“The Covenant between God and the people.” Judaism “The Covenant between God and the people.”

What is Judaism?

Judaism Monotheistic religion that is an expression of the covenantal relationship God established with the Hebrews. Patriarch - biblical figures regarded as fathers of the human race, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, their forefathers, or the sons of Jacob Covenant – an agreement established between God and Abraham. If his people stay loyal to God they will be given a great nation. God’s Chosen People

Judaism Section 1 Judaism in today’s world is: The interpretation of the history of the Jewish people. The sanctification of life, the means through which Jews live with each other today.

Teachings on God & Torah God’s name is Yahweh God has a personal name and is involved in the welfare of humans and the created world. God is infinitely powerful, all-knowing, and beyond the limits of space and time. He is the one and only God. This is practiced when Jews recite the Shema – “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Recited twice daily.

The Hebrew Bible It is broken up into three parts The Torah The Prophets The Writings In Judaism the Bible is often called Tanakh – A name given to the Hebrew Bible

Torah Torah – revelation of God’s will to the people. The divine Law in the first five books of the Bible. The Torah was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It is forever Judaism’s central code of holiness. It contains 613 laws, the most famous being the 10 commandments.

The Ten Commandments 1. I am the Lord thy God 2.Thou shalt have no other God’s 3. Do not take the Lord’s name in vain 4. Remember the Sabbath Day 5. Honor thy father and mother 6. Thou shalt not kill 7. Thou shalt not commit adultery 8. Thou shalt not steal 9. Do not bear false witness against thy neighbor 10. Thou shalt not covet neighbor’s house

The Prophets Contain historical stories from ancient Israel. Also the word of God spoken through the prophets.

The Writings These include proverbs and psalms and were written later than the other two sections. They contribute much of the richness of the Bible.

Mishnah and Talmud Rabbi – a teacher of the Torah or leader of Jewish worship. Mishnah – Jewish holy book written about 200 AD. Rabbi’s orally told stories prior to this being written. These stories were then written down in this book. Talmud – written interpretations of what is believed to be God’s will

Section 2: History of the Chosen People

Who are the Jewish People? Jews today are descendants of the ancient Israelites. The religion is named Judaism because the Jews came from the land of Judah. There is no Jewish “race”, rather Jews are an ethnic group that share a common history and religion.

Upholding the Covenant As we have mentioned, Jews believe history is a record of God’s will. Many Jewish people believe that the difficulties they have faced throughout history has caused them to question how well they have upheld their covenantal responsibilities.

Classical Judaism (70AD – 600AD) In 70 AD the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed a second time by the Romans Jews looked at this as a catastrophe and an opportunity. From this Classical Judaism developed. In which Jews focused more on the teachings of the Torah rather than the rituals in the Temple.

Jewish Exile (Classical Judaism) In 135 AD the Romans completely destroyed Jerusalem and removed the Jews from Israel. This gave rise to the Jewish concept of Diaspora – or dispersion. Jewish people forced to live away from their homeland but maintain their religious identity. Jews have faced this concept all the way up to the present day.

Medieval Judaism (700AD-1750AD) Most Jews during this time period lived under the rule of Muslims & Christians Jews were generally free and treated well by Muslim rulers. Under Christian rule varied from good to bad. In many cases they were treated quite poorly.

Medieval Judaism Continued. Jews were blamed and murdered by Christians during this time for: Blood libels Causing the Bubonic Plague All of this caused Jews to migrate east to Poland for safety. http://www.ushmm.org/confront-antisemitism/european-antisemitism-from-its-origins-to-the-holocaust

Section 3: Jewish Philosophy Moses Maimonides (1135-1204) His work contributed to the ongoing interpretation of the Torah. He came up with thirteen principles that are the backbone of the Jewish belief system.

Maimonides A few of these principles include: The belief in God’s existence Moses is superior to all other prophets The belief in the coming Messiah

The Kabbalah Kabbalah – Jewish mysticism that teaches God can best be known with the heart, through love God can be found by looking inward

Section 4: Modern Judaism (1750-Present) The Enlightenment gave way to major changes for life in the world as well as religions. Hasidism – a Jewish practice that draws from Kabbalists and holds that God is known first with the heart. Hasidic Jews emphasize personal relationships with God and the community, rather than studying the Torah and it’s commandments. These Jews typically have their own communities with specific traditions and ways of life. The leader of these communities is known as the zaddik. He is known to have a very close relationship with God. Large Hasidic communities exist today mostly in the United States.

Hasidic Communities Payot (Curls) Fedora (hat) Families – Marriage 18-25

Zionism A movement that arose in the 19th century that involves the reestablishment of the Jewish homeland. Since 1948 this has happened. So now Zionism typically means the support of Israel.

Section 5: The Holocaust

God’s Chosen People Anti-Semitism – The hatred of Jews Holocaust – The persecution of Jews by German Nazis’ from 1933-1945. It is estimated that approx. 6 million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. How could God have allowed such a terrible thing to happen? http://www.ushmm.org/learn/introduction-to-the-holocaust/path-to-nazi-genocide

Israel Today In 1948 – After the Holocaust Israel was granted statehood for the Jews. The first time the Jews have had a national homeland in over 2,000 years. Jews view Israel as their earthly center and common cause. Much support is given financially and politically by North American Jews and Christians.

Problems with the State of Israel The Palestinians also call this land their home. This is sacred land for Judaism and Islam This has cause extreme violence in the region since the creation of the state. What is the best way to fix this problem?

Section 6: Jewish Divisions Judaism has been divided up into three popular sections in today’s world. Most notably in the United States. These divisions include: Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative Jews.

Reform Judaism Being Jewish and being completely involved in modern society is acceptable. Judaism must adapt to the changes in modern society. In this division English is spoken during worship, and the rabbi functions like a Christian priest.

Orthodox Judaism The Torah is the standard of truth and that life within society must always conform to it. The Torah never changes therefore Jewish life shouldn’t either. Deeply traditional and in the United States most Orthodox Jews live in separate communities in order to uphold these traditions.

Conservative Judaism They hold a middle position between the other two divisions. Somewhat open to change and to modern ways, Conservative Jews are strict regarding traditional practices. Worship in Hebrew, and laws regulating diet and behavior on the Sabbath are strictly observed.

Section 7: Daily Life of Jews Jews typically regard themselves as “observers” of the commandments rather than “believers.” Ethics: Jews must not only worship God but live an ethical life. Not only follow the Ten Commandments but give to those who are in need.

Worship & Prayer Males must pray 3 times a day. While doing so they must wear a yarmulke, boxes of biblical passages on forehead, prayer shawl. Worship is most commonly done at home. Traditionally Jews are to eat kosher food and no pork. Worship is done publicly at a synagogue or temple (reform)

Sabbath “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” Sabbath – begins at sunset on Friday and lasts until sunset on Saturday. Is celebrated because God rested on the 7th day of creation.

Section 8: Jewish Holy Days (Holidays) Rosh Hashanah – The festival of the Jewish new year. It is observed for two days. Jews are to reflect on their past year and a ram’s horn, shofar, is blown to remind them of their spiritual needs.

Yom Kippur Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement, Judaism’s most important holy day. A day of confessing sins. Pray all day and do not eat, drink, or work

Passover An eight day festival that remembers the Exodus of the Jews from bondage in Egypt. Only unleavened bread or Matzo is to be eaten during this holiday.

Hanukah Known as the “Festival of Lights” Celebrates the oil that lasted eight days when it was only supposed to last one. Celebrates by lighting the Menorah.

Section 9: Rites of Passage Jews also celebrate major events in people’s lives. At birth they perform circumcision for boys – done as God instructed eight days after birth. The girl ritual is naming her at the synagogue during a Sabbath service.

Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah These are both the point in time when a child takes on the religious responsibilities of an adult. Happens on the 13th birthday and a special service takes place in which the boy/girl reads from the Torah in front of the synagogue.

Conclusion Jews have faced many examples of adversity over the years. Only 14 million Jews exist in the world today. Many fear their numbers and traditions are diminishing. It is important we understand their history and traditions in learning about Jewish culture in our world today.

Jewish Population by State