Judaism

World Religion Project by:

Introduction

Everybody is different when it comes to appearance, personality, and any other factors. But one other trait that differs everyone, is religion. Judaism is a very unique faith, and we intend to teach you all about it.

Historical Background Information

• Judaism is the oldest religion of the western world (influenced Christianity and Islam)

• The Hebrews were the ancestors of the Jews • Hebrews established the nation, Israel, on the

eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea• Hebrews moved to Egypt due to famine• They were enslaved by the Egyptians • After they returned to Israel, they were forced

to leave during a period (Diaspora) when they were living as minorities

• The creation of the Jewish nation happened in 1948, and originated in the Middle East

• Nazi party in Germany committed genocide because of their ethnics- this was called the Holocaust

Judaism is a monotheistic religion, and they believe in G-d, the greatest figure for Judaism. He is believed by Jews to be the creator of the universe and well-respected. G-d or L-rd is very sacred to Jews. Basic groups of Jewish people have different understandings of the interpretation of the Torah:• Orthodox• Conservative

• Reform

Basic Belief System

Sacred Symbols, Texts and Places

-Places:• The Temple Mount- known as the place G-d

chose the Divine Presence to rest• The Western Wall- the imposing remnant of

Jerusalem's Second, which the Romans destroyed

• Jerusalem's Zion Gate-

a place that holds sites

sacred to Jews

-Texts:• Torah- can refer to the entire Tanakh or

sometimes the first five books of the Tanah• Nevi’im- Prophets • Ketuvim- Writings

-Symbols:Mezuzah • A decoration put on the doorposts of traditional

homes• Many people believe the mezuzah is a good-luck

charm, or that it has any connection with the lambs

Menorah• A seven-branched candelabrum used in the

Temple• It has been said that the menorah

is a symbol of the nation

of Israel and the mission is to be

“a light unto the nation”

The Magen David (Star of David)• The symbol most associated

with Judaism today• Represents the shape of King David's shield

Some believe the top

Chai • A symbol commonly seen on necklaces,

jewelry and ornaments• Many believe it refers to the living G-d,

other say it is simply Judaism's

focus on the important of life

Rituals, Holidays, Ceremonies and

Celebrations The Jews are very festive

and have many celebrations.

All Jewish holidays begin in the evening before the specified date on most calendars.

This is because a Jewish

day begins and ends

on sunset instead

of midnight.

-Holidays:

Rosh Hashanah- The Jewish New Year• Lasts two days• Creation of the world• Judgement day- God compares one’s deeds

over the last year

Yom Kippur- Day of Confession• A day committed to prayer and Devotion• Observed the holiday by fasting

Yom Hashoah- Holocaust Remembrance • Annual commemoration of the genocide

Hanukkah (Chanukah)- Festival of Lights• Celebrated for eight days and nights • Rededication of the holy temple/ the victory

over the Syrians

Simchat Torah- Rejoicing the Truth• Weekly readings from the Torah • Reminder that the Torah is a never ending

circle

-Rituals:A main part of Judaism is tradition. The Jews have many different rituals for significant events in life, such as:

Birth ceremonies • Fathers are called to recite

the aliyah at a synagogue • Asks for blessings

for the mother and child

Naming ceremonies• Girls are named on the first Sabbath after birth• Boys are named at 8 days old

Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah• When Jewish boys become 13 • When Jewish girls become 12 • They are becoming men and women• Signifies becoming a full fledged member of

the Jewish community

Marriage Traditions • One must be married in order to be a rabbi• Means, “dedication” or “one soul in two bodies”

Chevra Kadisha• Demonstrates the great value Judaism places on

life • “Holy Society”

Mourning• Lasts 30 days after burial (intense first 7 days)• Seventh day is called the “shivah”; 30 day period

is called the ”shloshim”

Role of Women

Jews were treated as equals. Women’s obligations and goals are different from men’s though. Role of women used to be misunderstood and miss represented. But, they were just as important. In some ways, what woman do are more important than what men do.

Woman held positions of respect in Judaism since biblical times. For example, Miriam (the older sister of Moses and Aaron), was an important prophetess that led the children of Israel out of the Egypt.

Some rights of women are:• A greater degree of “binah” (intuition,

understanding, intelligence) than men• To buy, sell, and own property • To make their own contracts

Demographics

• Approximately 14, 500, 000 people follow Judaism

• The Jewish religion made their way into Africa, Asia and Europe mostly through trade

• Persecutions forced the Jews to move to various countries, and they brought their religion with them- Judaism spread even more

Conclusion

Whether it is the traditions, history, sacred components, or the faith itself, Judaism is a very different religion. But, it is an important one as well.

We hope you enjoyed!

Work Cited

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/307197/Judaism/35270/Holy-places-the-land-of-Israel-and-Jerusalem

http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_holiday

http://www.jewfaq.org/tocpeople.htm

http://judaism.about.com/od/judaismbasics/a/what-Isolam-Ha-Ba-Jewish-Views-Afterlife.htm