Introduction to world religion Judaism.pptx

RELIGION

1. Lesson 4 Judaism Introduction to world religions and belief system

2. Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of Judaism. Objectives

3. History Judaism is one of the oldest world religions . People who follow the Jewish religion are called Jews . The Jewish religion started in Israel around 1812 BC, during the Bronze Age . It began when God promised Abraham he would protect him and his descendants and give them the land of Israel. In return for this they promised to obey God. The Torah is the main religious book used by the Jewish people.

4. Beliefs Jews believe that there is only one God and that is Yahweh , present day God. They believe that everyone can have an individual and personal relationship with God. They believe that God continues to work in the world, affecting everything that people do.

5. Important people Abraham is the father of the Jewish people. Jews see Abraham as a symbol of trusting and obeying God. Abraham is also important to followers of Christianity and of Islam. The story of Abraham is told in the Book of Genesis in chapters 12-25.

6. Important people Moses , is also an important figure as he gave the Jews the Torah around 1250 B.C. The Torah contains the laws of God . Moses is the leader who freed them from slavery in Egypt . Moses protected the Jews from the wrath of God, and negotiated with God on their behalf. 

7. The Torah The most holy Jewish book is the  Torah  which means ‘teachings’. The Torah contains the five books revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. Genesis  Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy The  Torah  is stored inside the Ark in each Synagogue. This is the holiest place in the Synagogue. Torah Ark in Patras Synagogue.

8. CQuigley 2017

9. Jewish symbols The symbol or emblem of the Jewish people is the Magen David (Shield of David), also known as the Star of David.

10. Jewish symbols The Menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. It is a candelabrum with seven candle holders displayed in Jewish synagogues. It symbolizes the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai.

11. Jewish symbols A mezuzah is found on doorposts in Jewish homes. It is a little case, containing a tiny scroll. The writing on the scroll is from the bible. It is in Hebrew and it says that Jewish people should love God and keep his rules.

12. Where do Jews worship Jews worship in Synagogues . Men and women usually sit separately in the Synagogues. Men must cover their heads. The Jewish spiritual leaders are called Rabbis . Barack Obama viewing artifacts in a Synagogue.

13. Holy Days The most important day of the week is the Sabbath (Shabbat), which is a day made holy by refraining from weekday work. Sabbath starts at sunset on Friday and continues until sunset on Saturday . During the Sabbath, observant Jews will do nothing that might be counted as work. Among the things that they can't do are driving and cooking. At the beginning of Shabbat Jewish families share a meal. They eat special bread called hallah . On the Sabbath, Jews attend services at the synagogue, often led by a Rabbi.

14. Special clothing On their heads Jewish men wear the  Kippah  to remind them that God is always above them. It is a reminder to always follow the laws of God at all times and in all places. Before beginning to worship or pray Jews will often put on a  tallit . The fringes on the shawl remind them of the many commandments of the Torah.

15. Special ceremonies There are two special ceremonies where Jewish boys (aged 13) and girls (aged 12) can become adults in the eyes of the Jewish religion. Bar mitzvah is for boys and it means Son of the Commandment. Bat mitzvah is for girls and it means Daughter of the Commandment.

16. SACRED SCRIPTURES Written Torah main sacred text of the Jews and is made up of 24 books with 3 parts- Torah (the law ), Nevi’im ( the prophets), and Ketuvim (the writings). Hebrew bible (known as the Old Testament to Non-Jews but Tanakh to the Jews) TANAKH Jewish have been called the “people of the Book”

17. Torah means “law” Holy book consisting the law of God. It is also known as Pentateuch (5 books) Torah was written by Moses, except for the part where his death is described, which was possibly written by Joshua, Moses’ successor. It contains the first 5 books of Tanakh Single most important scripture for the Jewish people TORAH SACRED SCRIPTURES

18. Oral Torah which means “study” All studies and interpretations done by Jewish rabbis or the teachers of the Torah are contained in the Talmud In short, Talmud is the authoritative collection of rabbinic interpretations of the sacred scriptures. TALMUD SACRED SCRIPTURES

19. Around second century C.E., Talmud was compiled and written down as “Mishna” or a restatement of the law by a respected opinion “Repeated study” MISHNA SACRED SCRIPTURES

20. RELATED ISSUES OF JUDAISM Women’s role in the Jewish religion is determined by the Tanakh In Judaism, God is neither male nor female (God has both masculine and feminine qualities) Women are not required to perform certain commandments Women are discouraged from studying the Talmud. Rabbis are not concerned that women are not spiritual enough; rather, they are concerned that women might become too spiritually devoted. Women are discouraged from pursuing higher education because they might neglect their primary duties as wives and mothers. WOMEN IN JUDAISM

21. RELATED ISSUES OF JUDAISM Holocaust is of Greek origin that means “sacrifice by fire”. In history, Holocaust pertains to the persecution and execution of around 6 million Jews undertaken by the Nazi Regime (lead by Adolf Hitler). High ranking German official, Reinhard Heydrich, became the chief planner of the Nazis to wipe out the Jews in Europe. Jews were perceived as the major threat to the German community that had to be exterminated (mass murder) especially since there were over nine million Jews in Europe by 1933. From 1941-1945, Heydrich’s plan called the “Final Solution to the Jewish Problem” was implemented by the Nazis. 6 million Jews lost their lives HOLOCAUST