Judaism

1. Judaism The only religion to be considered a culture as well as a religion.

2. Judaism Judaism is the world�s oldest Western Religion Other Western religions include; Islam and Christianity Judaism was started 4,000 years ago in what is now considered Israel Over half of the Jewish population of the world was murdered in the Holocaust, as a result, Jews only make up .5% of the world�s population, making them one of the world�s true minorities.

3. What do Jews believe? Jewish people believe in one God Jewish people believe in prophets who exist throughout history to guide people to the word of God ( ex: Moses, Aaron, Isaiah) Jewish people follow the 612 commandments set by God on how to live their lives. They hold 10 to be the most important. Jewish people believe that the Messiah will still come, they do not believe that Jesus is the son of God.

4. Jewish Customs Most Jewish people follow dietary rules. They cannot eat : Pig, shellfish ( shrimp, lobster, crab) they also cannot eat any fish that does not have both fins and scales Most Orthodox Jewish people cannot eat meat and milk at the same time. Most Orthodox Jewish people cannot handle money or do business transactions on Shabbat ( Friday night-Saturday night) The operating of electrical appliances is also forbidden during Shabbat and all major holidays for most Jewish people Jewish people may eat beef, turkey, chicken, and any fish that has scales or fins. Orthodox Jewish woman cannot wear pants and must wear a wig, hat, or scarf covering their hair when they leave their houses Most Jewish men cover their heads to pray

5. Jewish Religious Objects This is the Torah: This is the Tanach ( or Jewish Bible)

6. Jewish Religious Objects cont. This is the Kippah, Jewish men wear it when they pray This is the tallis, Jewish men wear it when they pray. They come in many different colors. Most men start wearing them when they are 13 and have their Bar Mitzvahs

7. Important Jewish Holidays Rosh Hashanah- Jewish New year Yom Kippur- Day of Atonement Chanukah Tu-beshvat ( earth day) Passover

8. Branches of Judaism Orthodox Most orthodox Jews keep kosher, go to synagogue every Shabbat, and all major holidays. This is the original branch of Judaism Conservative Most conservative Jews keep kosher, might not go to synagogue every Shabbat. Conservative Judaism was started in order to make Judaism more modern. Less restrictions are placed on Conservative Jews compared to Orthodox. Reform Was started in America in the 1960�s in order to make Judaism more � American�. Most reform Jews do not keep kosher, most do not attend services regularly. They are still religious in some ways though, and most keep major holidays still.