1. RELIGIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
JUDAISM

2. JUDAISM - GOD Followers of Judaism are called Jews
The too believe in the God of Abraham
The Hebrew word is Adonai
Jews believed that God had made a covenant (pact) with the Jews
Abraham and his descendants were God’s chosen people
Hebrews
The land promised to them was Canaan or present day Israel

3. HOLY BOOK The holy book of Jews is the TeNaKh
Torah – stories of the ancient Hebrews and laws
Nevi’im the history of Hebrew prophets
Ketuvim – writings and psalms
The Torah is the most important because it contains the laws for which Jews must live by
God gave the Torah to Moses
It contains 613 commandments (people have trouble with 10)

4. KEY BELIEFS
Live life according to the Torah and pass on the traditions to your family
The Sabbath – from Friday evening to Saturday night is a day of rest and prayer for Jews
Talmud – the oral law, where God’s teachings continue to evolve and change
The world changes, so does God’s laws to adapt
This is done by rabbis

5. YAMAKA (Yarmulke) Reasons given for wearing a kippah today include:
Recognition that God is "above" humankind,
"acceptance" of the 613 mitzvot (commandments),
"identification" with the Jewish people.

6. PRACTICES & RITUALS
Jews fast during the holiday of Yom Kippur where they do not eat or drink all day
A day of atonement
On the Sabbath, Jews practice the breaking of bread and sharing wine
Jews must also give alms
Kosher foods – Jews only eat food that is clean (no dairy, pork, and shellfish)

7. Passover
It is central to Jewish worship and religion. In spring (March-April), commemorates the liberation from the Egypt slavery and the pass of the Red Sea.
It is the "Day of Independence" of Israel, celebrated, not with fireworks, but with adoration to God, starting with a good, joyful, family, Seder meal on the first night
For 7 days after the Passover is celebrated the "Feast of Unleavened Bread" at the same time that Christians celebrate the "Holy Week", the passion and resurrection of Christ, that also lies at the heart of Christianity.

8. Rosh Hashanah
New Year Festival: In late September or October; it is also called the "Feast of the Trumpets", because the ram's horn ("shofar") is blown in the synagogue summoning men for the period of 10 days to do penance and forgiveness, to start a new life.
It is a period of divine judgment in which the fate of the world in the coming year ahead is determined. The Jews eat "sweet foods", a symbol of the good year to come, and "celebrate" to show that they are confident of God's mercy.

9. Hanukkah  
An 8 day "Feast of Lights", on November or December, around Christmas time, also called the "Feast of Dedication of the Temple“
To celebrate the liberation and purification of the Temple by the Maccabees
A joyful time exchanging gifts, and giving money to the poor.

10. WORSHIP SERVICES Jews worship at a synagogue
Prayer is led by a scholar of the Torah who is called a rabbi
Jerusalem as well is a holy city to Jews as well
The Wailing Wall

12. Orthodox Jews are not the same as Orthodox Christians
SECTS OF JUDAISM
Orthodox
Conservative
Reformed
Different interpretations, eating habits and beliefs separate this sects of Judaism
Orthodox Jews are not the same as Orthodox Christians