JUDAISM

NAME OF FOLLOWERS

1. Followers of Judaism are called Jews.

HISTORY

1. One of the oldest religions in the world.2. Founded by Abram around 1800 B.C.E.3. Yahweh (God) made a covenant with Abram

that said his descendants would be God’s chosen people in exchange for their faith and obedience.

4. These people – called the Hebrews in ancient times – would live in a promised land called Canaan, which is now modern day Israel.

A LITTLE EXTRA HISTORY

During 1300 B.C.E. the Jewish people moved from the Promise Land to Egypt in search of food during a time of famine. They became slaves to the Egyptian king during this time.

The Jews were freed by Moses and returned to the Promise Land and built a temple to worship Yahweh in the city of Jerusalem. This temple was destroyed by the Romans in about 60 C.E. and has never been rebuilt.

Jewish people dispersed to many parts of the world.

Zionism: a movement which encourages all Jews to return to the promise land, present day Israel.

HOLY BOOK

1. Hebrew Bible: The foundation of Jewish religion (known to Christians as the Old Testament).

2. Torah: The most important part of the Hebrew Bible. Includes 10 main laws called commandments.

BELIEFS ABOUT GOD

1. Believe in one God, Yahweh (with whom they have a covenant).

2. Statement of faith’ “there is only one God.” 3. The goal of Judaism is to live a good life

according to the laws of the Torah.

HOLY DAYS

1. Sabbath: Weekly remembrance that God rested from creation on the seventh days. From Friday evening until Saturday evening, Jews must rest and pray. No work is to be done.

HOLY PLACES

1. Synagogue: Jewish place of worship, center for Jewish learning, and a place of social gathering for the Jewish community.

IMPORTANT TRADITIONS

1. Yom Kippur: When Jews seek forgiveness for things which they have done wrong. During this holiday, Jews fast.

2. Jews can only eat foods that are kosher, because they meet the requirements about clean preparation of food.

3. Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world.

IMPORTANT PEOPLE

1. Abraham: Is considered the founder of Judaism.

2. Moses: Judaism's most important prophet. 3. Rabbi: Leads the people in prayers, readings

from the holy book, and gives a sermon during services.

MAJOR DIVISIONS

1. Three main branches of Judaism: Orthodox Reform Conservative

2. All three have a special reverence for the city of Jerusalem because it is the sacred city of the prophets.

SYMBOLS

1. Star of David: Six pointed star, is said to stand for the Shield of David, and ancient king and important figure in the Hebrew Bible.