JUDAISM
February 10, 2014 Objectives: Students will be able to explain the main beliefs of Judaism and Shintoism Question: Who founded Confucianism? Agenda: Notes/worksheet on Shinto and Judaism
Judaism Worldwide: 14,551,000 Jews US: 5.6 million Asia: 4.5 million Europe: 2.4 million Many different groups/divisions of Judaism that exist Conflicting beliefs about observances, etc.
Importance of History *The basis of the Jewish religion is its history. It is the most important aspect. demonstrated through the celebration of life cycle events in people’s lives holiday celebrations commemorate historic events The key event is the Exodus from Egypt (recorded Book of Exodus) Many important aspects of observances are linked to this event
Judaism as a Race Judaism is an ethnic religion Began as a religion of an extended family, a tribe of peoples known as the Hebrews Jewish people today continue to think of themselves as a family, a nation of peoples, as well as a religion
Sacred Texts The Hebrew Bible or Tanakh Known by Christians as "Old Testament“ contains the same books as the Christian version but in a different order after the first five Considered revealed and inspired by God Interpretation of early history of the Hebrew people, establishment of a nation Story of God’s interaction with His "Chosen People" (His-Story) Foundation of Jewish life Called the Bible (Biblia) means "little books“ Actually a library of 39 independent books divided into 3 categories:
The 3 Categories Torah Most important text Divine instruction and guidance or "Written Law” Books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Covers history from creation through the Exodus and wandering in the desert 613 commandments from God
Continued… 2. Prophets: Words and revelations of the minor and major prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah, Amos, Jonah, etc. 3. Writings: poetic and devotional material written and used during the same time as the Prophets, words and works of the sages Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, etc.
The Talmud Oral tradition passed to Moses and beyond Finally written down in the 2nd century Contains info on rituals, marriages, agricultural laws, festivals, etc.
The “Name” of God Written by Hebrew consonants YHVH Means “I am” Jews do not have a personal name for God Christians and others have Anglicized it to Yahweh or Jehovah Written by Orthodox Jews as G-d God referred to as: Adonai (The Lord)
A Few Main Beliefs Jews do not believe in "original sin" (no need for a "savior" in the Christian sense) The Ten Commandments first 4 have to do with our relationship with God Next 6 refer to our relationship with other people
Problem for Humans Rebellion against God and consequential expulsion Adam and Eve Who is the Messiah? Has not arrived yet to usher in a new age He is expected
Life after Death Emphasis on good life on earth more than good afterlife References in Psalms to heaven and hell Influenced by Zoroastrians? Lack specific descriptions of life beyond death
Rituals Jewish calendar based on lunar month Sabbath/Shabbat Observed each week Sundown on Fridaysundown on Saturday Rosh Hashanah New year Begins the Days of Awe Concentrate on prayer, contemplation, self-searching Yom Kippur 10th day (of awe) Holiest day observed Repentance: 24 hours of atonement and fasting
continued Chanukkah Celebrated rededication of Jerusalem temple in 164 BCE (after destruction by Greeks) Sacred oil lasted 8 days for celebration Minor festival
Passover Most important holiday Marks deliverance form slavery in Egypt under Moses’ leadership Sacred meal: seder Unleavened bread (matzah)
Mitzvah Boys: 13+1 day, girls 12+1 day Commands from God Bar Mitzvah means “son of the commandment” Commands from God No immediate reward Obedience rewards in afterlife