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The Religion of. Judaism. Judaism is…. “A 4000 year old tradition with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place.” A “covenant relationship” between God and the Hebrew people. A faith (Judaism), a people (Hebrews/Israelites), a way of life.
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The Religion of Judaism
Judaism is… • “A 4000 year old tradition with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place.” • A “covenant relationship” between God and the Hebrew people. • A faith (Judaism), a people (Hebrews/Israelites), a way of life.
As a people, Jews are… • 15 – 16 million in worldwide population. • part of different religious sects (small part of a larger group that shares core beliefs). • Orthodox: • Modern • Hasidic (Ultra Orthodox) • Reformed (18th century Germany) • Conservative: moderates, response to reform • Reconstructionalism (20th century America)
A 4000 year old tradition… • The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (“Israel”) – origins of the Hebrew people • Abraham: “the father of many nations” • Creation Myth • “Promised Land” (The Land of Israel) - ends 6th century B.C.
As a faith, Jews believe… • In one God – monotheism • In prophets (a person God speaks through) – especially Moses • In Torah (first five books of the Christian Bible), containing religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew • the Hebrew Torah does not include the New Testament • “Basic Beliefs and Observances”
Holy Books: • Written in Hebrew • Torah: (first five books of the Bible and Tanakh) contains religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew • Moses, The Ten Commandments • Talmud: oral traditions of the Jews written down over time with commentaries by rabbis
People and Places: • Rabbi: teacher or master • Synagogue: house of worship for prayer, education, and community activities • Temple: the Temple or Temple Mount, where Solomon’s Temple once stood – located in present day Jerusalem • Jerusalem and the Western Wall
As a way of life, Judaism is based on… • 613 commandments found in Torah (“Written Law”) • Talmud (“Oral Law”) – commentary of ancient rabbis that explain how live everyday life through: • Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) • Dress and other symbols • Prayer and devotion to God • The Temple and Temple rites • Observance of Holy days • Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc.
Jewish Celebrations: • Bar/Bat Mitzvah – full adult status and responsibility within the religion • High Holidays: • Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) • Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) • Chanukah, the “Festival of Lights”
More Holy Days… • Purim (“Lots”) – a carnival (remembers events told in book of Esther) • Passover – remembers the exodus from Egypt (events told in Exodus) • Shabbat (Sabbath, 7th day, on Saturday) – the “Day of Rest”
How is Judaism related to Christianity? • Judaism was a religion before Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it. • Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers, 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 are still waiting for their messiah. • The Jewish people believe that their messiah will not be divine. He will be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy in Israel and causes peace to reign on Earth.
What are Jews really concerned about? • Tikkun Olam - “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness • The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (“good deeds” based on God’s commandments) • Education and hard work make one’s life and the world what God intended it to be – Holy
Religion EQ • Exit Slip: What are similarities between ancient and modern (Judaism) religions? Why?
To Life! To Life! LeChaim!