Judaism Notes

1. Judaism Notes • One of the smallest of the major religions at 14 million. • Monotheistic • No true founder, but could include Abraham as the father of the faith.

2. Judaism, continued • Books (Tanakh - Old Testament which includes the Torah – the first 5 books of the Old Testament) • Synagogues serve as a meeting place for worship and education, led by a rabbi.

3. Jewish history at a glance… • Abraham and wife Sarah had no children. • G-d spoke to Abraham saying that he would have descendants to equal the stars and a land to live in of his own. • Isaac was born.

4. Jewish history, continued • Famine forced the Israelites out of Israel • They ended up in Egypt where they became enslaved. • God chose Moses to plead with the Egyptian pharaoh to free the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. • He refused to let them go and G-d sent a series of 10 plagues to force him to change his mind. • The Passover was the result of the last of the 10 plagues. • The Pharaoh changed his mind and the people were freed.

5. Judaism, continued • Believe in “kosher” products: • Literally means “fit” in accordance with G-d’s law. • Separate meat and milk (never eat @ same time or prepare with same utensils) • Shun foods such as pork and shellfish • Meat must be drained of blood b/c it is the life of the animal and is too sacred to eat. • Animal is o.k. to eat if it chews its cud and has split hooves. • Animals that eat other animals are not permitted for consumption.

6. Jewish history, continued • The Exodus followed as the Israelites were led out of Egypt by Moses with pharaoh’s army in pursuit. • The Red Sea was parted so that the Israelites can safely pass through.

7. Jewish history, continued • The Ten Commandments were given to Moses and the Israelites from G-d. • 40 years after the Exodus, the tribes of Israel reached Canaan, the promised land. • This land would be taken over many times by many peoples, including the Romans who would rename it Palestine.

8. Jewish history, continued • In 1948, Palestine was divided up and the modern state of Israel was born. • The Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths claim that their founders were born here and each hold rightful claim to the land.