1. The Three Monotheistic Religions of the Middle East
Judaism
Islam
Christianity

2. Judaism- Ethnic Religion
Began 1750 B.C.E
Founders- Abraham
Origin- Adam, Abraham, Isaac
Number of members- 14,500,000, this number is declining
Region practiced- Israel, U.S., Russia

3. Judaism Religious leaders- Rabbi
Holy Book- Torah (1st 5 books of the Old Testament)
Language of Holy Book- Hebrew

4. Holy Book- Torah ( the 1st 5 books of the old testament)
Genesis - Creation, the Fall, the Flood, spread of the nations, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Enslavement in Egypt.
Exodus - Enslavement, Moses, 10 plagues, Passover, Leave Egypt, Red Sea Crossing, Mt. Sinai and the 10 Commandments
Leviticus - Instructions on sacrificial system and the priesthood. Instructions on moral purity.
Numbers - Still at Mt. Sinai, people make false idol, punishment, 40 years wandering begins.
Deuteronomy - Moses' discourses on God's Acts for Israel the Decalogue, the ceremonial, civil, and social Laws, and covenant ratification.

5. Judaism
House of Worship- Synagogue or Temple

6. Judaism
Branches- Orthodox, Reformed, Conservative, Hasidic

7. Judaism
Holy City- Jerusalem
Symbol- Star of David and Menorah

8. Judaism Dietary Law- no pork or shell fish
Monotheistic- yes- Yahweh/ God
Holy day of the week- Friday & Saturday sun down

9. Judaism Rosh Hashanah- Jewish New Year
Yom Kippur- Day of Atonement, is the most solemn and important of the Jewish Holidays. Its central themes are atonement and repentance.
Passover- Passover begins on the 15th day of the month
Hanukkah, the "Festival of Lights," starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. In 2008, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 21. With blessings, games, and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs-- both religious and military--of ancient Jewish heroes.

10. Islam Islam Began- 620 C.E. Founder- Muhammad
Origin- Adam, Abraham, Ishmael/ Hagar
Members- 1,226,000,000
Region- North Africa & Central Asia

11. Islam Islam Religious Leaders- Imam Holy Book- Qur’an (Koran)
Language of Holy Book: Arabic
House of Worship- Mosque

12. Islam Islam Branches- Sunni 83% and Shiite 16%
Holy City- Jerusalem, Mecca (Kabba), Medina
Symbol- Quarter Moon and Star

13. Islam Dietary Law- No Pork or Alcohol Monotheistic- yes- Allah
Holidays-
Ramadan- fast during the 9th month of Lunar Calendar
Bijram- Celebrating friend of Muhammad’s fight for freedom. Celebrated 4 times a year.
5 Pillars of faith:
Ramadan,
Hajj,
Give alms or Charity
Pray 5 times a day facing holy city (Mecca)
Profession of faith
Dietary Law- No Pork or Alcohol
Monotheistic- yes- Allah
Holy day of the week- Friday

14. Christianity Began- 50 C.E. Founder- Peter & Paul found the church
Origin- Adam, Abraham, Isaac
Members- 2,039,000,000
Region- E/W Europe, North America, Latin and South America

15. Christianity
Religious leaders- Pope, Priest, Preacher, Father, Minister, Reverend, Cardinal, Bishop, etc.
Holy book- Bible- Old and New Testament
Language of Holy Book- Hebrew/ Greek

16. Christianity Branches- Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant
Holy City- Jerusalem
Symbol- cross, fish, infinity

17. Christianity Dietary law- moderation Monotheistic- yes/ God
Holy Day of the Week- Sunday

18. Christianity Holidays Christmas Easter
Good Friday- the Friday of Holy Week (commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus)
Palm Sunday- last day of lent