2. Oldest monotheistic religion- believing in GOD Founder-Abraham (2000-1400 BC) Basic Belief Covenant- Jews believe that God made a special agreement with Abraham to bless his descendants and give them land if they worshipped and remained faithful to God. Jews are called the “Chosen People.”

3. Texts- the Hebrew Bible (the Tanakh) & the Talmud The Tanakh (Old Testament) has 3 parts a. the Torah- (the Law) 5 books Genesis- Deuteronomy, covenant with the people b. the Prophets c. the Writings The Talmud- interpretations and commentaries of the Torah

4. Branches Hasidism- extreme observance of Jewish laws Orthodox- Jewish law strictly followed

5. Conservative- started in 1800s, Talmud is a human creation not the revelation of God, moral and ethical teachings are the most important Reform- started mid 1800s, scriptures should be interpreted with modern knowledge and culture in mind Zionism- emphasis on Jewish nationhood, Israel

6. Place of Worship- synagogue Rabbi- spiritual leader who teaches & interprets Jewish law Cantor- chants prayers in Hebrew Yarmulka- the skull cap

7. Unique Dietary laws (Kosher) Orthodox & Hasidic only eat from animals that graze & have split hoofs only eat fish with scales and fins, no shellfish birds but not birds of prey meat and dairy products kept and eaten separate

8. Festivals and Holidays Rosh Hoshanah- Jewish New Year Yom Kippur- Day of Atonement Hanukkah- Feast of Lights Passover- commemorating the Exodus from Egypt