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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
An 8 page research paper that examines the Jewish custom of handwashing (Yadayim) before meals and at other times of the day. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khnetyad.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
remind the adherent of the spiritual side of life. From the first actions of the day, what one can and cannot eat; can and cannot wear; personal grooming; conducting business;
who one marries; observes holidays and Shabbat, all of these aspects of life are governed by the set of rules and practices known as halakhah (Halakhah: Jewish Law). Handwashing is
a practice dictated by Halakhah and also, it is an intrinsic part of celebrating Shabbat, which is a central part of Jewish family and Jewish life (Shabbat/Shabbos Guide). All
Jewish celebration begin in the evening, therefore, Shabbat begins at nightfall on Friday evening and ends at nightfall Saturday. The Friday night mean is an occasion for friends and family
to gather for a meal, singing, and sometimes dancing (Shabbat/Shabbos Guide). There are many symbols that are associated with Shabbat. For example, before the evening mean, the individuals celebrating the
Shabbat will go and wash their hands. This is referred to as Netilat Yadayim, and is intended to endow the meal with spirituality (Shabbat/Shabbos Guide). Special Handwashing Bowls are
employed by many people during this ritual. (Shabbat/Shabbos Guide) In pre-Pharisaic times, the washing of hands was necessary for handling holy objects (Shabbat 14b) (Yeshua and Halakah). This was prohibition
was later extended for handling food. Jesus refers to a controversy going on during his time about whether it was required to wash ones hands before filling a cup. Jesus
said, "They clean (declare pure) the outside of the cup" (Yeshua and Halakah). The precept about handwashing states: "Washing hands before a meal is a matter of choice, ablution after
the meal is obligatory" (Tosefta Berakhot 5.13). Therefore, it can be seen that handwashing was not, during Jesus era, a universal command although some people did chose to live under
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