The Abrahamic Faiths (monotheistic) Judaism

Abraham Judaism began with the covenant (agreement) between God and Abraham (2000 BCE). He is considered the patriarch (father) of the Jewish people and was married to Sarah. Abraham had a son, Ishmael, with Hagar (Egyptian maidservant). One year later, Abraham had a son, Isaac, with Sarah.

Beyond Abraham Around 1600 BC, as a result of famine, many Jews (Hebrews) migrated to Egypt, where they were eventually held in slavery until Moses led them out of Egypt and established a homeland in present-day Israel. According to Jewish belief, God revealed his laws and commandments to Moses and they are written in the Torah. King David unified the Jewish kingdom and ruled from Jerusalem. His reign symbolized a united Jewish people.

Beyond Abraham Several times in history, empires conquered the region and drove many Jews from the area. As they spread out around the world, Judaism spread with them. The scattering of Jews outside the Holy Land is called the Diaspora.

Judaism Major Leader: Abraham and Moses Symbol: Star of David (Magen David~Shield of David) Secondary Symbol: Menorah used in the temple

Judaism’s Sacred Texts Tanakh: The Hebrew Bible Torah, or Pentateuch (five books of Moses): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Nevi’i,m, or prophets Ketuvim, or writings

Judaism’s Secondary Texts Mishnah: written compilation of the oral law. Talmud: Instructional text (scholarly writings) with discussions on Jewish history, customs, culture, and law. Midrash: ‘search’ ‘investigation’

Divisions in Judaism Orthodox Judaism ~ strict observance of religious laws and commandments. Conservative Judaism ~ the laws may be interpreted to reflect modern situations.

Divisions in Judaism Reform Judaism ~ individual Jews determine for themselves how laws should be observed.

Clothing ~ Judaism A “kippah” (or yarmulke) is a round skullcap worn by most Jewish men while praying or studying Jewish religious texts Among Jews, the practice of covering the head is a way to show reverence.

Clothing ~ Judaism A prayer shawl (“tallis”) is worn by Jewish men and some Jewish women during a prayer service.

Beliefs ~ Judaism Monotheistic God is creator of the whole universe and has given them special responsibilities. Live holy lives by treating others well and pursuing justice.

Beliefs ~ Judaism Phylacteries (or tefillin) are two small black leather boxes worn on the left arm and forehead by observant adult male Jews. These contain scrolls of certain Torah passages, taken from Exodus and Deuteronomy. “And you shall bind them as a sign on your arm, and they shall be as frontlets on your head between your eyes.” ~Deuteronomy 6:8

The Synagogue The Holy Ark (Aron Kodesh), where the Torah Scrolls are kept, is situated in the front of the synagogue. The Ark is the holiest place in the Synagogue. In most synagogues the Holy Ark is on the Eastern wall, so that when they face the ark, they are facing the holy city of Jerusalem, where the Holy Temple once stood.

Synagogues in OKC Synagogues are Jewish houses of prayer and study. Emmanuel Synagogue Temple B’nai Israel NW 47th Street Penn & NW Expwy Synagogues are Jewish houses of prayer and study.

Holy Sites of Judaism Western Wall (Wailing Wall) ~ the remaining wall of the courtyard that surrounded the ancient Temple. Temple Mount ~ site where God chose the divine rest and where Abraham bound Isaac.

Celebrations ~ Judaism Rosh Hashanah (“first of the year”) Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”) Sukkot (“booths”) ~ harvest festival Chanukkah ~ the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights Pesach, known in English as Passover

Celebrations ~ Judaism Bar mitzvah (boys) and Bat mitzvah (girls)- This marks the passage from childhood to adulthood. This is often commemorated by having the new adults lead the congregation in prayer and publicly read a "portion” of the Torah in Hebrew.

Jewish Population