Judaism: History

Judaism: Sacred Texts• The Torah: The Hebrews included their history and laws in the Torah. It

contains the first 5 books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This was later adopted by the Christians as well!

• The Talmud: By 135 A.D, many Jews had scattered in in what was known as the Diaspora but religious law was preserved by Jewish rabbis, or scholars, in the Talmud.

Fact: The Hebrews

were the only people

of the ancient world to

have a sacred book

like the Torah!

Judaism: Beliefs and Practices

Judaism: law

Judaism: Holidays and Celebrations• Rosh Hashanah - Happy Jewish New Year! Rosh Hashanah literally means “first

of the year.” This year will mark the beginning of the year 5769.

• Yom Kippur – Ten days after the new year, Jews recognize yom kippur, the day of atonement. They spend the day atoning their sins and is often accompanied by fasting.

• Hanukkah - Jews light one candle on the Menorah for eight consecutive days commemorating the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews' 165 B.C.E. victory over the Syrians. The Syrians destroyed the temple, and when the Jews wanted to rebuild, they only had enough oil to light a candle for one night, but miraculously, it lasted for eight!

• Passover – Commemorates the release of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for 8 days and is accompanied by special prayers and symbolic food in a Seder.