JUDAISM

Judaism
Worldwide: 14,551,000 Jews
US: 5.6 million Asia: 4.5 million

Europe: 2.4 million

Many different groups/divisions of Judaism that exist

Conflicting beliefs about observances, etc.

Importance of History
*The basis of the Jewish religion is its history. It is the most important aspect.
demonstrated through the celebration of life cycle

events in peoples lives holiday celebrations commemorate historic events

The key event is the Exodus from Egypt (recorded Book of Exodus)
Many important aspects of observances are linked to

this event

 From the beginning, the Jewish people have interpreted acts of history as God acting on behalf of the Jewish people
Either to promote them or to

punish them History is seen as the story of Gods intervention in the lives of His Chosen People

Six Periods of Jewish History

The Patriarchs: AbrahamMoses (19th - 13th cent. BCE) Mosesthe Hebrew Monarchy (13th - 6th cent. BCE) The Babylonian Exile and Post Exilic Judaism (6th cent BCE - 1st cent. CE) ("Second Temple" period) Rabbinic period (1st - 7th cent CE) Medieval Judaism (7th - 18th cent. CE) Modern Judaism (18th cent. - current)

Judaism as a Race
Judaism is an ethnic religion Began as a religion of an extended family, a tribe of peoples known as the Hebrews Jewish people today continue to think of themselves as a family, a nation of peoples, as well as a religion God is understood by the Jews to intervene, to act, in and through history time and again, especially in the history of Israel (the people) Jews look to Gods action in the world

Sacred Texts
The Hebrew Bible or Tanakh
Known by Christians as "Old Testament
contains the same books as the Christian version but in a

different order after the first five

Considered revealed and inspired by God

Interpretation of early history of the Hebrew people,

establishment of a nation Story of Gods interaction with His "Chosen People" (His-Story) Foundation of Jewish life

Called the Bible

(Biblia) means "little books Actually a library of 39 independent books divided into 3

categories:

The 3 Categories

1. Torah
Most important text Divine instruction and guidance or "Written Law
Books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Covers history from creation through the Exodus and wandering in the desert 613 commandments from God

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2. Prophets: Words and revelations of the minor

and major prophets

Ezekiel, Isaiah, Amos, Jonah, etc.

3. Writings: poetic and devotional material written and used during the same time as the Prophets, words and works of the sages
Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, etc.

 The Talmud
Oral tradition passed to Moses and beyond Finally written down in the 2nd century

Contains info on rituals, marriages, agricultural laws, festivals, etc.

The Nature of God

Covenants with good people
Responds to their needsdeliverance

Guides & directs His people Compassionate Controls with justice Source of forgiving, redeeming love Establishes peace on earth

The Name of God

Written by Hebrew consonants YHVH
Means I am

Jews do not have a personal name for God

Christians and others have Anglicized it to Yahweh or

Jehovah Written by Orthodox Jews as G-d

God referred to as:

Adonai (The Lord) Elohim, or HaShem (the Name) - the unpronounceable

name of God

A Few Main Beliefs

Jews do not believe in "original sin" (no need for a "savior" in the Christian sense) The Ten Commandments
first 4 have to do with our

relationship with God Next 6 refer to our relationship with other people

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Importance of family Story/experience of exile and exodus
"Let my people go." Compassion and concern for freedom of all peoples history of continual fight for freedom and continued survival

Humans
Gods highest creatures
Earth has been given to them for food & pleasure They are the caretakers

Created in Gods image

Each is a soul and body united Each should have a fellowship with God

Responsible
Answer to God for conduct Humans have choices/can make decisionssuffer

consequences

Problem for Humans

Rebellion against God and consequential expulsion
Adam and Eve

Who is the Messiah?

Has not arrived yet to

usher in a new age He is expected

Life after Death

Emphasis on good life on earth more than good afterlife References in Psalms to heaven and hell
Influenced by Zoroastrians? Lack specific descriptions of life beyond death

Rituals
Jewish calendar based on lunar month Sabbath/Shabbat
Observed each week Sundown on Fridaysundown on Saturday

Rosh Hashanah
New year Begins the Days of Awe Concentrate on prayer, contemplation, self-searching

Yom Kippur
10th day (of awe) Holiest day observed Repentance: 24 hours of atonement and fasting

Shabbat dinner

Sweets for a sweet new year

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Chanukkah
Celebrated

rededication of Jerusalem temple in 164 BCE (after destruction by Greeks) Sacred oil lasted 8 days for celebration Minor festival

Passover
Most important holiday Marks deliverance form slavery in Egypt under Moses leadership Sacred meal: seder
Unleavened bread (matzah)

Mitzvah
613 mitzvot 258 positive, 365 negative Boys: 13+1 day, girls 12+1 day
Bar Mitzvah means son of the commandment

Commands from God

No immediate reward Obedience rewards in afterlife