The main founder of Judaism is Abraham. He was a citizen of the ancient city sate of Harran, and was told by god the practices of Judaism. He was told to move to Canaan (Modern day Israel) with the Hebrews to spread the religious beliefs. - Occurred during the Bronze Age

Judaism originated from Abraham, and expanded through Mesopotamia. Later the Hebrews will flourish in Harran and expand Judaism beliefs to vast areas. Early Judaism is told in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). God controlled the power of humans, and told them the guidelines of life. It is for this belief, that Judaism became a structured religion.

The star of David, probably the most common symbol of Judaism, but the least known about it. People are not completely sure of what the star represents. The most common belief is it represents the star on King David’s shield.

Yarmulke, is worn on the heads of Jewish people.

Menorah, is another major symbol that is mostly found around Chanukah. It represents the major Jewish holiday.

Chai, Represents the Jewish word of living and reflects the importance of life. At most dinners Chai is toasted to. Chai is found on Jewish jewelry and clothing.

Hamesh Hand, is found on jewelry as well, and meaning is unknown. It is believed to be the protection form the evil eye.

Abraham- The founder of Judaism and was told by god himself the beliefs of Judaism.

David- The fisrt king of Judasim around 1000 B.C.E. He is most famous for fighting Goliath. God sent Samuel to find a new leader, which was David.

Moses-Maimonides- Lived in the Golden Age when Spain was under control by Muslim rule. He was Judaism's greatest philosopher, because of his influence on the religion. He wrote “The Guide for The Perplexed” which spoke of Jewish law.

Moses- He lead the escape from Egyptian rule. As told in the bible he parted the Red Sea and received the 10 Commandments from God. Jewish people still celebrate this day as Passover.

Location Of Origin- First came about in Canaan, but then moved into Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Middle East.

Major Locations Today- The major locations of Judaism are found in the U.S, Europe, and Israel.

Number of Followers- There are about 14 million followers in Judaism today, making it one of the most popular religions.

Work Cited

www.religionfacts.com?judaism/fast facts.htm

www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judiasm

www.religionfacts.com/judasim/history.htm

www.jewfaq.com

Spread of Judaism

• Diaspora– Jewish people scattered from Israel– Took beliefs with them– Converted some to Judaism– Majority of followers come from hereditary

tradition

MigrationsExpulsions

The TorahGiven to Moses in written form with oral commentary

Torah (The Law) Nevi’im (The Prophets) Kethuvim (The Writings)

Bereishith (Genesis) Yehoshua (Joshua) Tehillim (Psalms)

Shemoth (Exodus) Shoftim (Judges) Mishlei (Proverbs)

Vayiqra (Leviticus) Shmuel (I & II Samuel) Iyov (Job)

Bamidbar (Numbers) Melakhim (I & II Kings) Shir Ha-Shirim (Song of Songs)

Devarim (Deuteronomy) Yeshayah (Isaiah) Ruth

Yirmyah (Jeremiah) Eikhah (Lamentations)

Yechezqel (Ezekiel) Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes)

The Twelve (Hosea through Malachi)

Esther

Daniel

Ezra and Nechemyah (Nehemiah)

Divrei Ha-Yamim (Chronicles)

Other Writings

• Talmud– Oral portion of the Torah

• Midrashim– Stories expounding on existing Torah stories

• Responsa– Answers to specific questions about Jewish

law• Kabbalah

– Mystical traditions

Places of Worship

• Synagogue– House of Prayer– Independent community organization– Many symbolic structures and objects

• The Temple– Only place where sacrifices and other rituals

were performed– Destroyed by Romans in 70 CE– Site currently occupied by Muslim mosque

Roles of Men and Women

Men• More religious

responsibilities/obligations

• Patriarchs are traditional leaders of family

• Traditionally are religious leaders– i.e. Rabbis

• Provide for their families

Women• Held in position of respect

– Separate but equal

• Exempt from some commandments– Role of mother is more

important

• Usually discouraged from pursuing higher religious/secular education

Holy Places

• The Promised Land– Sinai Peninsula and general area of Israel– Given to them by God for their faithfulness– Scattered by various conquerors, esp. Romans

• Jerusalem– The Holy City of Judaism– After conquering it, it became the capitol of

their kingdom– Location of Solomon’s Temple

Egypt

Israel and surrounding Areas

Rest of Middle East

Holidays

Holiday Reason

Passover Commemorates liberation of the children of Israel from the Egyptians

Rosh Hashanah New Year festival; commemorates the Creation

Yom Kippur Day of Atonement; most sacred day

Sukkot Commemorates years spent in the wilderness after escaping from Egypt

Hanukkah Festival of Lights; commemorates miracle of oil in the 2nd Temple

Tisha B’av Commemorates tragedies

Tu B’Shevat ‘New Year for Trees’; one of four ‘New Years’

Yom Hashoah Day of remembrance of the Holocaust

MAJOR BELIEFS

Creation

• God created the world in 7 days– Day 1: Creation of light– Day 2: Heavens and the Earth– Day 3: Trees and plants– Day 4: Stars, Moon, and Sun– Day 5: Animals in the air and water– Day 6: Animals on the land– Day 7: Mankind (Adam and Eve)

End Times

• Olam Ha-Ba (The Messianic Age)– A peaceful coexistence of all mankind– Great prosperity– Return of all Jews to Israel– Temple rebuilt in Jerusalem– Ushered in by the coming of the Mashiach

(Messiah)

Commandments

• The 10 Commandments– God is the only God– Do not worship idols– Do not take the Lord’s

name in vain– Remember the Sabbath

day– Honor your parents– Do not kill– Do not commit adultery– Do not steal– Do not lie– Do not covet

• Other Commandments– Halakhah (Jewish Law)– Mitzvot D’Oraita (Torah)

• 613 unchangeable mitzvot– 248 ‘positive’– 365 ‘negative’

– Mitzvot D’Rabbanan (Rabbis)• Gezeirah (Add to Torah)• Takkanah (Public Welfare)• Minhag (Customs)

Purpose of Life

• Fulfill commandments– Rule over the world– Become closer to God

• Attain fulfillment of intellect

• Be a ‘dwelling place’ for God

• Fulfill your specific purpose (individual)

Influence on Art, Architecture, et cetera

• Decorations on places of worship– Temple in Jerusalem to Catholic cathedrals

• Symbolic representation of God in artwork• Religious themes in literature

– Creation & Fall of Man (Paradise Lost)• Other religious development

– Christianity stemmed from Judaism

Works CitedAmerican-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. Jewish Virtual Library. 2012. Web. 14 October 2012.

Barrow, Mandy. "Jewish Festivals." 2012. Woodlands Junior School. Web. 14 October 2012.

Dubov, Nissan Dovid. "What is Life's Purpose?" n.d. Chabad.org. Web. 14 October 2012.

Moses, et al. The Old Testament. n.d. Document.

Rich, Tracey R. Judaism 101. 2012. Web. 14 October 2012.

Photos• Spread of Judaism

– http://www.lds.org/ensign/1982/01/judah-through-the-centuries• The Torah

– http://frted.wordpress.com/2011/01/04/reading-scripture-the-old-testament-the-torah-and-prophecy/• Other Writings

– http://ngabo.org/prophetic/seasons/universe/kabbalah_explanation.htm• Places of Worship

– http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1eeca8/ [synagogue]– http://desertfathersincense.com/history.html [Temple model]

• Roles of Men and Women– http://wunrn.com/news/2008/10_08/10_27_08/102708_israel.htm [women]– http://www.sodahead.com/living/is-it-unethical-to-join-j-date-if-you-arent-jewish/question-239026/

[man]

• Holy Places– http://www.judaism.com/display.asp?etn=GIJAG

• Holidays– http://enjoyfestivals.com/why-jews-blow-shofar-sound-of-shofar-tekiah-shevarim-teruah-gedolah/1517/

[shofar]– http://www.justsymbol.com/menorah-3.html [menorah]

• Creation– http://www.prlog.org/11409306-the-creation-of-adam.html [God and Adam]– http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sheep_in_field_with_other_livestock.jpg [sheep]

• Influence– http://www.wikipaintings.org/en/gustave-dore/paradise-lost-4 [Paradise Lost]