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Hist588
Professor W
Research Paper
James Studdard
RESEARCH PAPER
In this research paper, I will compare and contrast at least three characteristics of Judaism
as juxtaposed with Christianity, discussing their similarities and differences. I will begin
with Judaism. Judaism ranks high in ages of religion and it is thought to be one of the
oldest, dating back over 4000 years when The Ten Commandments and the Torah were
given to Moses.1
Judaism is rich with rituals and celebrations, which mark and highlight the holiest
observations, which include the Sabbath, Hanukkah, and The Passover. I cite these three
events because in many ways they are similar to holy events celebrated by Christians,
albeit, at different times and usually to different ends of worship.
The Jewish Sabbath and its history: The Sabbath for Jews is very much like the Sabbath
for Christians, in that it is a day of rest observed on Saturday which, according to Jewish
belief, is the seventh day. Christians
Studdard Pg. 2
recognize the Sabbath in very much the same was as Jews. Both religions recognize the
Sabbath as a reminder of earths creation by God. However, Jews extends their beliefs in
the Sabbath to contemplate the Hebrews liberation from Egypt. This is in contrast with
Christianity. Labor of any kind is prohibited by both religions on the Sabbath.
Historically the Sabbath has been recognized by many religions and societies as a day of
rest, but it is generally understood that the origin of the Sabbath traces back to the Jewish
and their initial interpretation of it , (c., 8th century).
Sabbath as a term has many synonyms which are often transposed to mean the same thing.
For example, "Diesolis," "Dominicus," or "Domencia."2 While there are two main
themes of the Sabbath, i.e., Creation by God and deliverance from slavery, there are many
other facets of the Sabbath which merit discussion.
The authors of the Talmud provided for 39 categories of prohibited labor on the Sabbath,
to name a few; washing clothes, constructing, repairing, writing, making a fire, fishing and
so on.3 These restrictions prohibiting Sabbath day labor are codified scripturally in the
book
Studdard Pg. 3
is of Leviticus, 23:3 through 23:7 and draws a distinction between "no manner of work"
and "no manner of servile work" which suggests that work which necessary for the
enjoyment of the festival and could not have been done beforehand is allowed.4
Another tradition during the Sabbath is the Four Blessings. When the family is gathered
