Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions. People who believe in Judaism, are called Jews. Jews believe in ONE GOD. They believe they share a “covenant relationship”

between God and themselves (the Hebrew people) Jews believe in obeying the “10 commandments”

Commandments are like religious laws. Jews believe God leads them to the “promised

land”

The profits: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob & Moses. God communicated to a man called Moses Jews were slaves in ancient Egypt and freed by

Moses (more than 3300 years ago) Hebrew monarchy in the “Promised Land” (The Land

of Israel), ends 6th century BCE

Jews believe there is one, single God, creator of the universe

In prophets of old – especially Moses, through whom Torah was revealed to the Hebrew people and Abraham (father of Judaism)

In Torah (first five books of the Bible), containing religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew

Who is the founder of Judaism?Jewish history begins with the covenant established between God and Abraham around 1812 BC.Abraham is considered as the father of the family of Jews.Moses, is also an important figure as he gave the Jews the Torah around 1250 B.C. The Torah contains the laws of God.

Who is Abraham?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.

Who is Moses?Moses is the leader who freed them from slavery in Egypt. Moses protected the Jews from the rage of God, and negotiated with God on their behalf. He also gave the Jews the ‘Torah’

Commandments are found in Torah (“Written Law”)

Talmud (“Oral Law”) – commentary of ancient rabbis that explain how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through: Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) Dress 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.

Passover- Jewish celebration of freedom from the Egyptian slavery

High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

Sukkot, the “Festival of Booths” (fall harvest festival)

Simchat Torah – celebrating Torah Chanukah, the “Festival of Lights” Shabbat (Sabbath, 7th day, on Saturday) – the

“Day of Rest”

Place of Origin Israel

Founder Abraham

Sacred Text The TeNaCh (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim)

Sacred Building

Synagogue

Holy Place Jerusalem

Major FestivalsRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), Sukkot (Tabernacles)

Main Branches  Orthodox, Reform, Conservative

Star of David: symbol of Judaism.This star was later painted yellow and

used by the Nazis to identify Jews. Jews were forced to wear the Star of

David as a badge.

Rabbi: Teacher of Torah

Synagogue : Jewish version of a “church” or “temple” in which they pray.

Torah: 1 of 5 books of Jewish history & law. “Written law” = Jewish commandments

An area of a city in which a minority groups (for example the Jews) lived. It had lots of people living closely together in a small space.