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A Comparison of Hasidic Jews and the Amish

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A Comparison of Hasidic Jews and the Amish
Carleigh K
Mrs.W
English III
3 December 20--

A Comparison of Hasidic Jews and the Amish Hasidic Jews and the Amish have surprising similarities in lifestyles and clothing preferences but differ in their religious beliefs. Hasidic Jews and the Amish separate themselves from the rest of the world. Each live in all Jewish or all Amish communities and follow the same traditions and customs as other families in their respective groups. Hasidic Jews do not use modern comforts such as ovens and electricity on the Sabbath. They will ask a Gentile to come into their home to turn on the stove or turn off lights. Amish people travel using a horse and buggy, scooter, or bicycle instead of a car. They use kerosene lamps instead of electricity to light their homes. The Amish, like Hasidic Jews, avoid the use of modern conveniences. This is what the author alluded to in his statement, “In this household, as in mine, Jewishness and worldliness were forever at odds” (Singer 114). The Amish share this view. To these cultures, the use of these advancements is considered worldly. This caution of worldly pursuits is also fundamental to their physical appearance. Both Hasidic Jews and the Amish believe that interest in physical appearance is considered vanity. Modesty is important in both groups. Men, women and children wear dark colors to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Most of their skin is kept covered. Hasidic Jewish women cut their hair and wear wigs after they are married. Amish women cover their heads with a bonnet or scarf and keep their heads covered even when they sleep. By Jewish law, Hasidic men are to avoid looking at unfamiliar women because it is considered unmannerly and disrespectful. Both Hasidic Jews and the Amish have strict rules governing their appearance that are strongly guided by their religious views. Hasidic Jews and the Amish have strong religious and superstitious beliefs. In the book A Day of Pleasure, Isaac Singer



Cited: Singer, Isaac Bashevis. A Day of Pleasure. Canada: HarperCollins Canada, 1969. Younts, Elizabeth Byler. Seasons. United States of America: EBY Books, 2011. I know that plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of someone else’s words or ideas, and I pledge that this paper is not plagiarized. Carleigh K,

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