As a student of religion I am fascinated by the teachings and doctrines of different sects and cultures. I have recently been introduced to the references of the Shulchan Aruch and Smicha which are prominent in the Jewish faith. Although I do not speak Hebrew I have learned a great deal about the Jews as I have read through the Old Testament and in particular studied the details of the first five books.
Understanding that the laws of Moses are written in the passages of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Number and Deuteronomy I have been made aware of the traditions and customs that relate to the Jewish synagogue and temple. Although I do not fully understand all of the meanings and traditions that are outlined by Moses I can see that the Hebrew texts of the Torah and Talmud would have greater meaning to the people that practice their religion in its original tongue.
Without learning Hebrew myself I know that the translations of the scriptures that I am familiar with are not as detailed or accurate as the scrolls that are read in the synagogue. It does however fascinate me that as a single people there are still divisions and separations among the Jews that practice the Hasidic and Orthodox religions. From my study I have been made aware that even with the original transcripts that were handed down from the Rabbis to each generation, that there are points of doctrine and legal precedence that continue to fuel discussions within the elders of the temple.
As the passages of scripture can be interpreted in different ways by different people, the actual language of the Talmud and Torah can be read to mean one thing or another depending upon the understanding and knowledge of the person reading.
Likewise there are many different points of view within other religious groups and even throughout Christianity as over 2,000 unique religions all claim to follow the Bible but preach different doctrine. For the Jews however, there are additional references that have been passed on to the scholars, which help to clear up the confusion and give the whole meaning of a point of doctrine as it pertains to the laws of Moses. By turning to the Shulchan Aruch and Smicha members of the synagogue can gain insight and enlightenment into the holy texts of the Torah and Talmud.
Where Christianity has no such guide to clear up the debates over meanings and interpretations of the Bible, the Jewish Rabbis have access to the knowledge of certain wise men that have clearly given understanding to the scared books of scripture. By studying the Shulchan Aruch and the Smicha people of the Jewish faith can have a better understanding of the whole scope of a passage or verse of scripture as it has been delivered by those that have gained the wisdom of the sacred books.
Author Resource:-
The Shimeh Yisreal Torah Network (http://www.shemayisrael.com/) provides innovative educational materials about Shulchan Aruch and Judaism to teachers and educators around the world at no charge.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://newezinearticles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
