An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism Jewish Books

The Bible: Torah Torah - The first book of the three parts Jewish bible. Assembled from 5 books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Definitions of Jewish words - Torah books Berreshit - Genesis. The Torah first book. Shemmot - Exodus. The Torah second book. Vayikra - Leviticus. The Torah third book Bamidbar - Numbers. The Torah fourth book Devarim - Deuteronomy. The Torah fifth book

Talmud Talmud - A collection of ancient rabbinic writings on Jewish day life and rules. This was created with the destruction of the Second Temple as scholars had to deal with how to keep the faith alive in without a center (or temple). It records the debates over Jewish teaching and laws, and includes varying interpretations. Thus, even a very conservative Hassidic Jew and a very liberal Reformed Jew look to the Talmud for guidance and to support their teachings and doctrine.

Kabbalah Kabbalah - Jewish mystical doctrine. Attempts to explain the relationship between the mysterious God and his creation (man). Written mostly between 11th and 13th Century by Hassidic Jews. The scholars tried to find ways to hear God’s guidance. A rabbi explains mysticism

Misunderstood Prejudice against the Jews has often led people to belittle or misrepresent Kabalah and Jewish mysticism. Jewish mysticism

Jewish Folktales In groups up to three, you will be asked to go to the following website: http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/109851/je wish/Tales-from-the-Past.htm Once there, take some time reading some stories before selecting one for this assignment. Select your story, print it and retell it in a six-panel cartoon. Use the template provided by your teacher. template

Reflection Once you have completed the comic strip, write a half-page reflection which answers the following questions: 1. What was the prime lesson in this story? 2. How different is the lesson from our own Catholic- Christian beliefs? Explain. 3. What connection do you see between this teaching and the Old Testament (which is the basis for the Jewish holy book).