Jewish Rituals and Ceremonies
Running Head: JEWISH RITUALS AND CEREMONIES
Coping With Change: Jewish Rituals and Ceremonies
Coping With Change: Jewish Rituals and Ceremonies
Kenneth Pargament in his book The psychology of religion and coping, states the importance of religious beliefs during times of change, be it a moment of happiness or distress. While applying Pargament’s philosophy, this paper focuses on Judaism and the coping mechanisms offered during those times of change thru rituals and ceremonies. Although religious practices and levels of observance among the different branches of American Judaism have some variation, Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, they all share the same traditions. We will focus on the major traditional ceremonies and the rituals performed throughout the life span: birth, adolescence, adulthood and death.
Pargament’s Theory of Coping
Pargament says that “perhaps the most dramatic signs of religious life comes from times of stress; making hardship, suffering and conflict the centers of concern for the major religions of the world” (Pargament, 1997). Because many people look towards religion as means to cope with adversity and life stressors, religion offers support, and helps them understand and deal with these problems through rituals and practices. It becomes a search for significance in relation to the sacred.
He focuses on the process of religious coping behavior with some emphasis on religious appraisals or attributions in response to various life stressors. He says that the ability to make meaning when faced with a stressful event often promotes successful coping, adaptation, and well-being. The spiritual process of seeking significance in an event can touch on all aspects of life, including work, interpersonal relationships, general philosophy of living, attitudes, and whatever that person 's “God” may be (Pargament, 1997).
Overview of Judaism
Judaism is a monotheistic religious tradition based on the belief and
Coping With Change: Jewish Rituals and Ceremonies
Coping With Change: Jewish Rituals and Ceremonies
Kenneth Pargament in his book The psychology of religion and coping, states the importance of religious beliefs during times of change, be it a moment of happiness or distress. While applying Pargament’s philosophy, this paper focuses on Judaism and the coping mechanisms offered during those times of change thru rituals and ceremonies. Although religious practices and levels of observance among the different branches of American Judaism have some variation, Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, they all share the same traditions. We will focus on the major traditional ceremonies and the rituals performed throughout the life span: birth, adolescence, adulthood and death.
Pargament’s Theory of Coping
Pargament says that “perhaps the most dramatic signs of religious life comes from times of stress; making hardship, suffering and conflict the centers of concern for the major religions of the world” (Pargament, 1997). Because many people look towards religion as means to cope with adversity and life stressors, religion offers support, and helps them understand and deal with these problems through rituals and practices. It becomes a search for significance in relation to the sacred.
He focuses on the process of religious coping behavior with some emphasis on religious appraisals or attributions in response to various life stressors. He says that the ability to make meaning when faced with a stressful event often promotes successful coping, adaptation, and well-being. The spiritual process of seeking significance in an event can touch on all aspects of life, including work, interpersonal relationships, general philosophy of living, attitudes, and whatever that person 's “God” may be (Pargament, 1997).
Overview of Judaism
Judaism is a monotheistic religious tradition based on the belief and
References: Berkovits, E. (1979).With God in hell: Judaism in the ghettos and death camps. New York: Sanhedrin Press. Gold, M. (1988). And Hannah wept. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society. Neusner, J. (1975). Between time and eternity: The essentials of Judaism. Encino, California: Dickenson Publishing Company, Inc. Pargament, K. I (1997). The psychology of religion and coping. New York, NY: The Guilford Press. Trepp, L. (1980). The complete book of Jewish observance: A practical manual for the modern Jew. New York, NY: Behrman House, Inc.