7 pillars to Judaism

Mezuzah: A mezuzah is a piece of parchment inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah. These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One". (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mezuzah)

Tefillin: Tefillin also called phylacteries are a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, which are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers. Although "tefillin" is technically the plural form (the singular being "tefillah"), it is loosely used as a singular as well. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tefillin) 

Shofar: A shofar is a horn, traditionally that of a ram, used for Jewish religious purposes. Shofar-blowing is incorporated in synagogue services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Shofar come in a variety of sizes. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shofar)

Hannukah: Hanukkah , also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukah)









Kosher (Kashrut): Kashrut is the set of Jewish dietary laws. Food that may be consumed according to halakha is termed kosher in English, from the Ashkenazi pronunciation of the Hebrew term kashér, meaning "fit". Food that is not in accordance with Jewish law is called treif. Kosher can also refer to anything that is fit for use or correct according to halakha, such as a hanukiyah, or a sukkah (a Sukkot booth). The word kosher has become English vernacular, a colloquialism meaning proper, legitimate, genuine, fair, or acceptable. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosher)





Tzedakah: Tzedakah is a Hebrew word literally meaning righteousness but commonly used to signify charity. It is based on the Hebrew word meaning righteousness, fairness or justice, and it is related to the Hebrew word Tzadik meaning righteous as an adjective. In Judaism, tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to do what is right and just, which Judaism emphasises are important parts of living a spiritual life. Maimonides says that, while the second highest form of tzedakah is to anonymously give donations to unknown recipients, the highest form is to give a gift, loan, or partnership that will result in the recipient supporting himself instead of living upon others. Unlike philanthropy or charity, which are completely voluntary, tzedakah is seen as a religious obligation, which must be performed regardless of financial standing, and must even be performed by poor people. Tzedakah is considered to be one of the three main acts that can annul a less than favorable heavenly decree. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzedakah)

Sabbath: Sabbath is the seventh day of the Jewish week and the Jewish day of rest. On Sabbath, Jews recall the Genesis creation narrative in which God creates the Heavens and the Earth in six days and rests on the seventh. Sabbath observance also entails refraining from a range of activities prohibited on Sabbath, such as lighting a fire and cooking. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabbat)