related to physical health (e.g. dietary restrictions and personal hygiene), but these dictates are not authoritative solely because they mandate beneficial behaviors. More importantly, for religious Jews, they are influential because they are commanded by the divine. Because God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-merciful in the Judaic tradition, it is presumed that individuals who are sick are so because of God's design. Thus, the basic cure for any type of illness is to better reflect a godly nature in one's own life. All religious Jews hold that divine forgiveness is always possible through steadfast prayer, and thus, well-being is an ever-present possibility. Moreover, the ancient Hebrews were often subject to persecution by outside forces, and therefore, a strong sense of social justice has always permeated Judaism. Notions of charity were codified by the Hebrew prophets, who urged individuals to practice kindness at all times and to facilitate the growth of a more righteous social order. Finally, all facets of health are reliant upon spiritual wellness. Through emphasizing a common history and a core set of religious principles, the great diversity of Jewish practitioners unite around the need to cultivate spiritual acumen if one is to actualize a holistic sense of health.
         In this section of the Gallery, one finds images from the Lawrence (Kansas) Jewish Community Center. Many of the photos highlight the importance of the Torah for individual betterment and communal worship. Such illustrations include the elaborate adornments that accompany the Torah and the lavishly decorated doors of the Ark that houses it in the sanctuary. The vital importance of prayer and familial or community worship for overall well-being is also demonstrated via images of the tallis (prayer shawl), mezuzot (prayer containers affixed to residences), and Sabbath candle sticks and wine glasses. The significance of Jewish holidays is reflected in a collection of menorahs (candle holders used during Rosh Hashanah) and a variety of Passover implements. Lastly, a photo of tzedakah (charity) boxes highlights an emphasis upon serving others and manifesting an ethic of benevolence and compassion.