Amish- Shaked&Ori

The Amish came from Germany but didn’t stay there.

Having initially settled in Ohio they are now in 30 states and also in Canada.

Agriculture in the center of their lives and populations is expanding because of large families. The Amish, are afraid of being influenced by modern roads so they are always looking for new lands, far from urban areas. In the last century, the numbers of people involved in business are growing.

Mainly in carpentry and sale of agricultural products. They also create construction teams that build houses and other structures for those who are not Amish.

Their lifestyle has hardly changed over the last 300 years, it seems rigid and inflexible.

Yet their way of life relies on verbal interpretation from the Bible and also, unwritten rules. Amish’s accepted community in Pennsylvania is one of humility, modesty, obedience, equality and simplicity.

The Amish people refrain from using electricity because they see it as a connection with the world, and according to the Bible they believe that they should never fit in. In 1919 a decision was made that connecting with power lines would not work.
It can lead to many temptations and the deterioration of family and church life.

Most of us today would think that it is impossible to live without modern conveniences like electricity and cars. But Amish has other solutions.
Instead of cars they use chariots and horses.

In Amish the women and girls dress very modestly. They wear dresses made of solid-colored fabric, with long sleeves and a long skirt that covers the knee. Above the dresses are worn a cape and an apron and they are fastened with straight pins. They do not wear jewelry at all. They never get a haircut and cover their heads with a white prayer cover for married people, and a black prayer cover for singles.
Amish men and boys wear suits in black and white or dark color, straight-cut coats, wide pants, solid-colored shirts, socks and black shoes. They do not have a mustache but they grow a beard after their wedding. The Amish feel that these unique garments encourage humility and separation from the world. Perfume is not a costume; It is an expression of their faith.

Religion – The holidays celebrated by the Amish throughout the year,  are religious holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Aliyah, Pentecost and Monday (the day after Pentecost). They will also note that December 25 is the birthday celebration of Christ and “the second Christmas” on December 26 is the time for visits and family meals. ”
Modern medicine – Most Amish groups do not oppose modern medicine.

They believe that there is no problem in using modern medical services including surgeries, hospitalizations, dental work, anesthesia, blood transfusions etc. While they do not trust the medicine that will keep their body healthy, they believe that health is a gift from God and it requires their efforts. They do not have in-hospital insurance, but they unite to help pay for medical expenses for each of their group in need of financial assistance. A designated leader in the Amish community accepts responsibility for their mutual aid fund.

Family life – Amish families play together mainly in the evenings, parents are involved in their children’s activities. Although the Arabs in the Amish family are not long. There are chores assigned to the children on their return from school, after dinner they are required to work on homework and they get up early so go to bed early.
Education – Amish children usually go to school only through the eighth grade, they study mainly in private schools and have the right to graduate at the age of 14.

Their homes – Their homes are usually large but simple in design. Balconies and decks is a common thing that almost everyone has. In addition, there is an adjoining barn close to the house. The big houses serve two purposes, none of which are related to competing with your friend or neighbor. The house usually provides space for larger families. The bedrooms are on the top floor. The lower floor is open for sitting, eating and cooking. The large rooms on the first floor or in the open basement make it possible to hold their church service there when a donor arrives. This usually happens once to twice a year, depending on the size of the churches. The open space also allows for the extended family gatherings so common.

Why are they choose at it? – The Amish live without modernity and new invention of the world is a choice.

. The Amish value simplicity and self-denial over comfort, independence and leisure. As a result there is a connection that unites the Amish community and protects it from external influences like television, radios and other influences.