Judaism

1. Judaism

2. Overview • Judaism began in a region known as the Ancient Near East over 3,500 ago. • The story of the Old Testament is the story of the Jewish people. • Judaism is a way of life and an identity as much as it is a religion. • The history of Judaism cannot be understood without understanding the importance of Israel or the promised land.

3. Key Beliefs • Monotheism. • Abraham as founding father of the Hebrews. • God’s covenant with Abraham. • Moses and the Ten Commandments. • Exile and the Promised Land. • The Jews were chosen by God to receive his law.

4. Five Aspects of Religion • Origins: a founding figure • Beliefs and Doctrines • Rituals • Sacred Texts • Ethics and Moral Conduct

5. Judaism: Key Topics • The origins of Judaism: ASRA • The nature of God in the Jewish tradition: SAMEER • Jewish Beliefs and Doctrines: ASHILD • Jewish Rituals: LINDSEY • Jewish Holidays: JOSE • Sacred Texts: INES • Exile and the Promised Land: KALEIGH

6. Origins • Jews trace their origins back to Abraham who lived 3500 years ago. The story of God’s covenant with Abraham is central to understanding Judaism. See Genesis 17. • The early history of the Jews is concerned with exile and war. The story of Moses is important. See pp. 37 – 48 in the Kingfisher Children’s Bible. • In many ways, the story of the Old Testament is the story of the Jewish people.

7. Beliefs and Doctrines • Unlike other religions, Judaism has no official creed or universal doctrinal requirements for membership. Jews may adhere to a complete system of beliefs about God or hold only a few simple beliefs. • Diversity in belief arises because actions not beliefs, are the most important aspect of Jewish religious life. • Even so, the Torah and Talmud have a great deal to say about God, humanity, and the meaning of life. These beliefs are of great significance not only for Judaism itself, but also for their direct influence on Christianity and Islam.

8. Rituals • Circumcision at birth. • Bar / Bat mitzvah at adulthood. • Redemption of the First Born. • Prayer • Synagogue services on Saturdays. • Observing the Shabbat. • No pork or other non-kosher foods. • Holidays related to historical events. • Marriage and Divorce. • Death Rituals. • Mourning.

9. Jewish Holidays • Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish New Year) • Aseret Yemei Teshuva (The Days of Repentance) • Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) • Sukkot (Feast of Pesach) • Hanukkah • Shabbat • Passover

10. Sacred Texts • The entire law was revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai following the crossing of the Red Sea. • According to Jewish tradition, the law came in two parts: written and oral. • The written torah refers to the first five books of the bible. The oral torah consists of the traditional interpretations of Jewish law handed down by word of mouth from generation to generation and now embodied in the Talmud and Midrash.

11. Ethics and Moral Conduct • Jewish ethics are strongly guided by traditions, moral principles, or by central Jewish virtues. • Jewish ethical practice is typically understood to be marked by values such as justice, truth, peace, loving-kindness, compassion, humility, and self-respect. • Specific Jewish ethical practices include practices of charity and refraining from negative speech. • Proper ethical practices regarding sexuality and many other issues are subjects of dispute among Jews.

12. The Shema Hear O Israel, The Lord is our God, The Lord is One

13. The End