Communication Cultural between
Hasidic Jews and Mainstream America
General Overview
Started in America with Hasidic refugees after WWII (1946) Minority within a minority Bifurcated gender system Hasidim is a spiritual revival movement. The goal is to lose oneself in a trancelike state while worshiping and praying to God.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Hasidics Value individual achievement Mostly focus on group success and prosperity Medium low score USA Highly individualistic Score of 200 Feel people should take care of themselves and don't know our neighbors
Uncertainty Avoidance
Hasidics USA Historically they have Our score is -87 had to adapt Consistent with They survive by predictors keeping their old ways High uncertainty avoidance
Power Distance
Hasidics Rabbi is definitely the leader They try to be a cohesive community Level playing field Low score USA Moderately low power distance USA score = -90 Israel score = -214
Time Orientation
Hasidics They value immediacy Believe in doing good things now to make the current world a better place Very short term time orientation USA We score -60 Short term time orientation Similar
Masculinity vrs Femininity
Hasidics Relatively high masculinity Women are allowed to hold jobs, but think it is much more fufilling and important to raise their children USA Our Score = 63 Moderately masculine We value success over nurturing
Misconceptions
Hair covering for women People think of as Hasidim somber or ominous Because they are reserved on the street, they hate everyone That Hasidim are similar to the Amish in their restrictions of modern culture They smell bad They hate dogs Would let someone die due on the Sabbath
Communication
Situation in Israel In Business On the street
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Possible dinner invitations
Nonverbal Communication
When Jews pray, they do not sit stone-still with hands folded. Hasidim tend to rock back and forth while stroking their beard (when applicable).The religious reason for the rocking motion is based on a passage in the Talmud, referring to the biblical line:"All my bones will say, Ha-Shem (God), who is like You?" Therefore, the Talmud and Jewish law teach that we must involve our entire body in prayer, not just the mind alone. Many Jews involve the body by swaying.
Alternative Communication
Food and Meals
Shabbis, means "Sabbath" Cover face during prayer After candles are lit and prayers are said, the Sabbath starts Jewish dietary laws called Kosher
FOOD
Holidays
JEWISH HOLIDAYS 2008 Tu B'Shevat Tue, Jan 22 Purim Fri, Mar 21, 2008 Passover Sun, Apr 20 Yom Hashoah Fri, May 2 Yom Haatzmaut May 8 Lag B'Omer Fri, May 23, Shavuot Siv Mon, Jun 9 Tisha B'Av Sun, Aug 10 Rosh Hashanah Sep 30 Yom Kippur Thu, Oct 9 Succoth Tue, Oct 14, 2008 Sh'mini Atz Tue, Oct 21 Simchat Torah Oct 22 Hanukkah Dec 22
Linkage
Hasidim 101 Random Overview Marriage Funerals