ReligionsOf the Middle East

VI. Judaism

A. Judaism is the main religion of Israel. It is based upon the Torah which is the Jewish Holy Book. It is also known as the Old Testament of the Bible. Judaism is a religion that has been the center of discrimination and prejudice during many time periods throughout history.

Discriminationstill

Exists.

B. Early Hebrew History, 1500-900 B.C.E.

Early Hebrews were semi-nomadic and moved from Mesopotamia to the land of Canaan: the modern states of Israel, Lebanon, and western Syria from 2000-1700 B.C.E.

C. Patriarchs1. Abraham is considered to be the first patriarch of Judaism.

He entered into a covenant with God.

• Covenant – An agreement

2. Under the covenant, Abraham and his descendants must only worship God (MONOTHEISM). God would bless his descendants and allow them to multiply.

3. Abraham moved the people to Canaan. However, they were forced out due to a drought.

4. The Patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—continued to lead tribes in their wanderings; Jacob took the name “Israel,” marking his people’s special relationship with one God.

5. They then relocated to Egypt and were forced into slavery. The Hebrews then became known as the Jews.

5

6. According to the scriptures, Moses led a group out of Egypt escape to the Sinai Peninsula and around 1250 B.C.E.• The Ten Commandments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqCTq3EeDcY

7. 10 commandments- according to scripture, were given to Moses during the exile from Egypt.

8. God demands obedience and in turn, protects his people

9. Thus helping to forge the Hebrews into a national group with a religious purpose.

• The Hebrews then migrated back to Canaan (Israel). In 1025 BCE, they formed the Kingdom of Israel between Egypt and Mesopotamia. However, with frequent invasions, the kingdom did not last long. Israel did flourish under two great leaders.

1. King David – Skilled general who unified Israel.

2. Solomon – David’s son who built palaces and temples. Some contain inner walls of gold.

After the death of Solomon, foreign invaders took control Israel.

• Persians

-Permitted the Hebrews to return to Israel and practice their religion freely. Solomon’s temple was rebuilt.

• The Greeks and the Romans –

-In 70 CE, the Jews revolted against the Romans and were forced to leave Palestine.

D. Diaspora – Scattering of the Jews throughout the world.

E. Major Movements

Golden Age Expulsions Haskalah Hasidism

D. Types of Judaism.1. Orthodox

a. Everything is conducted in Hebrew or Yiddish.

b. Attendance is expected every week.

c. Men and women attend separate services.

d. Women may not lead services.

2. Conservative

a. Services are conducted partially in English

b. Attendance is not mandatory

c. Men and women may attend services together.

3. Reform

a. All services are conducted in English.

4. Reconstructionist

XII.Beliefs in Judaism

A. Judaism is a monotheistic religion. The teachings of God are outlined in the Torah. The Torah contains the moral and religious laws of

God. The Torah includes the 10 Commandments. The commandments urge people to respect and honor God. It also forbids stealing, lying, cheating, and murder. In general, the laws of the Torah outline standards of conduct for everyday life. People were reminded of their duties to God by the prophets. Rulers and commoners must all obey the laws of the Torah. It teaches that individuals are responsible for their actions. Judaism does show the ideas of Zoroaster. They both believe that people have to choose between good and evil.

1. Judaism –People and rulers should all live moral lives.

2. 10 Commandments – Ethical and moral laws to live by.

3. Prophets – Religious teachers

XIII. HolidaysA. Sabbath - Sundown Friday to sundown SaturdayB. Rosh Hashanah

1. Jewish New Year2. September or October

*Honey is an important symbol of the Rosh Hashanah. It representswishes of a hope of a sweet New Year.

C. Yom Kippur 1. Nine days after Rosh Hashanah2. It is the holiest of all days3. Day of Atonement -

Fast for 24 hoursPrayerRepentance

D. Passover1. March or April2. It is the deliverance of the Jewish

people from Egypt. 3. The Seder service on the first two

evenings recounts the story of the Exodus.

E. Hanukkah1. November or December2. Festival of Lights3. It is the celebration of conquering the temple from the Syrians.4. They only had enough oil for one day but lasted for eight.

Menorah - Candelabra1. Light one candle for each day

2. Receive gifts for each day.

F. Bar/Bat Mitzvah.1. Bar - boy becomes an adult2. Bat - girl becomes an adult

G. Holy Sites1. Synagogues - Houses of prayer2. Western Wall or the Wailing Wall – It is one wall of a temple

which was destroyed by the Romans which still stands today.

H. OTHER