Judaism Grade 6 Social Studies

Facts Started 4000 years ago Roots in the Middle East Semitic Religion – Judaism, Islam and Christianity. All Semitic religions believe in one god First to teach one God Christianity and Islam developed from Judaism Approximately 15 million in the world 5.7 million – USA 5.6 million - Israel

Roots of Judaism Abraham – Father of Judaism Covenant with God God showed him Canaan (Israel) Land called “The Promised Land” Had a son named Isaac Famine in Canaan so Isaac brought the people to Egypt Covenant with God Agreement between Abraham and God God promised that all of his descendants would have this land God promised to bless Abraham and his descendants if they worship and remain faithful. God renewed this agreement with Isaac and Isaac's son Jacob Jacob – Grandson of Abraham Also knows as ISRAEL Followers called ISRAELITES

500 years later … Moses Egyptians enslaved the Chosen people of God Rescued … celebration of Passover Left Egypt and lived in the desert for 40 years Return to Canaan God gave Moses “The Ten Commandments” Provided the laws on how to live God asked the chosen people to carry out all duties and responsibilities

The Ten Commandments

Main Beliefs There is only one God God made the world and created Man in his own image The Jews are God’s chosen people Canaan (Palestine) is the Promised Land that God pledged to the Jews through Abraham in return for adherence to His laws, which were delivered through Moses One day a Messiah will come to gather all Jews back to the land of Israel and bring peace to the world. All people are equal and should be treated with respect and love

Branches of Judaism Reform Judaism – encourage followers to be involved citizens while remaining religiously observant. Adapt Jewish law to fit the times. Orthodox Judaism – directly opposed to Reform Judaism. No compromise of the religion. Follow TRADITIONAL ways Conservative Judaism – rests between the extreme of reform and Orthodox Judaism. Jewish law must adapt but Jewish traditions must not be compromised.

Worship and Teaching Kosher Food Forbid the mixing of meat and dairy products Only certain meats are allowed … animals must have hoofs Animal must be slaughtered according to specific guidelines Synagogue Place of public worship Prayer takes place in the morning, afternoon and evening Rabbi Leader Teacher

Sacred Texts Torah Talmud Hebrew Bible First five books of the Old Testament Usually written on scrolls Language … Hebrew Talmud Explanations and oral teachings of the Torah

Symbols and Objects Star of David – six pointed star Menorah – seven branched candlesticks Shofar – ancient ram’s horn used during the synagogue service Kippah – small round cap worn by men at the back of the head

Holocaust During World War II – 1939 to 1945 German leader – Adolf Hitler Hated Jews … wanted to find a blame for all problems Required to wear a yellow star Can not own cars, businesses or attend school Solution to place in concentration camps 6 million killed Diaspora – cities with largest Jewish population after the Diaspora New York Miami Paris Philadelphia Chicago San Francisco Boston London Moscow

Arabs of the Muslim faith did not want Israel to exist Creation of a Country 1948 – Israel state created Arabs of the Muslim faith did not want Israel to exist