Judaism – History and Key Beliefs

History

Judaism God enters into a relationship with the people he has created, as a personal partner in dialogue He announces his real presence, Yahveh: “I am who I am” The covenant: People are not simply passive objects of divine grace or divine action, but are called to responsibility and partnership, having to work at their salvation

Judaism - Beginnings Traditionally, it is held that Abraham and his descendants established JudaismTraditionally, it is held that Abraham and his descendants established Judaism Now Moses and the 10 Commandments are considered by many to be the foundation upon which Judaism rests.Now Moses and the 10 Commandments are considered by many to be the foundation upon which Judaism rests.

Tracing Roots Nomadic tribes 1900 BCENomadic tribes 1900 BCE Mesopotamian society - polytheisticMesopotamian society - polytheistic God (Yahweh) appeared before Abraham “to go and raise a great nation”God (Yahweh) appeared before Abraham “to go and raise a great nation” Beginning of monotheistic Hebrew faith with the establishment of the “Covenant”, “Chosen People” and “Promised Land”Beginning of monotheistic Hebrew faith with the establishment of the “Covenant”, “Chosen People” and “Promised Land” Abraham settled in CanaanAbraham settled in Canaan Story: Sacrifice of AbrahamStory: Sacrifice of Abraham

Tracing the Roots Abraham Isaac Jacob 12 Sons (12 Tribes) 3 Patriarchs -Given the name Israel after ‘struggling’ with an angle 4 th son, Judah, inhabited the area of Jerusalem. Moses, the Kings (Saul, David and Solomon) and Jesus are all descendants of the tribe of Judah

What is in a name? Hebrew means “From across”- name given to Abraham and his followersHebrew means “From across”- name given to Abraham and his followers Israelites: Abraham’s grandson Jacob renamed Israel which means “he who has wrestled with God”. His descendants were called “Israelites”Israelites: Abraham’s grandson Jacob renamed Israel which means “he who has wrestled with God”. His descendants were called “Israelites” Jews: named after Jacob’s son Judah, ancient father of tribe of King David’s dynastyJews: named after Jacob’s son Judah, ancient father of tribe of King David’s dynasty

Tracing the Roots – Moses and the Exodus  Moses received revelations from God: burning bush, rod / staff, 10 plagues (angle of Death / Passover), parting of the Red Sea  Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt - EXODUS  Moses led the 12 Tribes of Israel to Mount Sinai where Yahweh gave him the 10 Commandments, uniting the Hebrews under one God  Moses and Hebrews searched for the “Promised Land” or the “land of milk and honey” they wandered in the desert for 40 years

Key Concepts Covenant  solemn and binding agreement between God (as Creator) and Abraham (humanity, the Chosen people ) Chosen People  Jews considered themselves to be God’s Chosen People as God chose Abraham and led him to monotheism  Jews were instruments of God’s will  God chose Jews (humanity); humanity must choose God Promised Land  Gained significance during Moses’ life as Hebrews sought to keep covenant and develop a community in the Promised Land. Jews believe this is Israel.

Tracing the Roots The Patriarchs The 12 Tribes Moses Moses - the Exodus - the covenant - Israel (Promise land) Foundation of Judaism Passover Judges: tribal leaders Kings: King Saul / David, King Solomon (built temple) Division: Northern tribes = Israel; Southern tribes = Judah Southern tribes = Judah Prophetic Tradition: word of God spoken through prophets Exile in Babylon= Temple of Solomon destroyed; creation of synagogues and rabbis and concept of Messiah “anointed one” Diaspora: dispersal of Jews outside of Israel and Hellenization Maccabean Revolt: temple rededicated to God Expansion of Roman Empire and rule: destroying of the temple leaving only the Western Wall; rabbinic Judaism

Key Beliefs Monotheistic  Oneness of Creator God  Human obligation to worship God  God is immaterial and indivisible  God is refered to as YHWH or YAHWEH “I am that I am” Lineage  People are born a Jew (through mother) or can convert (gerut) Mitzvah  act of performing a good deed or commandment (ie. 10 Commandments)  Bible contains total of 613 mitvoth (some positive, some negative)

Beliefs continued Jesus  View of Jesus = born a Jew a preacher and teacher  Jesus was not the Son of God; the Messiah is still to come Suffering  suffering is heightened because as the Chosen People, Jews expect to suffer for all of mankind Death and Afterlife  on death, body returns to earth (dust to dust) but soul return to God who gave it  body will be Resurrected and reunited with soul at a later time (therefore no cremation)  Little dogma on the afterlife since most emphasis is on this life

TORAH  Consists of Five Books of Moses written on parchment scroll in ancient form by hand and kept in Ark  Torah means “law” but more accurate is “revelation”, “teaching” or “instruction”  Torah is divided into 54 sections and one portion is read each week (2 weeks of year have a double portion) so that the entire Torah is read from beginning to end in a year

Tanakh  Jewish Bible, consisting of Torah (Law of Moses), the Prophets, and the Writings Talmud  Second most important source of rabbinic Jewish law. Includes the Mishnah, which complements and interprets the Torah and applies scripture to everyday life and observance Mishnah  Early rabbinic teachings on how to live according to Torah Sacred Texts

Symbols Star of David= shape of King David’s shield; symbol adopted by ZionistsStar of David= shape of King David’s shield; symbol adopted by Zionists Menorah= ancient source of lightMenorah= ancient source of light 7 branched= Sabbath 9 branched= Hanukah