How Did the Nobel Prize Originate?

 

Everyone has heard of the Nobel Peace Prize at some point or other in their lives, but not many people realize that there are more Nobel Prizes than just the prize for wok on peace. The Noble Prizes are known as the highest award one can receive in literature, medicine, physics, chemistry, and peace. These awards are huge compliments to those who win them, but many people do not know how they originated. This article will give you some background information on the Nobel Prizes.

Alfred Noble is the man who started the prizes; he was "born in Stockholm and lived from 1833 to 1896," and he invented many powerful things such as "dynamite, blasting gelatin, and a new kind of detonator for explosives" (Leokum, 1986, p.139). It is interesting to think the man that invented a prize for peace also created methods of destruction, but there is more to Nobel than you realize. Nobel was a scientist, but he was also a "poet," and he "thought that literature and science were the most important factors in human progress" (Leokum, 1986, p.138). Although the inventor of these prizes created dynamite; he also wanted to end war and hoped this prize would help to end it.

The Noble Prizes started after Alfred Noble passed away. He left a "fund of $9,000,000" to support these prizes and be presented as awards, and the "prizes averaged about $ 40,000 each". This was a lot of money when these prizes started. The first Nobel prizes were awarded on the anniversary of Nobel's death which was "December 10, 1901" (Leokum, 1986, p.139). Nobel was a great man who sacrificed some of his wealth to help the world in many ways.

Since Alfred Nobel grew up in Sweden "the Nobel Foundation of Sweden distributed the awards," and many of the institutes that judged these awards were located in Stockholm. Many famous people have won these awards such as "Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, George Bernard Shaw, Marie Curie, Rudyard Kipling, Ernest Hemingway, and Ralph Bunche" (Leokum, 1986, p.139).

These prizes have been awarded for many decades, and each winner is awarded the prize money, a diploma, and a coin. I think this prize is a beautiful thing, and I think Alfred has definitely left his mark on society and the world by starting these awards.

Reference:
Leokum, A. (1986). The Big book of tell me why. New York, NY: Grosset and Dunlap.

The History, Use and Cultivation of Agrimony

Agrimony is a perennial herb that been used in many ways for many years. The stem of this herb is round, rough, dark green, and covered with hairs. The flowers are yellow and only about a half an inch across. This herb has five petals on its flowers, they are egg shaped, and they grow along a spike in an up and down manner. The leaves of the agrimony plant are quite big. These leaves are soft and usually vary in size from 8 inches to 4 inches. These plants grow to about 5 feet in height and the flower from the middle to the end of the summer. This plant is originally native to Europe, but it is "now common in the United States and in parts of Asia" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.3).

Agrimony has been used for many purposes, and it had medicinal qualities that should be noted, but in the past it has been used in ways that may seem absurd. Agrimony was used in an old remedy for "internal hemorrhages" where they would combine the herb with "pounded frogs and a little human blood" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.3). This method seems strange, and I am unaware of its actual healing ability. In ancient Greece this herb was used for eye problems, and up until the late 1800's agrimony was used to treat fever, rheumatism, digestive problems, coughs, and soar throats. (Kowalchik, 1987)It was also rumored to help with sleeping problems, but it seems that agrimony does not have any sedative properties.

This herb is taken commonly as a tea. Agrimony has "astringent properties" which are known to help internal bleeding, sore throats, and skin problems (Kowalchik, 1987,p 4). It can be gargled with or made into a poultice for external skin problems. It is helpful for those who have the flu or a cold, and it is a good additive to lotions for the skin. This plant is safe and very useful.

Agrimony can be started form seed, and it is a plant that will reseed itself once it has become strong. It likes light shade, and dry soil. It is not a very showy plant, but it does make a nice addition to a fence or a rock garden. Its high growing spikes give dimension to many gardens, and its medicinal properties make it relevant to grow. Agrimony can also be used to make a bright yellow dye. Its leaves and stems are best for dying if harvested in the fall.

This plant has lovely flowers and medicinal properties, and it deserves a place in your garden.

Reference:

Kowalchik, C. (Ed.). (1987). Rodale's encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

The History, Cultivation and Use of Angelica

Angelica is an interesting herb that is surrounded in mythical claims, and it has been used extensively over the centuries. This article will discuss the history, cultivation methods and uses for the popular plant called Angelica.

Angelicais a plant that is native to "Europe and Asia," but it is "widely cultivated in other countries including the United States" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.10). Angelic is an herb that has a similar fragrance as celery, and it is sometimes known as wild celery. This plant flowers in "June and July," and its flowers are "tiny white or greenish flowers" that form in "a globe shaped compound umbel" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.10). This plant has many branches,and it lives in places where water is abundant such as streams and marshes.

The history of this plant is spun with magical stories, and many people believe that it derived its name from the Archangel Michael because it blooms on May 8th which is his feast day. (Kowalchick, 1987, p.10) Angelica was used widely in the past to protect from evil and witches; it was also used to ward off spirits. A famous legend that surrounds this plant occurred in "1665;" apparently monk dreamed that an angel "told him that angelica could cure the plague," and in fact it became one of the ingredients in the recipe to help heal the plague (Kowalchik, 1987, p.11). In the past angelica was taken for many illnesses.

One of the most common uses for angelica still ring true today. Angelica is famous for help with "digestation and diseases of the lungs" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.11). These uses are still valued n the eye of medical practitioners today. Simply make a tea of the leaves of angelica for help with stomach problems.

This plant also has popular uses in the area of culinary. "Licorice lovers enjoy angelica," and the leaves can be used in salads, baked goods, soups, and with meats (Kowalchik, 1987, p.12). The ground root can also bee used in baked goods such as cakes and cookies. The stem is also a popular treat when "candied," and the root is used to make "gin and vermouth" (Kowalchik, 187, p.12).

Angelica is best "propagated though seed," and the seeds "need light to germinate" so do not cover the seeds with dirt when planting (Kowalchik, 1987, p.13). Angelica is not a traditional perennial because it will go to seed and die, but if you cut the stalks before it turns to seed it "will continue to grow for years" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.12).

Angelica is a plant that has many uses in both the medical field and culinary field, and it should be grown in your garden.

Reference:

Kowalchik, C. (Ed.). (1987). Rodale's encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

The History, Uses and Cultivation of Anise

Anise is an herb that has many uses both medicinally and in the kitchen. It is an herb that has a lovely fragrance and taste, and it has been used for many centuries for many purposes. This plant is native to "Egypt and the Mediterranean region," and it is cultivated "in Europe, India, Mexico, Russia, and the United States" (Kowalchik, 1987, p. 14). Anise is an annual herb that has a slight resemblance to Queen Anne's lace.

Anise has been noted very far back in history. It was studied by "Pythagoras," and "Hippocrates" recommended this plant for help with "coughs" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14). This use is still widely accepted today. The "Roman scholar Pliny" suggested using this herb to get rid of morning breath, and he also thought keeping anise by the bed at night would help rid the sleeper of bad dreams (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14).

My favorite part of anise's history started in Rome. The Romans used this plant for its "flavor, fragrance, and medicinal properties," and they actually made cakes with anise that were called "mustaceum," and they would serve at special events such as weddings (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14). This cake would help aid in digestion and the anise also provided it with a nice taste. Some people believe that the tradition surrounding this cake is how the "modern wedding cake" originated (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14).

Anise has many medicinal uses. The most well known use was for aiding in "digestion and flatulence," and it was often taken as a tea or baked into cookies or cakes (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14). In order to make a tea from anise crush the seeds and steep about a teaspoon of the powder in a cup of boiled water. This tea has a pleasant taste and can help with stomach and intestinal problems. Anise is also used to help alleviate coughs, and it can be found in natural cough syrups.

Anise is another great herb to cook with, and the seeds can be ground up and added to many recipes. The leaves can also be used fresh or chopped in many different meals. The taste of anise is similar to licorice, and it can be found in many liqueurs.

Anise is best propagated through seed, and it likes "poor, light, well-drained soil" and full sun (Kowalchik, 1987, p.16). Anise should be planted in a location where it is blocked by wind because wind can damage this plant easily.

Anise is a plant that has many medicinal and culinary uses; it is strong in history, and it should have a place in your garden.

Reference:

Kowalchik, C. (Ed.). (1987). Rodale's encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

The History of Candy

 

Candy is a delicious treat that everyone from children to seniors enjoy very much. Candy comes in many varieties; it can be fruity, chocolaty, gooey, creamy, hard, sticky, and soft, but the main similarity to all types of candy is sugar. This is probably why candy can also be referred to as sweets. Everyone loves candy, but many people have no idea how it originated. This article will explain to you the birth of candy, and how it has changed throughout time.

The word candy itself originated centuries ago in Persia; around the year "500 A.D., they were able to make sugar in a solid form," and they called white sugar "kandi-sefid" (Leokum, 1986, p.182). Over time the word got shortened to candy, but it has been famous for a very long time.

Many people of many different cultures have all had a form of candy, but they did not all have sugar so they used other things for sweeteners. Some cultures did not know how to refine sugar so they had to use other forms of sweeteners for the candy making methods. The Egyptians used "honey" as a sweetener, and they even left "written and picture records of candy and candy making" (Leokum, 1986, p.182). In the Far East they also did not use sugar for there candy. They used dates as the sweet part of their candies, and even today they still use "almonds, honey, and figs" in their candies (Leokum, 1986, p.182). No matter what the sweetener was candy was still evident in these cultures.

For a long time in Europe candy was not made at all. In the "seventeenth century a great deal of sugar" was shipped to Europe from America , and the Europeans started their own candy making culture (Leokum, 1986, p.182). In America there was candy made from the beginning. The early settlers would make candy out of maple syrup. It would be boiled down and drizzled over snow or ice so that it would harden. Taffy pulls because ways of socializing during the beginning of this country, and rock candy was a simple and special homemade treat (Leokum, 1986).

As time went on candy shops started to sell more and more varieties of candies, and candy became even more of a household treat. In about 1850 "small lozenges, many of them heart shaped, had romantic messages printed on them" and were sold in candy shops along with "peppermint lozenges and chocolate drops" (Leokum, 1986, 183).

Candy has come along way, and I got to admit I am glad it was created!

Reference:

Leokum, A. (1986). The Big book of tell me why. New York, NY: Grosset and Dunlap.

Autumn Crocus: History, Uses and Cultivation

 

This pretty plant is not very big, and it has strong medicinal purposes, but it is also so poisonous that it can kill you. This herb flowers in "September," and it has pretty lavender or light pink flowers; it grows to only about "12 inches" in height, and it is native to "Europe and North Africa" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.18). This herb looks very much like a regular crocus, but it is not a part of the iris family like most crocuses; it bears six stamens which is the easiest way to identify it. This herb has strong medicinal purposes, but it can also be deadly.

The history of the autumn crocus started way back in the time of the "Egyptians;" they used this herb to treat "gout 4000 years ago" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.18). The healing popularity of this plant decreased when people started to recognize the deadly powers of this herb. The powder of the bulb f this plant is ground up to create a poison, and it is said the "Greek naturalist Theophrastus wrote that when slaves became angry with their owner, they ingested tiny bits of the corm to make themselves ill and thus unable to work" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.18). This plant was widely used in history as a poison, and the ground up bulb was often added to wine.

This plant is a great healing herb, but it is better not to be experimented with. The most common use of the autumn crocus is still for the gout; it is taken in a "tablet form or intravenously," but this is the only form of arthritis that this herb is used for; the active ingredient in this plant is "colchicines," and this chemical "inhibits cell division" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.18). In the 40's colchicines was considered a possible cure for cancer, but the toxicity level appeared to be too high to be safe. An overdose of this plant will cause "nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, purging, extreme thirst, weak pulse, coldness and pain in the extremities," and this plant can also cause "damage to the kidneys and blood vessels" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.18).

Autumn crocuses easily grown from bulbs, and they enjoy moist, loamy soil. These plants are accustomed to full sun or partial shade, and they live in "zone 5" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.18). The autumn crocus is planted in early fall like many other bulb plants. They enjoy enriched soil, and they like to be planted two to three inches deep. This plant can also be planted from seed, but they will not bloom for several years if started this way.

The autumn crocus is a lovely plant that has an interesting and slightly criminal history. Its medicinal properties do not outweigh its toxicity so leaves this plant out of your
medicine collection.

American Hellebore: History, Uses and Cultivation

 

American hellebore is a plant that has a rich history in medicinal use, but it is not a plant that should be used for such purposes. This plant has the ability to make you very sick if ingested. It can grow up to "eight feet tall in the wild," and it flowers in "midsummer" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.8). This plant is a perennial that has greenish-white flowers. It lives in swamp land, woods, "wet meadows, stream edges," and it is "indigenous from Canada to the Carolinas" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.8). This plant grows well in nature, but it should be left there.

This plant was used for many different medicinal purposes in the past. The root was ground into a powder by the "American Indians" and the "early colonists;" this powder was then used to treat wounds and cavities (Kowalchik, 1987, p.8). This plant has serious side effects and using it for toothaches can produce fatal effects. American settlers boiled the sliced root with vinegar and used it to treat "rashes and sores," and they also used it to remove "head lice" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.8). This plant has very strong implications for poisoning, and it amazes me that people used it so much in the past. This plant was even used to treat "epilepsy, convulsions, pneumonia, and peritonitis" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.8).

The toxicity of American hellebore is so high that it should not be used by the home herbalist. There are some medicinal purposes of this herb though; it contains "alkaloid" that slow down blood pressure, heart rate, and stimulate "blood flow to the kidneys, liver, and extremeties" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.9). The uses of his plant unfortunately do not outweigh the toxicity level of the plant. The toxicity level of this plant is so high it should not be used at home. American hellebore can cause "abdominal pain, nausau, diarrhea, faintness, shallow breathing, spasms, loss of consciousness, paralysis, and sometimes death," and one of the only reasons it is not more fatal is because it quickly induces vomiting (Kowalchik, 1987, p.9). This plant is a serious herb that should not be ingested.

Although the American hellebore is a plant that can dangerous results when consumed; it is a very striking plant to have in a garden. These plants enjoy shade, and they grow very tall. The flowers form beautiful "panicles", and the foliage is a bright green color that is very attractive (Kowalchik, 1987, p.9). This herb enjoys moist soil and a hardiness zone of 4.

The American hellebore is an herb that is rich in medicinal history, but it has such a strong level of toxicity that it should not be used for its medicinal purposes. It is great for growing in the shade, and it is lovely as an ornamental plant.

The History, Use and Cultivation of Aconite

 

Aconite is a beautiful flower with a strong history. It is a perennial with a "smooth, round, and leafy stem" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.1). The flowers of the aconite are a purplish blue in color, and it bears 5 petals in the late summer and fall. The flowers are slightly bell shaped. This plant is located in "the mountains of France, Switzerland, and Germany," and it is "widely cultivated in Europe and North America" (Kowalchick, 1987, p.1). These plants are lovely, but they are also poisonous.

Aconite is very prevalent in Greek mythology. It is said that the plant became poisonous because it "grew on the hill of Aconitus," and this hill is where "Cerberus, the three headed dog that guards the gates to hell" fought with Hercules; it is said that saliva fell from the dogs mouth onto the plant causing it to be deadly (Kowalchik, 1987, p.1). Aconite seems to have been a choice plant for poisoning people in Greek mythology as well. "Hectate" was said to have used this plant to poison her father, and "Medea" also poisoned "Theseus" with this deadly plant (Kowalchik, 1987, p.1). This plants poison is very toxic.

This plant is harmful, and has been used by many different groups for medicinal purposes, but I believe this plant is best left for show. Witches in the middle ages would mix the poison from this plant with belladonna, which is another poisonous plant, to create a potion for flying. I believe that their reaction to this mixture made them hallucinate and believe they were flying, but too much would surely kill them.

Aconite is a powerful plant, and although Chinese herbalists believe in the benefits of this plant, I believe it is too dangerous to be meddled with. This plant will cause "the heart to slow, decrease in blood pressure, and sweating;" it is also used topically as a pain reliever because when applied it is "absorbed into the skin and produces a warm and tingling sensation followed by numbness" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.2). This is dangerous because such a tiny amount of this plant will cause poisoning.

Although this plant is deadly it does make a beautiful addition to your garden It can be grown from seed and sown in April. It is a hardy plant, but it takes 2 to 3 years to flower. The best method of propagation for Aconite is through the roots. Every four years dig up the plant and break off the small roots that have grown around the old root. Plant these baby roots about a foot and a half away from the mother.

This plant is lovely, but be aware of its chemical properties. It can harm and even kill you if absorbed internally or by the skin.

Reference:
Kowalchik, C. (Ed.). (1987). Rodale's encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

Magnetism: Discovery, History and Inventions

 

Magnets are a common place household item these days, but magnets were not always so common. Magnets have been around for a very long time, and they have an interesting history, a discovery veiled in legend, and many inventions would not be possible if it weren't for magnetism.

The first magnets are told to have come from two possible origins, and legend say that a "shepherd named Magnes" was tending to his sheep one day when his "iron crock and the iron nails of his sandals were clinging to a large black rock" (Leokum, 1986, p.170). This is the when people realized that some rocks would attract iron. The same type of magical stone was found in a town in Asia Minor called Magnesium, and these two stories are where the idea of magnetism originated (Leokum, 1986, p.170).

As time passed magnetism was further investigated and more discoveries were made. People started to realize that they could create magnets by rubbing "pieces of iron against the magnet stones," and these new magnets were called "lodestones" (Leokum, 1986, p.170). This discovery makes me wonder if people thought magnets were magical. Many centuries ago it was discovered that a suspended magnet would point just about north, and this is how the "creation of the compass" occurred (Leokum, 1986, p..170).

Discoveries about magnetism continued to be made "during Queen Elizabeth's time;" and people then discovered that every magnet had two opposite poles; it was also discovered at this time that "like poles repel each other" and "unlike pole attract" each other (Leokum, 1986, p.170). Magnets were not always as well understood as they are now.

The next big magnet break through occurred in 1820 when a "Danish scientists discovered that a wire carrying an electrical current also created a magnetic field" (Leokum, 1986, p.171). This creation was the beginning of new developments in magnetic science. This The electromagnet was created because of this discovery and "it was more powerful than any magnets ever known before" (Leokum, 1986, p.171).

The electromagnet is an very powerful magnet that allowed scientists to create many other things we know today. The electromagnet is created by "putting a soft iron core inside wieres that were connected to a battery;" this caused the"iron core to become magnetized" (Leokum, 1986, p.171).

This invention led to many scientific breakthroughs that have an impact on our lives today. The electromagnet allowed "anything that uses an electrical circuit" to be built such as bells and motors (Leokum, 1986, p.171). It is amazing how a small stone can contribute to so many amazing inventions.

Later on Michael Faraday document the "fields of force," and the "lines of force" of a magnet (Leokum, 1986, p.171). This discovery allowed many amazing inventions to be built. The documentation of "how far the force of a magnet reaches out form a magnet" that was conducted by Faraday made such inventions possible as the "telephone, the light, and the radio" (Leokum, 1986, p.171).

It is amazing to me that a rock that is found in the ground has such a powerful force. It is also amazing to me hat this rock can help unlock many of the mysteries of electricity, and it has helped us produce many spectacular inventions. Magnets are interesting, useful, and complex; they originate in legend, and it continues on in great invention.

Reference:

Leokum, A. (1986). The Big book of tell me why. New York, NY: Grosset and Dunlap.

The History, Use and Cultivation of Aloe

 

Aloe is a well known plant with many well known uses, but many people do not know the history of this plant or the cultivation methods required to grow this plant. In this article I will discuss the history, uses and methods of cultivation of the widely known and used Aloe plant

Aloe has been used for thousands of years. In fact the "Greek historian Dioscorides recorded the use of alo as a healing herb 2,000 years ago" ( Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Even thousands of years ago this plant was used to help heal wounds, and the gel was applied externally for healing purposes. It is also historically said that "Alexander the Great conquered Madagascar so that his army would have a good supply of the herb for healing their wounds" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Cleopatra was said to have "massaged fresh aloe gel into her skin everyday to preserve her beauty", and the wife of Napoleon "used a lotion prepared from milk and aloe gel for her complexion" (Kowalchik, 1987,p.7). Aloe has been known for along time as a healing plant.

Aloe is a miracle skin healing plant, and both doctors and folklorists agree on its powers. It is a major component in many lotions and skin care creams. It is a healing agent for burns, wounds, insect bites, and poison ivy. It is also scientifically said to " have anesthetic, antibacterial, and tissue restorative properities, " and if applied soon enough most wounds will heal without a scar or loss of pigmentation (Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Aloe is also used for oily skin and dandruff. This amazing plant is used for the gel contained inside its leaves, and although it is added to may products its properties are best used fresh because they wear off with storage.

Aloe is a great herb to have on hand at all times, and it is a perennial, but due to its need for warmth many people grow it in a container so it can be brought inside for the winter. Aloe enjoys soil that contains "limestone", and it loves drainage so add some rocks or "coarse material" to your soil (Kowalchik, 1987, p.7). Aloe enjoys full sun, but they can also take some partial shade, but remember if the plant is in full sun all day it may need extra water to compensate. In the winter allow the dirt to become very dry before watering the aloe plant. Aloe plants also like crowded roots so repotting them is not necessary. Remember that the older leaves grow on the outside of the plant so when harvesting the gel leave the middle leaves alone.

This plant is a necessary herb, and it will help you in many ways. It is easy to take care of and grows hardily.

Reference:

Kowalchik, C. (Ed.). (1987). Rodale's encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

The Practices, History, and Beliefs of Judaism

Judaism is a monotheistic religion. This means to believe in one god. The laws and teachings of God are set out in the Torah. The Torah teaches Jewish people "how to act, think and even feel about life and death" (What is the Torah). Moses was given the Torah by God.

The Torah consists of two parts; these parts are known as the Written Torah and the Oral Torah. The written Torah contains three parts which are called the Five Books of Moses, Prophets, and Writings. The Five Books of Moses "were given to the Jewish People at Mount Sinai during their exodus from Egypt approximately 3500 years ago" (What is the Torah). Prophets are "direct prophecies or recordings of what God has said to the prophets" (What is the Torah). Writings are written works by the prophets that were guided and inspired by God.

The Oral Torah is the verbal explanation of the Written Torah. These have been passed down from generation to generation for many years. In order for the Oral Torah to not be altered by word of mouth a written outline for it was constructed in the "2nd century C.E." (What is the Torah). This outline is called the Mishnah. "Over the next few centuries, Jewish scholars studied the Mishnah. Their discussions, questions and decisions became known as the Gemara" (What is the Torah). Together the Mishnah and the Gemara are known as the Talmud which is studied today.

Jerusalem plays a big part in Judaism. King David made Jerusalem the capital of Israel during his reign, and his son, King Solomon, built the first temple there. The Arc of the Covenant was to be kept in the temple, and the Israelites would have a holy place to worship their God. In 70 CE. the Romans captured and demolished the temple, and it was never rebuilt there. The foundation left standing was a place of Jewish pilgrimage until 132-135 when their was a destructive revolt. After this, Jewish people were persecuted. They were not allowed to enter the city of Jerusalem when it was rebuilt as a roman city and were left without a place of worship that was sacred to them.

Israel was created in 1948 when the United Nations sectioned Palestine into two parts. One part became the independent Jewish state of Israel, and the other was to be controlled by the Arabs. The surrounding Arab nations were not happy with this decision and conflict ensued. Although the odds were against the Israelites; they managed to take control of more land than they originally had. Israel is considered the promised land to Jewish people, but the Arab people feel this is unfair. To this day there is still conflicts in Israel and the surrounding nations. There is still war and suffering, but hopefully overtime there can be peace.

There are many different sects of Judaism. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah was given to Moses and contained 613 commandments that are to be obeyed. "Modern Orthodox Jews strictly observe halakhah (Jewish Law), but still integrate into modern society" (Branches of Judaism). Ultra Orthodox people firmly follow Jewish Law and do not mix with society by wearing purposefully different clothing and living apart from society. Conservative Jews believe that the Torah was from God, but was written down by human hands contains a human element. Conservative Jews believe that the values of the Torah should be kept intact while some laws should be adjust in order to adapt to the times."Reform Judaism believes that the Torah was written by different human sources, rather than by God, and then later combined" (Branches of Judaism).

Reconstructionist Jews do "not believe in a personified deity that is active in history and does not believe that God chose the Jewish people" (Branches of Judaism). Humanistic Jews believe in a Jewish lifestyle that was not bound by supernatural authority. "Humanistic Judaism embraces a human-centered philosophy that combines the celebration of Jewish culture and identity with adherence to humanistic values" (Branches of Judaism).

During World War II over 6 million European Jews were murdered. This catastrophic event was called the Holocaust. The amount of people murdered consisted of "over a third of the Jewish people in the world and half of all Jews in Europe"(Judaism). Adolf Hitler led the Nazi party on a mission to remove all the Jews from Europe. He blamed the Jews for all the problems in Germany, and as he conquered other territories he continued his war against the Jews. "By 1942, large-scale death camps had been set up by the Nazis to facilitate the "Final Solution"-the total extermination of all Jews in Europe, a population the Nazis estimated at 11 million" (Judaism). Jews were taken from their homes, worked, starved, tortured, experimented on, and eventually murdered. This was a truly horroific even in not only Jewish history, but the history of the world.

There are many Sacred Practices in Judaism. Boys are taught to write and read Hebrew; they are also taught how to interpret the scriptures. They are taught to respect and follow the commandments and consider God in every aspect of life. What a person eats is also important because certain foods are considered dirty. "For example, the only ritually acceptable, or kosher, meats, are those from warmblooded animals with cloven hoofs which chew their cuds, such as cows, goats, and sheep. Poultry is kosher, except for birds of prey, but shellfish is not. Meat is also kosher only if it has been butchered in the traditional way with an extremely sharp, smooth knife by an authorized Jewish slaughterer. Great pains are taken to avoid eating blood; meat must be soaked in water and then drained on a salted board before cooking. Meat and milk cannot be eaten together, and separate dishes are maintained for their preparation and serving" (Judaism).

Prayers are also a very important sacred practice and prayers are traditionally said in the morning and before bedtime.

There are many sacred holidays in Judaism. Rosh Hashanah is the New year which is meant to celebrate "spiritual renewal in remembrance of the original creation of the world" (Judaism). It is celebrated around the time of the fall equinox. Yom Kippur is meant to celebrate "renewing the sacred covenant with God in a spirit of atonement and cleansing" (Judaism). This is a time for cleansing the soul of sins. This is when one should confess to their wrongdoings and seek forgiveness and penance.

Sukkot is a festival of harvest in the fall. An outside dwelling is built for 7 days in order to remind people that God is their true home. "Near the winter solstice, the darkest time of the year, comes Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication. Each night for eight nights, another candle is lit on a special candle holder. The amount of light gradually increases like the lengthening of sunlight" (Judaism).

"Judaism, like all modern religions, has struggled to meet the challenge of secularization: the idealization of science, rationalism, industrialization, and materialism" (Judaism). There are many different groups and sects of Judaism like I mentioned earlier, and there are many conflicts between them. The differing belief and focuses on the scriptures and Jewish Laws lead to conflicts amongst different Jewish sects. Time has put a strain on these different groups because some choose to uphold Jewish law on different levels of strictness where others have chosen to change the law to adapt to the day and age. These differing opinions do not unify Jewish people, but there are still many people who believe in Judaism.

References

What is the Torah. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2007, from http://judaism.about.com/cs/torah/f/torah.htm

Branches of Judaism. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2007, from http://judaism.about.com/od/denominationsofjudaism/p/branches.htm

Judaism, Living Religions Sixth edition. (2005)

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