The Three Monotheistic Religions of the Middle East Judaism Islam Christianity

Judaism- Ethnic Religion Began 1750 B.C.E Founders- Abraham Origin- Adam, Abraham, Isaac Number of members- 14,500,000, this number is declining Region practiced- Israel, U.S., Russia

Judaism Religious leaders- Rabbi Holy Book- Torah (1st 5 books of the Old Testament) Language of Holy Book- Hebrew

Holy Book- Torah ( the 1st 5 books of the old testament) Genesis - Creation, the Fall, the Flood, spread of the nations, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Enslavement in Egypt. Exodus - Enslavement, Moses, 10 plagues, Passover, Leave Egypt, Red Sea Crossing, Mt. Sinai and the 10 Commandments Leviticus - Instructions on sacrificial system and the priesthood. Instructions on moral purity. Numbers - Still at Mt. Sinai, people make false idol, punishment, 40 years wandering begins. Deuteronomy - Moses' discourses on God's Acts for Israel the Decalogue, the ceremonial, civil, and social Laws, and covenant ratification.

Judaism House of Worship- Synagogue or Temple

Judaism Branches- Orthodox, Reformed, Conservative, Hasidic

Judaism Holy City- Jerusalem Symbol- Star of David and Menorah

Judaism Dietary Law- no pork or shell fish Monotheistic- yes- Yahweh/ God Holy day of the week- Friday & Saturday sun down

Judaism Rosh Hashanah- Jewish New Year Yom Kippur- Day of Atonement, is the most solemn and important of the Jewish Holidays. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Passover- Passover begins on the 15th day of the month Hanukkah, the "Festival of Lights," starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. In 2008, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 21. With blessings, games, and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs-- both religious and military--of ancient Jewish heroes.

Islam Islam Began- 620 C.E. Founder- Muhammad Origin- Adam, Abraham, Ishmael/ Hagar Members- 1,226,000,000 Region- North Africa & Central Asia

Islam Islam Religious Leaders- Imam Holy Book- Qur’an (Koran) Language of Holy Book: Arabic House of Worship- Mosque

Islam Islam Branches- Sunni 83% and Shiite 16% Holy City- Jerusalem, Mecca (Kabba), Medina Symbol- Quarter Moon and Star

Islam Dietary Law- No Pork or Alcohol Monotheistic- yes- Allah Holidays- Ramadan- fast during the 9th month of Lunar Calendar Bijram- Celebrating friend of Muhammad’s fight for freedom. Celebrated 4 times a year. 5 Pillars of faith: Ramadan, Hajj, Give alms or Charity Pray 5 times a day facing holy city (Mecca) Profession of faith Dietary Law- No Pork or Alcohol Monotheistic- yes- Allah Holy day of the week- Friday

Christianity Began- 50 C.E. Founder- Peter & Paul found the church Origin- Adam, Abraham, Isaac Members- 2,039,000,000 Region- E/W Europe, North America, Latin and South America

Christianity Religious leaders- Pope, Priest, Preacher, Father, Minister, Reverend, Cardinal, Bishop, etc. Holy book- Bible- Old and New Testament Language of Holy Book- Hebrew/ Greek

Christianity Branches- Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant Holy City- Jerusalem Symbol- cross, fish, infinity

Christianity Dietary law- moderation Monotheistic- yes/ God Holy Day of the Week- Sunday

Christianity Holidays Christmas Easter Good Friday- the Friday of Holy Week (commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus) Palm Sunday- last day of lent