1. Judaism
A covenant people

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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”

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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