Judaism A covenant people

Basic Facts Not a doctrine, an idea, a faith, but a covenant between God and the people Living in the spiritual order of Jewish people Two ways of summarizing Judaism In the Jews of the past with the interpretation of their history With the Jews of the present sanctifying life Group identity Religious, Jews who observe the religious aspect of Judaism Cultural, Non observant Jews

Central Teachings God Torah Master of the Universe YHWH (Yahweh) Shema Adonai G-d Shema Judaism’s most basic theological statement. “Here O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone” Deut. 6:4 Recited 2 times a day Inscribed on a Mezuzah kept in the doorway of the home Torah The written revelation of God’s will

Covenant People Covenant is an agreement between two parties each offering something in return for something. First covenant made with Abraham insured the land and the descendants and the promise of a great nation in return for faith in the one true God Monotheistic worship of the God of Abraham Circumcision Second covenant made with the Israelites, post exodus, through Moses. God promises to be their personal God in return for their faith and obedience Chosen people Ten Commandments

Torah Literally means “instruction” and refers to the will of God revealed to his people Loosely translated as “Law”; it guides proper human conduct Believed to have been revealed directly to Moses Primary statement of the religious laws of Judaism Central code of holiness; 613 laws First 5 books of Hebrew Scripture; Pentateuch Every synagogue house the entire Torah in a vessel called an “ark”

Hebrew Scripture TaNaK Torah Nevi’im Ketuvim Law Prophets Writings Central code of holiness 613 laws (Leviticus) Purity Ritual Social justice Ten commandments (Exodus & Deuteronomy) Nevi’im Prophets Historical accounts Visions and sermons of messengers of God Apocalyptic writings Ketuvim Writings Wisdom literature TaNaK

Religious Teachings Torah: Mishnah: Talmud Torah Inspired word of God; initially passed on orally Mishnah: Collected teachings of the rabbis of 400 BC to 200AD. Talmud Based on Mishnah- extensive rabbinic commentary on chapters of Mishnah; Palestinian and Babylonian

History of the “Chosen People” Ancient Israelites The Patriarchs (2000 BC) to Destruction of Temple (70 AD) Classical Judaism Destruction of Temple to 700 AD when Muslims claimed Israel and dispersed Jews Diaspora Jewish->Christian->Muslim

History of the “Chosen People” Medieval Judaism 700 AD to Mid 1700’s Lives under Islamic rule but were treated well, paid taxes Christian animosity for “killing Christ” Jew s blamed for many disasters, emigrated to Poland Moses Maimonides: Jewish philosopher and mystic 13 principles “The Backbone of Jewish Theology” Kabbalah: God can be known through the heart. Zohar Modern Judaism Mid 1700’s – present Hasidism Zionism Holocaust State of Israel Different branches of Judaism Reform Conservative Orthodox

Daily Life Rituals Worship Ethics Birth and naming Coming of Age Circumcision Naming Coming of Age Bar mitzvah Bat mitzvah Marriage Huppah Breaking of the glass Death and mourning Outward signs of grief Kaddish 30 days Worship Daily prayer Home Synagogue Ethics Adherence to the Law Social justice

Holy days & Festivals Sabbath Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Passover Friday sundown to Saturday sundown Day of rest, worship, celebration and fellowship Seventh day of creation Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year, 2 days in the Fall Celebrates creation Reflection on deeds of the last year, need for redemption Ram’s horn is blown Reinforcement of social relationships Yom Kippur Day of Atonement 10th day of the new year Fasting, and repentance Passover Remembrance of the saving event of the exodus, 8 days Seder : special meal to remind of the 10th plague of Egypt Recitation of the HAGGADAH