Judaism Judaism began about 4000 years ago, making it the oldest religion we are studying. Abraham, a Hebrew man, is considered the founder of the Jewish faith because he promoted the central idea of the Jewish faith: that there is one God.

Judaism People who follow Judaism are called Jews. There are 3 main types of Jews: Orthodox (traditional) Conservative Reform (least traditional)

Judaism The Holy Book, the Torah, is written on scrolls and kept in a special cabinet called the aron hakodish, the holy ark, in synagogues. The Torah is read with a pointer called a yad to keep it from being spoiled. Each week, one section is read until the entire Torah is completed and the reading begins again.

Judaism The place of worship for Judaism is called a Synagogue. Judaism is a monotheistic religion, meaning that Jews believe in only one God. Judaism is the least common of the three religions we are studying.

Judaism Jewish holidays include: Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year, occurs between Labor Day and Columbus Day. It is a happy festive holiday, during which people make new years resolutions. Hanukkah: The festival of lights, celebrating the rededication of a temple in Jerusalem.

Christianity Christianity began over 2000 years ago. Christianity traces its beginning to the miraculous birth, adult ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is considered the founder of Christianity.

Christianity People who follow Christianity are called Christians. There are 3 main types of Christians: Orthodox Roman Catholic Protestant (Methodist, Baptist, Anglican)

Christianity The Holy Book of Christianity is the Bible. The Christian Bible has two parts: the Old Testament which is essentially the Hebrew scriptures of Jesus' time. the New Testament which contains writings about Jesus Christ and about the early church.

Christianity The place of worship for Christianity is called a Church. Christianity is a monotheistic religion, meaning that Christians believe in only one God. Christianity is the most common of the religions we are studying.

Christianity Christian holidays include: Easter: Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Eggs are a major symbol of Easter since they symbolize new life. Christmas: A celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Islam Islam is the newest of the three religions we are studying. Muhammad was the last of the prophets, which included both Abraham and Jesus. Muhammad is considered the founder of Islam.

Islam People who follow Islam are called Muslims. There are two main types of Muslims: Sunnis - 90% of the worlds Muslims. Shiites – 10% of the worlds Muslims

Islam Muslims believe that the last revealed scripture sent by God is the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the holy book for Islam. Many Muslims try to learn to read the Qur’an in its original language, Arabic. It is common for Muslims to memorize whole chapters of it. They read part of it every day.

Islam The place of worship is at the Mosque. Islam is a monotheistic religion, meaning that Muslims believe in only one God. Islam is second most common of the three religions we are studying.

Islam Islamic holidays include: Al-Hijra: The islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the month in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE (the Hijra). 'Id Al-Fitr or Festival of the Breaking of the Fast: A celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.