I'm on a quest to more clearly understand the teachings in the New Testament by placing it in it's context - the Judaism of that era, more academically called "Second Tabernacle Judaism". The teachings and commandments of the Messiah gain precision and coherence when listened to within this context.
Using a AI to speed research that era Judaism I'm finding some really helpful religious practices that were the context Jesus operated within, and more importantly endorsed, corrected, refuted, and illuminated with his teachings and commandments.
The Christian traditions of church people I've known has had an emphasis on prayer before meals, before going to sleep. This is a very stunted version of the norm in Israel at the time of Jesus. See my screenshot for a much more enriching approach to prayer.
By enriching I mean it creates a sense of gratitude to God throughout many mundane moments in a day. Also note this implies the opposite of ascetic denial (being a monk that denies pleasure). Got new clothes that you like? Seeing beautiful scenery? All these and more are to be enjoyed and willingly send a thank you to God.
Also implied with this entire practice -God wants us to have nice things and pleasurable experiences.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, I should stress. That's the only God that nurtured this way of being into a people.
Answer from AI below:
It seems you're interested in the concept of "100 blessings" recited on Shabbat. While there isn't a fixed list of 100 specific blessings from early Judaism, the idea of reciting 100 blessings daily, especially on Shabbat, is rooted in Jewish tradition.
Here's how the concept is understood and practiced:
Origins of the 100 Blessings:
- Talmudic Source: The Talmud (Menachot 43b) states that a person should recite 100 blessings each day. This is based on a verse in Deuteronomy (10:12), "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him,
and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul." The rabbis interpreted "serving God with all your soul" to include praising God through blessings.
How to Reach 100 Blessings on Shabbat:
While there's no mandated list, here are the primary ways people aim to fulfill this practice:
- Standard Prayers: Many regular prayers, like the Shema and Amidah, contain multiple blessings.
- Blessings on Food: Each meal requires blessings before and after eating, and there are specific blessings for different types of food.
- Blessings on Enjoyment: Blessings are recited upon smelling fragrant spices, seeing beautiful sights, hearing good news, etc.
- Torah Reading: The Torah reading service includes blessings before and after, and potentially during the reading itself.
- Other Prayers: Various other prayers throughout the day contribute to the count, including those for specific occasions or needs.
Significance of the Practice:
- Expressing Gratitude: Reciting blessings cultivates an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for God's gifts.
- Connecting with the Divine: Blessings acknowledge God's presence and involvement in everyday life.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: The act of blessing is seen as a way to elevate mundane activities and connect with the sacred.
Important Notes:
- No Fixed List: There isn't a single, definitive list of 100 blessings used universally in early Judaism. The practice focuses on the overall number and intention.
- Variations: Different communities and individuals may have their own customary sets of blessings they prioritize.
- Focus on Quality: The emphasis is not just on quantity but also on reciting blessings with sincerity and mindfulness.
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