1. Judaism

3. Founding Began 3500 year ago in Middle East
Abraham: religious patriarch
“Father of the Jews”
Made a covenant with God, Hebrews become the chosen people of God
Promised the land of Canaan (Israel)
Founding

4. Important people Prophet Moses King David & King Solomon
Led the Israelite slaves out of Egypt
Given the law of God
King David & King Solomon
Established Kingdom of Israel
Built the first temple in Jerusalem
Messiah: a promised savior who will rescue the Jewish people
Important people

5. Characteristics of God
Monotheistic
G—d
No form
Just, merciful, personal, omnipotent
Many names but often “Yahweh” or YHWH
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Deuteronomy 6:4
Characteristics of God

6. Worship Follow the law of God
613 separate laws
Dietary restrictions (Kosher), Sacrifice, Behavior, Worship
Bring holiness into daily life by behaving in a way that pleases God
Prayers, Devotion, Study
Very community & family oriented
Temple/ Synagogue: Priesthood (Rabbis)
Many Festivals and Holidays instituted by scripture
Worship

7. Tanakh: Jewish Scripture divided into three parts
Torah: Law, books of Moses
Nevi'im: Prophets
Ketuvim: Writings (poetry, history, stories) 
Thought to be given or inspired by God
Used as the Christian Old Testament
Talmud: legal commentaries on the Torah, explains the law
Other sermons, writings, and histories also accepted T N K a h
Religious Texts

9. Afterlife Religious texts say little about death/afterlife
No single agreed upon view of afterlife
Heaven
Nothing
Rejoining ancestors
Resurrection of the dead
Final judgment
More focused on actions within your life
Afterlife

10. Orthodox: Traditional Judaism, closely follow all laws and rituals, often separate from modern culture
(Sect: Hasidic Jews)
Conservative: “Historical Judaism,” stick close to the original law, but also adopt modern culture, reaction to Reform
Reform: Relaxation of law, rituals, flexible, liberal
Branches of Judaism

11. Approx 16 million Jews
Largest numbers in United States & Israel

12. Menorah
Star of David
Symbols
Tablets of 10 Commandments