JudaismJudaism

Oldest of the Major Western ReligionsOldest of the Major Western Religions

Began around 1500 BC in the Middle EastBegan around 1500 BC in the Middle East

Founded by AbrahamFounded by Abraham– Moses: Great Jewish leader who gave the Moses: Great Jewish leader who gave the

Hebrews the 10 Commandments and led the Hebrews the 10 Commandments and led the Hebrews from slavery in EgyptHebrews from slavery in Egypt

Monotheistic: belief in one GodMonotheistic: belief in one God– Name of God: YahwehName of God: Yahweh

Torah: the Jewish holy bookTorah: the Jewish holy book– becomes the Old Testament in the Christian becomes the Old Testament in the Christian

BibleBible

Symbol: Star of DavidSymbol: Star of David– named after a famous Jewish king of the named after a famous Jewish king of the

ancient worldancient world

Place of worship: synagoguePlace of worship: synagogue

Day of worship is called the Sabbath and is Day of worship is called the Sabbath and is on Saturdayon Saturday

Title of priest: RabbiTitle of priest: Rabbi

Major areas or countries where Major areas or countries where people practice Judaism:people practice Judaism:

– Israel: the Jewish homeland formed after Israel: the Jewish homeland formed after World War IIWorld War II

– United StatesUnited States– Eastern EuropeEastern Europe

Past and Current Conflicts:Past and Current Conflicts:– Holocaust: World War II Holocaust: World War II

genocide in Europegenocide in Europe– 4000 years of anti-Semitism => 4000 years of anti-Semitism =>

bias against Semites/Jewsbias against Semites/Jews– Palestine – Israel: basic Palestine – Israel: basic

question if Israel should exist. question if Israel should exist. Surrounding Muslim countries Surrounding Muslim countries believe Israel really should believe Israel really should belong to Muslims and that the belong to Muslims and that the Jews should find another Jews should find another homelandhomeland

Jerusalem: holy city for Jews, Christians, Jerusalem: holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslimsand Muslims– part of a shared religious heritagepart of a shared religious heritage

Distinctly Jewish:Distinctly Jewish:smallest number of followers among the five smallest number of followers among the five major religionsmajor religionsHebrew: name of language and peopleHebrew: name of language and peopleWailing Wall: last major holy site remaining from Wailing Wall: last major holy site remaining from ancient history; in Jerusalemancient history; in JerusalemKosher: rules for what to eat and how to Kosher: rules for what to eat and how to prepare foodprepare food– cannot eat pork, shellfish, or shrimpcannot eat pork, shellfish, or shrimp– dairy and meat should not be cooked or served dairy and meat should not be cooked or served

togethertogether