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Observant Jews

Observant Jews belong to one of three denominations: Orthodox, Conservative or Reform. Discuss the differences b. discuss dietary laws and restrictions c. explain the Sabbath d. Pick one rare illnesses that are relatively prevalent in Jewish communities: 1. Tay-Sachs Disease 2. Canavan Disease 3. Fanconi Anemia 4. Gaucher Disease

Answer 1

The three denominations of Observant Jews can easily be identified from one another on the basis of their philosophical approach to their traditions, their degree of fidelity to Jewish law and from interpretation of their traditional law or HALACHA.

ORTHODOX JUDAISM:

a) They have a traditional understanding of their laws ( Jewish).

b) They follow strict Sabbath rules (like no driving, no working and no handling moneys on Sabbath days) and Kosher laws.

c) Its estimated population is less (only 10%) compared to other Jewish denominations but have larger families.

d) They have a legalized leadership roles to set policies for movement affiliated institutions.

d) They are then sub-divided into 1. Modern orthodox 2. Haredi or Ultra orthodox 3. Hasidic

REFORM JUDAISM:

a) To about 35% of American Jews are Reform Jews

b) They give importance to the evolving nature of the faith

c) Their beliefs are as same as all the other movements of Judaism like one God,Torah and Israel

d) It has modified or abandoned many Jewish traditional beliefs, laws and practices to adopt Judaism to the changed social, political and cultural conditions those who live in modern times.
e) Tikkun olam - is the hallmark for Reform Judaism as they strive to bring peace, freedom and justice to all people.

CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM:

a) They holds the HALAKHA or Jewish law which includes Sabbath laws, kashrut, the practice of 3 daily prayer,observance of Jewish holidays and life cycle events.

b) They seek to avoid the extremes of Orthodox and Reform Judaism.

c) They follow reasonable modernization and rabbinical development

d) To about 18% of American Jews are identified as Conservative Jews

DIETARY LAWS AND RESTRICTIONS:

KASHRUT: A body of Jewish laws who dealt with what foods can or cannot be eaten and how it should be prepared. There are certain restrictions on what should be eaten and what not. They are as follows:

a) The animals or birds that may be eaten must be killed in accordance with Jewish law

b) Some animals flesh, organs, eggs,and milks should not be eaten.

c) Bloods from those animals or birds must be drained fully before it is eaten

d) Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten

e) Meats of  those can be eaten should not eaten with other dairy products.

f) Fish,eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains can be eaten with other dairy products

g) In case of utensils that come in to contact with meats while eating should not be used with dairy products and vice versa.

h) Grape products that are made from other than Jews may not be eaten.

SABBATH: The word meaning of sabbath is to stop or to cease. It represents the day-the God's rest following the six days of creation. It is the day set for rest and workship. For Jews, they follow from Friday evening to Saturday evening and on Sunday by most Christians.

TAY-SACHS DISEASE:

It is a rare inherited disorder that destroys neurons or nerve cells in the brain and in the spinal cord. Most commonly seen in infancy. There are 3 types of Tay-Sachs disease. They are

a) Classic infantile b) Juvenile and c) late onset

Classic Infantile:

1. Symptoms occurs when the child is 6 months old

2. Starts with slowed development and then skills like coordination, swallowing, breathing and vision loss gradually.

3. When he reaches 2 yrs of old, the child may experience seizure and loss of mental and muscle functions.

4. Prognosis: usually the children die by the age of 4.

Juvenile:

1. Symptoms occur during childhood

2. Early symptoms- slurred speech, muscle weakness, swallowing and breathing difficulties

3. Later symptoms- loss in the ability to walk,eat and communicate and also develops pneumonia, respiratory diseases and seizures.

4. Prognosis: They are likely to die between 5-15 of ages

Late onset:

1. shows symptoms on childhood such as speech impediment

2. Muscle weakness and mental health problems occurs

3. Theses symptoms then progress into a decline in mobility, breathing and swallowing.

4. Outcome: Usually not be affected more like other (infantile and juvenile).

Prevention:

Prevention is carried out by 3 methods

1. Identifying the carriers (parents) and carrying out prenatal diagnosis genetic testing from both parents. Usually performed during 10 and 14 weeks of gestation.

2. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: Retrieving the mother's eggs from the womb for in vitro filtration and then healthy embryos are selected and transferred into mother's womb.

3. Mate selection: An anonymous screening programs to find out the carriers of Tay-Sachs disorder and avoiding marrying each other.