Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (Sunni & Shia) Southwest Asia’s

Judaism, Christianity, & Islam are prominent religions practiced in Southwest Asia. 90% of the region’s population practices Islam, 4% are Christian, and 2% follow Judaism. Followers of each practice monotheism, a belief in one god. What else do they have in common?

They all originated in Southwest Asia. Each can trace their roots to Abraham as the father of their faith. Jerusalem is the holiest city in the world for Jews and Christians, and the third holiest city for Muslims. All three have an important messenger, book of teachings, and holidays. cdf Each religion is led by a single person

Jerusalem

Father Abraham Abraham Age: 100 Sarah Age: 90 Hagar Housemaid IsaacIshmael Jews believe that Isaac was promised Zion- the holy land. Muslims believe the promised land belonged to Ishmael- Ishmael was the one to be sacrificed, not Isaac. And so the conflict begins. Arabs/Muslims Jews/Christians

-Hebrews - 1st monotheists -Sacred writings The Torah – 1 st 5 books of OT Talmud – serves as “guide”/laws and traditions. -Called God “Yahweh” or “Adonai” Written:“G-D” -Yahweh spoke to Abraham, “Go to Canaan” (present day Israel, the West Bank, Gaza Strip, parts of Lebanon, and Syria.) -Abraham’s descendants are Jews The promise to Abraham and his seed. When God calls Abram, He orders him to go the land that He would show him. That land was Canaan (Genesis 12:1)

Map of Abraham’s Journey God told Abraham to leave Ur (South of Iraq near Basra). Abraham went to Hara (Turkey), then to Canaan. Canaan became Judea, thus Judaism.

Abraham’s Journey

Moses is considered a great prophet (a person who receives messages from God). Moses led Israelites out of Egypt and away from slavery to Israel. Jews believe that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, a code of moral law to live by. The Ten Commandments are found in the Jewish holy book called the Torah, which are the written laws of the Jews.

A Story of Exile & Persecution Babylonians ruled Mesopotamia Babylonians (King Nebuchadnezzar) destroyed the First Temple built by Jews in Jerusalem Jews exiled to Babylon 1 st Temple built by King Solomon 586 BC:

Rebuilding the Temple Persians took control of Mesopotamia Jews allowed to return to Jerusalem Temple was rebuilt Second Temple 2 nd Temple in Jerusalem Built by King Herod 536 BC: 50 years later…

The Israelites (now called Hebrews) claimed the city of Jerusalem and built a holy temple there. Between BCE, Roman invaders captured Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Today, the only remaining part of the temple is the Western Wall, known as the Wailing Wall. It is one of the most sacred sites recognized by the Jewish faith.

Second Temple Destroyed Jews revolted in 66AD Second Temple is destroyed by Titus (Romans) in 70 AD Romans forced the Jewish people to leave-called Jewish diaspora The Wailing Wall remains Roman Control: Diaspora- Latin for “disperse”

The Jewish Diaspora How can a dandelion remind us of the Jewish Diaspora? Diaspora- Jews living outside Israel ･ the dispersion of the Jews beyond Israel. ･ the dispersion of any people from their original homeland Dia- “across” disperse This is what happened to the Jewish people and explains why they are in Europe and around the world.

Jews were forced out of Israel and moved to many places all over the world. This is called diaspora, or spreading out of Jews. The Jewish people did not return to their homeland until the modern state of Israel was created in 1948.

Western Wall

Prayers & wishes stuck into cracks of the Western Wall

There are over 15 million followers worldwide. dfkj Jews worship in synagogues and temples. df l Jewish leaders are called rabbis or Jewish priests. dfkj They believe that a messiah (savior) will lead them to the Promised Land. lj Jews believe in justice and righteousness. “What is hateful to you, do not to your neighbor.” Question: What are messianic Jews?

What is Zionism? Zion- the hill of Jerusalem on which the city of David was built. ･ Jerusalem. ･ (in Christian thought) The heavenly city or kingdom of heaven. ･ the Jewish people or religion. ･ the Christian Church. Zionism- the movement for the development and protection of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel.

1800 Years Later… Jews lived outside of Jerusalem hoping it would once again be home of Judaism. The Star of David is a symbol of Zion

On this land… Is the temple mount. The temple mount (Jewish holy site) is where Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac. The Jews refer to Jerusalem as Zion. The star of David is a symbol of Zion 70 AD Arab people lived on the land (for 2,017 years). The conflict is 3,500 years old Declaration of Independence was kept a secret.

The Promised Land Canaan Judea Palestine Israel 1948

May of 1948 The United Nations declared Israel as a state. Law of Return The 1950 Law of Return allowed anyone that was Jewish (including a spouse that was Jewish or if one was of Jewish ancestry) to immigrate to Israel and claim full citizenship. No longer Palestine…

Hurva Synagogue, Jerusalem

The sacred book is called the Tanuch, and it is a collection of writings compiled over a period of time. There are three parts to the book: 1.Torah – this is the most sacred part, it contains what Moses delivered to the Israelites 2.Eight books of psalms and proverbs 3.Talmud – writings on Jewish law, history, and folklore

The Torah

Hanukkah celebrates a victory where the Jews were able to keep their religion after being captured by Greeks. Jews were able to keep the Temple lit for 8 days despite only having enough lamp oil for 1 day. Passover celebrates the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt.

Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish new year. Yom Kippur is known as the “Day of Atonement” (asking for forgiveness of sins). It is the holiest day for Jews. No work is allowed on this day and much of the day is spent in synagogue. Many Jews fast during this day.

Jewish Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Prayers at the Western Wall during Yom Kippur