1. Judaism An Overview

2. How is Judaism related to Christianity? Judaism predates Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the Apostles Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Earth Jews are not concerned about salvation and the “world to come”

3. What are Jews really concerned about? Tikkun 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 to make their lives, the lives of others, and the world holy!

4. 613 commandments found in Torah (“Written Law”) Talmud (“Oral Law”) – commentary of ancient rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through: – Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) – Dress and other symbols – Prayer and devotion to the one God – The Temple and Temple rites – Observance of Holy days – Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc As a way of life, Judaism is based on…

5. Before Judaism Back in the “old days” – 4000 years ago and beyond – most people believed there were a lot of different gods or goddesses that controlled things. This concept is called polytheism (belief in many gods)

6. Jewish Holy Book The start of Judaism is actually found in the first five books of the Bible. These books are called the Torah and they make up the Hebrew Bible. The Jewish Bible does not include the New Testament.

7. The Founder of Judaism Around 4000 years ago, a man named Abram (later changed to Abraham) was inspired by God to spread the word that there was only ONE god. He convinced his immediate family to stop worshipping idols and begin following One God (monotheism)

8. Jews led to the “Promised Land” Because their beliefs – in ONE God – were so out-of-step with everybody else, Abram’s family was persecuted (harassed). In addition to the persecution, a famine struck the area.

9. Jews led to the “Promised Land” God told Abram to leave, that He would guide them to a place where they could practice their faith openly. This place was called “the Promised Land”

10. Along the way… The Jews (as they were now called) traveled for many years. Along the way, they settled in Egypt where they were made to become slaves to the Egyptian pharaoh.

11. Egyptian Slavery While they were slaves, they were made to work very hard. The Jews were persecuted and mistreated to the point where many died.

12. Moses Leads his People out of Egypt A Jewish man who has been raised in the Pharaoh’s household hears God speak to him in the desert. God tells him to lead the people out of Egypt. The Pharaoh refuses to let the Jews leave. God sends the plagues to Egypt. The Pharaoh allows the Jews to leave.

13. Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) celebrates the creation of Adam and Eve. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is usually observed by fasting for 25 hours. The day before Yom Kippur is a day of charity and asking for forgiveness from those you have wronged in the previous year. On Yom Kippur, you ask God for forgiveness. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

14. Hanukah Hanukah is NOT the Jewish version of Christmas!! Instead, Hanukah celebrates Hanukkah is the festival of lights. Jewish temples have “eternal lights” which are lamps that are always lit. The Jewish temple was rededicated after a period of persecution and the eternal light was rekindled but there was only enough oil for a few days.

15. Hanukah The oil lasted for eight days, until more oil could be found. That’s why you see a Menorah (a 9 pillar candlestick)

16. Bar (or Bat) Mitvah Bar Mitzvah takes place when a boy turns thirteen. Bat mitzvah is the same, but for girls. The first act of adulthood is reading from the Torah scroll during services

17. The Jewish Sabbath All Jewish holy days begin at sundown and end at sundown. The Shabbat (Sabbath) begins at sundown each Friday and lasts until dark on Saturday. There is a special Sabbath meal which includes special foods, songs and readings and prayers.