Judaism 101

Who Is Jewish? Any person whose mother was Jewish or any person who has gone through the formal conversion process.

What is Judaism? Is it a religion? Are Jews a race? Is it a culture or ethnic group?

History of Judaism G-d promises 2 things to Abraham – Land-important for a nomad – Descendents Moses receives the commandments and the people accept them and the relationship. – 613 commandments – Prayer shawl has 613 knots Must be worn when Torah is read

History of Judaism Babylonia takes over North and South Kingdoms of Israel Israelites exiled – Cultures and practices go with them First temple is torn down so build synagogues 70 AD Romans destroy second temple As Jews are forced to move some new traditions develop and some are given up

Jewish Movements Movements are the denominations, branches or sects of Judaism Orthodox- one of the major movements of Judaism that believes that Jewish law comes from G-d and can not be changed Conservative-modern stream of Judaism that arose out of the intellectual currents of Germany in the mid- 1900’s. Reform- spectrum of beliefs, practices and organization associated with reform Judaism in North America and the United Kingdom

Separate Cultural Traditions Sephardic Judaism- Jews of Spain and Portugal – Mizrachim-North Africa and the Middle East Ashkenazic- Jews of France, Germany and Eastern Europe

Beliefs of Judaism Judaism does not have an Apostle’s Creed or Nicene Creed that states this is what we believe. Do not believe in original sin Follow the Torah – First five books of the Bible Judaism cover head as a sign of respect, Gentiles remove hats as sign of respect

Beliefs of Judaism Orthodox Jews believe facial hair was a gift from G-d to distinguish males from females – Do not shave

Kosher and Dietary Laws What does kosher mean? General Rules – Certain animals may not be eaten at all. This restriction includes the flesh, organs, eggs and milk of the forbidden animals. Must have hoofs and chew cud – Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Jewish law.

Kosher and Dietary Laws All blood must be drained from the meat or broiled out of it before it is eaten. Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten

Kosher Dietary Laws Fruits and vegetables are permitted, but must be inspected for bugs Grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten Meat cannot be eaten with dairy.

Kosher Dietary Laws Utensils that have come into contact with meat may not be used with dairy, and vice versa. Utensils that have come into contact with non-kosher food may not be used with kosher food. This applies only where the contact occurred while the food was hot.

Shabbat The most important ritual observance in Judaism. Shalom –Hebrew word that literally means peace. A way of saying "hello" or "goodbye."

Jewish Holidays Passover Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year

Jewish Holidays Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement Chanukkah – the festival of lights Yom Ha-Shoah – Holocaust Memorial Day