Judaism

Clint Heinze

Circa 2000 BCE near Canaan (Israel area). Abraham is “founder” and lineage are a part of his

covenant with God. It is the first monotheistic religion. His son, Ishmael is said to be the start of the Arabs.

Isaac – almost Sacrificed Jacob (Israel) – 12 sons became the 12 tribes of Israel.

The Beginning of Judaism

Judaism really became a structured religion in 1312 BCE

with the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Moses is their main prophet

Ten commandments and Mt. Horeb (Sinai) Torah/Pantateuch

The Beginning of Judaism

The names given to the one Creator and Ruler of all:

Considered the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob God (a large portion of Jews will not say this, though.

It might not be said with enough respect: a sin. Yahweh (YHWH – no vowels in Hebrew) Elohim Adonai - Lord Hashem

Name of Deity

They follow written as well as oral law. Written Law – Torah/Pentateuch ( generally

the most important) The first five books of the Old Testament - the

Jewish Hebrew version called the Tanakh - of the Bible. Also known as the Books of Moses

Holy Books

After the diaspora by the Romans after the fall of the

second temple, Jerusalem was renamed Capitolina Aelia and Judah was renamed Palestine.

During this time of separation, Judaism entered the time of “tannaim,” or teachers.

Oral Law was practiced. Eventually written down into the Mishnah.

The Mishnah uses laws from the Torah and legal traditions used since the time of Ezra (450 BCE).

Holy Books

The Amoraim, or rabbi scholars, studied the Mishnah

and added comments explaining the Oral Law. This became what is now the Talmud or Gemara. Two Talmuds developed

Palestinian Talmud – the shorter of the two due to unrest in Palestine. Finished

in CE 425. Babylonian Talmud – finished in the end of the 5th century.

Holy Books

The Zohar – 13th Century

Gives instruction on Messiah identification Gives meaning of Biblical texts.

Holy Books

Synagogues (shuls to Orthodox Jews and

temples to Western Jews) Worship, education center, community Center Men and Women sit separately in more

traditional places, together in reformed . Services usually led by a rabbi Hebrew is mainly spoken

Places of Worship

There are some possible explanations for the spread of

an ethnic religion. The first monotheistic religion (seen as more credible) People that are born Jewish generally remain Jewish. The

religion is passed down by generations. Jews were frequently exiled or moving (diffusion)

The Jewish Diaspora The exodus with Moses Exile during Spanish Inquisition

Spread of Judaism

1. Israel – 5,901,100 2. USA – 5,425,000 3. France – 480,000 4. Canada – 375,000 5. U.K. – 291,000 6. Russia – 194,000

World total: 13,746,100

Current Locations and Numbers

Orthodox

Torah comes directly from God and cannot be altered.

Humans must rely on rabbis to understand it. Rabbi understanding of the Torah has been gathered to make the “halachah,” or Jewish law. Everything is literal; from the concept of Mitzvah (commandment).

2 Main Branches of Judaism

Reform/mainstream

Torah is God-inspired and used to understand surroundings and relationship with God.

Torah is holy but dated and discernment can be used.

Judaism can evolve by coming to our own understandings of scripture. Jewish law is a guideline rather than a requirement.*There are also several other branches. These are the main two.

2 Main Branches of Judaism

Numbers (some of them)

1 – Unity, divinity, and wholeness, as portrayed by God

3 – Completeness and stability 7 – The greatest number. Their word for luck, gad,

equals seven in gematria. Seven days for creation, Seven laws of Noah, Seven branches on the

Menorah, Seven days a week, and several others. 10 – Good will and power (10 Commandments).

Symbols

Shield of David (Star of David)

Represents the Jewish Community. Was not a religious sign prior the Jewish

adaption of it. Since it is so popular, though, nobody cares about its pagan origin.

Has a messianic association/meaning Is plastered on the US dollar.

Story

Symbols

The Menorah

Symbolizes the nation of Israel and its mission to be a light to other nations.

Yarmulkes Used during prayer – a traditional symbol of respect.

Symbols

The Western, Wailing, Wall

Most visible remaining structure from the Second Temple complex

Represents indestructible Jewish attachment to their land

Jews come from everywhere to place notes and prayers in the cracks of the wall.

Dome of the Rock Where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac

Holy Sites

Mt. of Olives

Those buried there are said to be the first resurrected from the dead when the Messianic Age comes.

King David’s Tomb Jerusalem

The eternal capital of the Jewish people. Numerous holy sites

Holy Sites

The Ramban Synagogue

The oldest active synagogue in Israel The Temple Mount

Likely the location of the old temple of Israel Several important things in Jewish history

occurred here.

Holy Sites

The same as Christianity – same book One alteration

It says God essentially messed up on women once before actually making Eve from Adam’s rib.

Major Beliefs - Creation

The Messiah (a dynamic Jewish leader) will come

descending from David Rebuild Temple He will bring all Jews back to Israel He will bring world peace and great living standards. He will be the world leader The world will worship one god, Jewish nation will be preoccupied with studying the Torah God’s purpose would then be fulfilled

Major Beliefs – End Times(Jewish eschatology)

The halakhah, or Jewish Law

613 Mitzvots, or commandments Rules regarding how to act, treat people,

animals, and God, grooming rules, who to marry, what to eat, etc.

The Ten Commandments

Major Beliefs - Laws

Depends on branch

Become holy through observance of commandments.

Care for people Live a holy life and try to imitate God. Work for world peace Enjoy life

Major Beliefs – Purpose of Life

Rosh Hashanah: The beginning of the Jewish New Year. Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, the last 10 days of

penitence which marks the opening of the New Year. Sukkot: A harvest festival giving thanks for the safe 40

year journey from Egypt to Israel Simchat Torah: Giving thanks for the Torah Hanukkah: An eight day festival which commemorates

the re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem after expelling the occupying Syrians in 164 BCE

Purim: Celebrating the Saving of the Persian Jews, as told in the biblical book of Esther

Holidays

Passover (Pesach): Week long memorial retelling the Israelites’

release from Egypt Shavuot: Harvest festival celebrating the gift of the Torah to

Moses Bar Mitzvah: Coming of age for boys aged 13. In liberal

traditions, an equivalent ceremony (Bat Mitzvah) is carried out for girls

Shabbat (Sabbath): Day of rest, worship and fasting, from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, requiring strict observance for Orthodox Jews.

Rosh Chodesh: This is observed on the first day of each month, a minor festival. This is the day that women do not work.

Holidays

Women - traditional

Wives, mothers, keepers of the house Discouraged higher education and religious

pursuits Encouraged to be an entrepreneur and hard

worker Instrumental in spiritual growth at home Helper to man/keeps everything working

Roles of Men and Women

Men – traditional

Head of house More public Religious leader Men and women have equal importance, just

different roles. Emphasis on partnership.

Roles of Men and Women

Architecture

Mainly all borrowed, especially from Romans Old times – clay bricks, stone walls, wood

ceilings, circular or rectangular build. They like wood to build things Arches Walls

Jewish Influence on the Arts

Art

Shows Jewish wanderings around the globe Graven images forbidden – no new artistic

creations Many religious in nature No pictures of God.

Jewish Influence on the Arts

Literature

Frequently depicts struggles of immigrant life, the odd lives they have lived, and the unique struggles regarding cultural acceptance

Jewish Influence on the Arts

Food

Again, mostly borrowed from other cultures, but the combination of all of them is unique

Unleavened bread Challah – sweat bread for holidays Knishes – potato and flour dumpling stuffed with

various things; a snack food.

Jewish Influence on the Arts

Thank You

THE END

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Judaism.html 

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/beliefs/Issues/Magic_and_the_Supernatural/Practices_and_Beliefs/Incantations/Names_and_Numbers/Numbers.shtml?p=2

 http://www.menorah.org/starofdavid.html

 http://www.jewfaq.org/signs.htm

 http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/beliefs/god.htm

 http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/jewpop.html

 http://www.abc.net.au/religion/stories/s796551.htm

 http://www.truthnet.org/TheMessiah/3_Books_of_Judaism/

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/worship/synagogue_1.shtml

 http://www.innovationslearning.co.uk/subjects/re/information/creation/jewish_creation.htm

 http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/108400/jewish/The-End-of-Days.htm

 http://www.simpletoremember.com/articles/a/Jewish_History/

Sources*I got several different things from each site, but I only listed

them once.