Some–in fact many Jews–are secular, that is, non-religious. I’ve heard the number being as high as 50%, but this doesn’t make them less Jewish. The other half fall roughly into a spectrum of religious observance that ranges from Orthodox to Reform with Conservative in between. Orthodox is the “old school” and until the 1800’s, was the only school. Judaism was largely monolithic until that time when Reform came along and placed more emphasis on social action, modern living, and that Jewish law (Halakha) are general guidelines rather than a strict list of requirements. The Conservative Movement developed in reaction to the Reform Movement in an effort to conserve the traditions of the past instead of relegate them to over-modernization, abandon, and reform.

There are of course, many other smaller branches of Judaism, however these three represent the main body of the faithful.

What is interesting about Judaism (and why I’ve had a difficult time deciding which type to be) is it’s emphasis on daily living. While there are many prayers and blessings associated with being a Jew, the idea is that one lives fully in the creation of God. For this reason, we are given the 613 mitzvot (plural for mitzvah) which cover the daily observances and practices enjoined upon Jews in particular and humanity in general. These mitzvot are found in the Torah (the five books of Moses) and compiled by Rambam (commonly known as Maimonides) in the Mishneh Torah. These mitzvah can be very specific and range from recognizing the unity and oneness of God to not wearing clothing where wool and linen are mixed together. The three branches of Judaism come from how strictly one follows these mitzvot among other considerations.

I’ve decided that in order to make the experience meaningful that I should observe as much of the mitzvot as I can and that won’t interfere too much with my family. Trouble is that they aren’t “acting” Jews as I am, so many of the ordinances–especially kosher dietary laws–are difficult to maintain. Being a vegetarian though helps with keeping most of my bases covered.

So, what will my life as a Jew be like every day? In a word: conscious.

Every Jew is enjoined to prayer at least three times a day and each time of the day requires a certain method. That being said, there are many blessings a Jew might say to observe God’s power and love in the mundane. For example there are blessings for sighting  a rainbow or getting a new home. The first prayer one says upon waking, the Modeh Ani, is really an acknowledgement that God is Lord and Sovereign and one’s primary focus in life.

“Modeh anee lifanecha melech chai vikayam, she-he-chezarta bee nishmatee b’chemla, raba emunatecha.”

“I offer thanks to You, living and eternal king, for You have restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great.”

In Judaism, one’s soul leaves the body while sleeping to “recharge” in the spiritual realm, only to return upon waking. This is why our first thought as we wake acknowledges this fact and thanks God for returning us to our mortal lives.

Next comes the Netilat Yadalim (morning hand-washing). This is done by keeping a bowl of water beside the bed and washing one’s hands–right hand to left hand, three times each, up to the wrist–while saying:

“Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.”

After this ablution we recite the Shema, which every Jew is commanded to say when they “lie down and rise up.” It is the declaration of faith and the remembrance of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. The passage is pretty lengthy and covers three Biblical passages: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21; Numbers 15:37-41. The centerpiece of this recitation is “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is one.” Other parts of the Shema speak of a commitment to study the Torah, the concept of reward and punishment, and remembrance of God leading the Children of Israel out of Egypt. In effect, the Shema realigns one to their purpose in life every day and reminds them of who they are, where they came from, and where they are going in the sight of God.

Before reciting the Shema and next, the Shacharit (morning prayer), Jewish males over 13 wear the tzitzit and the tefillin.

 Cost prohibited me from acquiring the tefillin, however I do have the tzitzit. Depending on one’s affiliation, these items may or may not be worn throughout the day. I choose to wear the tzitzit at all times, including the kippah (the iconic head covering).

 The morning is wrapped up with the Shacarit prayer and then one is off to begin their day fresh and blessed. As I mentioned, there are many prayers and blessings incorporated into the day as they present themselves, but the idea here is to be mindful of God. To do so means to be a light and blessing to others, to help those in need, to be fair and just, and to represent the love of God.

Studying the prayers and blessings is difficult. Being observant of as many mitzvot as possible will make the task even more arduous, however one shouldn’t view such practices as a burden in the negative sense. These mitzvot are designed to help us live a guided life that we might be a light for others and remember God in the process. Judaism is a faith that demands one to live life to the fullest, indeed, to enjoy creation’s pleasures (all within moderation, of course) and these tenets are there to ensure this comes to pass.