Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Middle East Religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Judaism Oldest of the 3 major world religions Thought to have started 4000 years ago in the area known as the Fertile Crescent Today there are 13 million Jews Founded by Abraham in present day Israel Monotheistic Religion Believe in the 10 Commandments Believe in the Messiah(Savior), has not returned yet Holy book is the Torah(Old Testament Only) Worship in a synagogue Worship is led by a Rabbi, or teacher Holy days:Yom Kippur(Day of praying and fasting 3 branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Most holy city: Jerusalem

Orthodox Judaism All aspects of life is based on the Torah Adhere strictly to Jewish dietary laws Won’t work or travel on the Sabbath(Friday night at sundown to sundown of Saturday)

Jerusalem Entry to the Jewish part of Jerusalem The Christian and Muslisms have parts of Jerusalem where they live

Holocaust Memorial Memorial due to genocide of the Jewish people Over 6 million Jews killed by Nazis

Christianity 2nd oldest of the 3 major world religions Started 2000 years ago by followers of prophet named Jesus Later called Christ(Messiah) Over 1 billion followers today Share many beliefs with Jewish, main difference is the idea of the Messiah Holy book is the Bible, composed of the Old Testament and New Testament Worship in a church Worship led by priest, minister, or pastor Sabbath is Sunday Holy days: Easter, Christmas Branches: Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Protestant

Jerusalem Picture is of the road where Christ carried the cross before his crucifixion Roman Empire was polytheistic at the time of Christ, not monotheistic

Picture of the Messiah Christ, carrying the cross Jesus is considered to be the savior for Christians, but not for Jews.

Islam 3rd and most recent religion that began in the Middle East Followers called Muslims, “one who submits” Founder was Muhammad, 570-632AD Over 1 billion followers today Share many beliefs as Jews and Christians Believe in Allah, Arabic for God Holy book: Koran or Quran 5 main beliefs: one God, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage Worship in a Mosque Worship led by Imams Holy festival: Ramadan(month of fasting) Branches: Sunni and Shi’ite Holy cities: Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem

Muslims at Kaaba in Mecca

Muslims at worship Pray 5 times daily facing toward Mecca

Mosque This is area placed in every Mosque It is facing Mecca