Reform Judaism Religion Karen Torres, Saul Castillo, Jose Morgan 10/31/2013

Introduction to Judaism The Jewish people today believe themselves to be the direct descendants of ancient Israel as described in the Torah. However, at various times and places other individuals and groups entered into this nation. Judaism is one of the oldest religions still existing today. It began as the religion of the small nation of the Hebrews, and through thousands of years of suffering, persecution, dispersion, and occasional victory, has continued to be a profoundly influential religion and culture. Today, 14 million people identify themselves as Jewish. Modern Judaism is a complex phenomenon that incorporates both a nation and a religion, and often combines strict adherence to ritual laws with a more liberal attitude towards religious belief

Prophets and Founders: When: The Following expert is Geiger’s Judaism and it’s History published in 1865. Where: The Paradesi synagogue is the oldest Synagogue in the common wealth of Nation located in Kochi, South India. Mesopotamia(Stone age) main location was Israel, Europe, Asia and USA. Synagogue “Temple” There were only 6 Synagogues at the time of the US founding Why: The history of the Middle East would likely have been very different had it not been for the Nazi Holocaust. The Nazis murdered millions of Jewish men, women, and children. Even before the full extent of the tragedy was known, much sympathy flowed to the survivors, and the Soviet Union favored the creation of a Jewish state over the continued presence of Great Britain in Palestine. Following a 1947 United Nations vote to partition Palestine into a Jewish state and an Arab state, events moved rapidly. In May 1948, What: Rabbi(teacher) and biblical scholar Abraham Geiger the founder of Judaism, a 19th century attempt to create a form Jewish belief and practice that responded to the intellectual demands of the age. He was an early student of the Historical critical study of the bible, which within the Jewish community came to be known as the science of Judaism.

Judaism’s Events Passover Chanukah (Hanukkah) Yom Kippur Rosh Hashanah Passover or Pesach celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt (the Seder meal in the home is observed); Shavuot marks the giving of the Law to Moses Celebrates the survival of the Jews. The day of repentance, Most people know the Sabbath as the day of the week on which Jews are forbidden to work. In fact, Sabbath is the day jews can relax, be with family, study, and reflect New Year’s festival

Symbols Menorah Mezuzah Chai A seventh branch candle used in the Temple. A small case known as the Mezuzah that is placed by the door steps which is a constant reminder of God presence. Every time they pass through, they must kiss the hand that touched the mezuzah to express love and respect for God. Chai is seen on jewelry or necklace and in ornaments symbol meaning “living” that can be attached with another

Holy Books The People of the book Torah Five Books of Moses Genesis (Origins) Creation of humankind Exodus (The Road Out) Moses birth and Levitious (Law of the Levites) Numbers (Census) Deuteronomy (Second Law) The Torah contains laws, doctrine and guidance on way of life as well as accounts of the early history of the Jewish people and their relationship with God.

Holy Beliefs Major Philosophies/Ideas 13 Articles of the Jewish Faith God Exists God is one and unique God is incorporeal God is external Prayer to God only The prophets spoke truth Moses was the greatest of the prophets The Written and Oral Torah were given to Moses There will be no other Torah God knows the thoughts and deeds of men God will reward the good and punish the wicked The Messiah will come The dead will be resurrected

Holy Practices Baby boys are circumcised eight days after birth. Baby girls names are announced in the synagogue on the first Sabbath after birth. After 24 hours of one’s death a burial takes place within 24 hours of death. The family is in full mourning for seven days and for eleven months. Kadish, a special prayer is said every day. 613 Commandments Requirements from God to Jews Rabbinic Law Almost similar to the 613 Commandments but the punishment is least severe

Celebrations The day of repentance, Chanukah (Hanukkah) celebrates the survival of the Jews. Chanukah is referred to a festival of lights, its an eight-day holiday recalling the events of the Maccabean Revolt.

Jewish Cultures Jewish heritage reaches back to the Middle East, the 4,000-year-old history of Judaism and the Jewish people rests on an ongoing process of interpretation of scripture. a well-established institution and the local center for the gathering of the community for prayer, the study and teaching of the Torah.

Prophets Abraham is honored in the traditions of Judaism, He’s the first man to form a spiritual covenant with God. There are no proven details of his life and have not been proof that he existed, he is viewed as a spiritual forefather by over half the population of the world. Jews have believed that this covenant was the source of their special relationship with God. Christians, recognizing the origins of their faith in Judaism, have viewed Abraham as the first great prophet to help increase human understanding of God's message. Muslims view Abraham as the first Muslim because of his submission to God