1. Important People, Symbols, Holidays and Celebrations in Judaism

2. Important People in Judaism
Abraham
Who were they?
Father of Judaism
life story is told in the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible
God made a covenant with Abraham promising to bless him with descendants “like the sands of the sea” and a nation for him and the Israelites
Source: Adapted from “Abraham.” New World Encyclopedia.
MOUNTAINOUS
Depiction of Abraham circa 1180 by Herrad von Landsberg
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3. Important People in Judaism
Moses
Who were they?
Life story told in the Torah
Freed the Israelite slaves from Egypt
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments
Many Jewish people believe he wrote the Torah
Source: Adapted from “Moses.” New World Encyclopedia.
Moses with the Tablets of the Law. Rembrandt, 1695.
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4. Important Holidays and Celebrations in Judaism
Sabbath
What is it?
Weekly day of rest in Judaism, some forms of Christianity, and other religious traditions
In Judaism, it is observed from before sundown on Friday until after nightfall on Saturday
special prayers are said and work is prohibited
Source: “Sabbath.” New World Encyclopedia.

5. Important Holidays and Celebrations in Judaism
Passover
What is it?
Holiday commemorating the Exodus and the freedom of the Israelites from ancient Egypt led by Moses
Normally celebrated in the early spring
Source: “Passover.” New World Encyclopedia.
Israel's Escape from Egypt, illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company
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6. Important Holidays and Celebrations in Judaism
Hanukkah
What is it?
an eight-day Jewish holiday marking the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after the Macabeean revolt of the second century B.C.E.
observed in Jewish homes by exchanging presents and lighting candles on the menorah on each of the festival's eight nights
Source: “Hanukkah.” New World Encyclopedia.
Menorah seen here with eight candles lit (the ninth candle is the service, Shamash, Hebrew: שמש), used during the Jewish Hanukkah holiday.
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7. Important Symbols in Judaism
The Star of David
What is it?
named after King David of ancient Israel, which consists of two interlocking equilateral triangles
used to adorn the cover of the Torah, and it is found on Jewish synagogues and tombstones
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8. Important Symbols in Judaism
Menorah
What is it?
a sacred candle holder used in Jewish ritual practice, and one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish people
The original seven branched menorah symbolized the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai, and thus represented the light of God
a special type of Menorah, known as a Chanukkiyah or Hanukiah with nine branches, became associated with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah
Source: “Menorah.” New World Encyclopedia.
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