In general, the Torah, particularly Leviticus, covers most of the instructions on things like food, family purity, communal living etc. but Yael is right, the scope of the question you have asked is huge, there 613 "laws" in the Torah and all could be said to be part of community and have rituals associated to them depending how you presented it and that's just the basics - more could be added depending upon whether you are investigating Reform, Orthodox, Karite etc. forms of Judaism - some specifics will help narrow it down - i.e. can you post the actual question. As for books to reference, the first five books of the bible (aka the Torah), particularly Leviticus, is THE primary source document; Orthodox Jews would also include the Talmud as a primary source.
There are no questions, we just have to 'discuss' the topics and present it... I realise how broad it is, I'm not sure if that makes it easier or harder.. Lots of info, just not sure what to go with.. I might have a look at the 613 'laws' you mention in the torah..
Do you have any special rituals you practice? Maybe I could get more of a personal opinion then go from there?
Why don't you start with or perhaps even limit yourself the Festivals? They are a really important part of all forms of Judaism. The family and community will normally make their whole year revolve around these and they are foundational aspects of Jewish faith.
Purim (Festival of Lots)
Pesach (Passover)
Shavuot (Pentecost)
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
Yom Kippur (Day Of Atonement)
Succot (Tabernacles)
Simchat Torah (Rejoicing Of The Law)
Chanukah (Festival of Lights)
Shabbat (Sabbath)
Last edited by Yeddi; October 20th, 2010 at 09:08 AM.
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