1. Judaism
This is a very important Jewish symbol. It is called the Star of David. David was a very important Jewish King. It is made up of two triangles entwined. It demonstrates the balance of the Earth.

2. Judaism is…
“A 4000 year old tradition with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place”
(Rabbi Harold Kushner, To Life)
Judaism is a very old religion. The Jews were promised by G*d that they were the chosen people and that G*d would lead and protect them until they reached the Kingdom Of Heaven. G*d's name is too holy and important to be said or written properly, I have put a star instead of the “o” each time it occurs, this is similar to how a Jew would write it.

3. A 4000 year old tradition…
The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (“Israel”)
Enslaved in ancient Egypt and freed by Moses (more than 3300 years ago)
Abraham was the “father” of the Jewish people. Many years ago, the Jews were slaves in Egypt, but were freed by the Prophet Moses.

4. As a faith, Jews Believe…
In one G*d, who is creator of the universe
In the prophets of old – especially Moses
The Torah (1st five books of the Bible), the Holy book of the Jews was revealed to the Prophet Moses.

5. As a people, Jews are… 15 – 16 million in worldwide population
Of many kinds:
Orthodox:
Modern
Chasidic (Ultra Orthodox)
Reformed (18th century Germany)
There are different kinds of Jews but all are united in faith.

6. As a way of life, Judaism is based on…
G*d’s Written Laws in the Torah
Talmud (“Oral Law”)
These Laws apply to:
Dietary rules (Kosher)
Dress and other symbols
Prayer and devotion to the one G*d
The Temple and Temple rites
Observance of Holy days
Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc.
Talmud is commentary of ancient rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through.

7. Celebrations of Life Bris – ritual circumcision, sign of the covenant
Bar/Bat Mitzvah – full adult status and responsibility within the religion
Marriage - "Be fruitful and multiply" (Gen. 1:22)
Death – funerals, mourning (sitting “Shiva”), and memorials (“Yartzeits”)
Share details as you deem appropriate

8. The Jewish Holidays High Holidays:
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
Sukkot, the “Festival of Booths” (fall harvest festival)
Simchat Torah – celebrating Torah
Chanukah, the “Festival of Lights”
Look each of these up and share what you feel is appropriate for the age level.

9. More Holy Days…
Purim (“Lots”) – a carnival (commemorates events told in book of Esther)
Pesach (“Passover”) – commemorates the exodus from Egypt (events told in Exodus)
Shavuot (“weeks,” Pentecost) – commemorates receipt of Torah at Sinai
Other, minor festivals
Shabbat (Sabbath, 7th day, on Saturday) – the “Day of Rest”
Same here

10. How is Judaism related to Christianity?
G*d promised the Jews that a Messiah would come to lead them.
Jews respect Jesus, but they are still awaiting on their Messiah, whom they believe is yet to come.
Many Jews believed that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. They became Christians. Other Jews think that the Messiah still has not come. They are present day Jews.

11. What are Jews really concerned about?
Taken Olam - “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness; through “deed, not creed”
The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (“good deeds” based on God’s commandments)
Through education and hard work we make our lives, the lives of others, and the world, what God intended it to be – Holy!
Explain as appropriate

12. To Life!
To Life!
Le Chaim is a Jewish term which means “to life”, which means we should always appreciate life and take care of it and respect other people’s lives. (Have the children say it out loud together and with spirit…3 times…LE CHAIM!, LE CHAIM!, LE CHAIM! – it’ll be fun )
LeChaim!