Judaism

Judaism is…:

Judaism is… A 4000 year old religion, based on a “covenant relationship” between God and the Hebrew people – And a belief in the patriarchs, such as: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (“Israel”), who led the Hebrew people (more than 3800 years ago).

As a faith, Jews believe…:

As a faith, Jews believe… …In one God, creator of the universe, personal but non-corporeal ( without physical, human form ). …In the ancient prophets – especially: Abraham, who established a covenant with God that the “Hebrew” people (an early name for the Jews) would worship only one god, “Yahweh” and, in return, God would choose the Hebrews to receive His special favor (making them the “Chosen People”). God also promised the Hebrews their own land, “Canaan” (an early name for Israel). Moses, through whom the laws of the Torah were revealed to the Hebrew people on Mount Sinai.

Slide 3:

As a people, Jews are … a nation in Diaspora (a nation that has been dispersed). Ancient Jewish history includes the leadership of strong kings such as: Saul, David, and Solomon, but that period ended in the 6th century BCE. Babylonian Exile – Beginning in 598/7 BCE, Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians, the first Temple was destroyed, and the Jews were deported from Israel to Babylon.

Slide 4:

Eventually, the Jews moved back to Jerusalem from Babylon - and rebuilt their Temple. Over 500 years passed before the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, in 70 CE. The period of the Jew’s second exile from Israel began.

Diaspora:

Diaspora The Jewish people were scattered throughout the world. For the next 1900 years, until the new nation of Israel was established in 1948 (after WWII), the Jews had no authority in their homeland of Palestine*. (* “Canaan”, “Judah” , “Palestine”, and “Israel” are various names for the same place in the Middle East.)

Persecution – Anti-Semitism:

Persecution – Anti-Semitism Over the next 1900 years, wherever they went in the world, Jews continued to experience prejudice and persecution. Historical examples of this include: The Spanish Inquisition - 1400’s C.E. – The Catholic Church tortured Jews who would not leave Spain or convert to Christianity. 1492: all Jews driven out of Spain. Russian pogroms – 1800’s & 1900’s Russian Orthodox Church persecuted and killed Jews in Russia, drove them out of their homes and villages. Many moved to America. The Holocaust (“Sho’ah”) – Europe, 1939-1945 Over 6 million innocent Jews were murdered by the Nazis.

Survival:

Survival Since the end of World War II, Jews have continued to survive and thrive. There are 15 – 16 million Jews in the worldwide population today.

Jewish Sects:

Jewish Sects United by a common heritage (descended from Semitic tribes), most hereditary Jews are considered an “ethnic” group. But the actual religious practice of Judaism is divided in various sects: Orthodox: The most traditional form of Judaism. Modern Chasidic (Ultra Orthodox) Reformed (18 th century Germany) Conservative – moderates, response to reform Reconstructionalism (20 th century America)

Judaism has two major sacred texts::

Judaism has two major sacred texts: The Torah (“Written Law”) : There are 613 commandments found in the Torah, including the “Ten Commandments”. The Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible), contains religious, moral and social laws which guide the life of a Jew. The Talmud (“Oral Law”): The commentary of ancient rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through: Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher). Dress and other symbols. Prayer and devotion to the one God. The Temple and Temple rites. Observance of Holy days. Guidelines for daily life.

Jewish life cycle celebrations include: :

Jewish life cycle celebrations include: Birth – A ceremony, called a “bris” is performed on the 8th day of a male child’s life. This is the first step in the creation of the child’s identity as a Jewish male. Attaining adulthood: Bar/Bat Mitzvah – full adult status and responsibility within the religion Maturity: Marriage is usual for adults - "Be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:22). Death –There are specific traditions for funerals, the mourning process, and memorials.

The Jewish Holy Days: :

The Jewish Holy Days: High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Sukkot, the “Festival of Booths” (fall harvest festival) Simchat Torah – celebrating the Torah Chanukah, the “Festival of Lights”

More Holy Days…:

More Holy Days… Purim – commemorates events told in book of Esther) Pesach (“Passover”) – commemorates the exodus from Egypt (events told in the book of Exodus in the Torah) Shavuot – commemorates receipt of Torah at Sinai Shabbat (Sabbath, 7 th day, on Saturday) – the “Day of Rest”

Core beliefs of Judaism include::

Core beliefs of Judaism include: Tikkun Olam - “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness; through “deed, not creed” The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (“good deeds” based on God’s commandments) Through education and hard work Jews attempt to make their lives, the lives of others, and the world, what they believe is the sacred/holy place God intended it to be.

How Judaism is related to Christianity::

How Judaism is related to Christianity: Judaism predates Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it. Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the Apostles Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Earth Jews are not concerned about salvation and the “world to come”