JUDAISM By: Renee Gomez and Mr. Gilliam III

Origin and Hearth  Judaism began with its founder, Abraham, in the northern Mesopotamian town of Haran.  He then moved to the region of Canaan (the equivalent of modern Israel and Lebanon.

Origin and Hearth  The ancient Hebrew people were herdsmen and farmers who were organized into tribes.

Diffusion and Modern Distribution  When Rome conquered the former nation of Israel (around the end of the first century), the Jewish population was spread all over the Mediterranean.  They moved to countries like modern day France, Germany, Italy and Spain, taking their religion and practices with them.  Their movement was known as the Jewish Diaspora.

The Jewish Diaspora

Diffusion and Modern Distribution  The Jews were persecuted in Europe during the 18 th and 19 th centuries, prompting them to migrate to areas that offered equality under Napoleonic Law and to the United States.  However, after the Holocaust, many Jews believed that they needed to find a permanent homeland. This lead to the Zionist movement and eventually the state of Israel.

Jewish Migration In Europe from the 1000s-1500s

Jewish Congregations In the United States From the1700s -1800s

Modern Judaism  19 million worldwide -.3%  6 million in the U.S., 5 million in Israel, 2 million in Europe  1 million Latin America – Argentina, Brazil  South Africa, Ethiopia, Australia

Modern Judaism Distribution

The State of Israel

Holy Places  Holy Places in Judaism are:  The land of Israel itself  The four Holy Cities: Jerusalem Hebron Tzfat Tiberias  Jerusalem is considered especially important because it is the site of the Temple/the Wailing Wall

Holy Places

Judaism Compared to Other Religions

Jewish Holidays  Rosh Hashanah –The Jewish new year, day of memorial and the day of judgment. God judges each person individually according to their deeds. 1 st day of the 7 th month of lunar calendar  Yom Kippur – The holiest day of the year for most Jews. Its central theme is atonement and reconciliation. This is through prayer and complete fasting - including abstinence from all food and drink Bathing, wearing of perfume or cologne, and sexual relations are other prohibitions. This ensures one's attention is completely and absolutely focused on the quest for atonement with God.

Jewish Holidays  Hanukkah – This marks the defeat of Seleucid Empire forces that tried to prevent the people of Israel from practicing Judaism. This was a rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The eight- day festival is marked by the kindling of lights: one on the first night, two on the second, and so on. A special candle holder called a Hanukkah menorah is used.  Lunar calendar (usually December)

Jewish Symbols

Jewish Places of Worship  A synagogue, shul, or a temple.  A synagogue is a place of worship and study, and a “town hall” managed by laypeople.

Synagogues

Denver

Conflicts  Jewish-Muslim conflict in Palestine

Information Credits  religion/maps/jewish.html   UtJ2godGWHCIw&T= &JTID= &OGID=306&network=GAW   sm/p/branches.htm

Picture Credits    Tribes.gif  ml  ish_Congregations_in_the_13_Colonies.jpg/542px- Early_Jewish_Congregations_in_the_13_Colonies.jpg   g  

Picture Credits  plaque.jpg  em_solomon_temple.jpg  christianity.com/wailing_wall5.jpg  estern_Wall2_tb_n jpg  t/jerusalem_anc2.jpg