Judaism

History  Judaism originated in the Middle East over 3500 years ago  The original of the three Abrahamic faiths,  Judaism  Christianity  Islam  Jews trace their history back to Abraham.  Judaism was founded by Moses  Called Jews, Hebrews, and Israelites

God  God exists  There is only one God  There are no other gods  God can't be subdivided into different persons (unlike the Christian view of God)  Jews should worship only the one God  God is Transcendent: God is above and beyond all earthly things.  God doesn't have a body Which means that God is neither female nor male.  God created the universe without help  God is omnipresent: God is everywhere, all the time.  God is omnipotent: God can do anything at all.  God is beyond time: God has always existed  God will always exist.  God is just, but God is also merciful God punishes the bad  God rewards the good  God is forgiving towards those who mess things up.  God is personal and accessible. God is interested in each individual  God listens to each individual  God sometimes speaks to individuals, but in unexpected ways.

Beliefs  Jews keep God's laws.  Jews seek to bring holiness into every aspect of their lives.  Jews believe that God appointed the Jews to be his chosen people in order to set an example of holiness and ethical behavior to the world.  The Jewish prayer book uses WE and OUR in prayers where some other faiths would use I and MINE  The most important religious document is the Torah.  Jewish traditional or oral law, the interpretation of the laws of the Torah, is called halakhah.  Spiritual leaders are called Rabbis.  Jews worship in Synagogues.  Ark of the Covenant  Sabbath  Sunset Friday – sunset Saturday

Kosher  Kashrut is a set of biblical dietary restrictions  Certain foods cannot be eaten  Certain foods must be separated  Certification makes it easier to identify kosher food  General Rules 1.Certain animals may not be eaten at all. This restriction includes the flesh, organs, eggs and milk of the forbidden animals. 2.Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Jewish law. 3.All blood must be drained from meat and poultry or broiled out of it before it is eaten. 4.Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten. 5.Fruits and vegetables are permitted, but must be inspected for bugs (which cannot be eaten) 6.Meat (the flesh of birds and mammals) cannot be eaten with dairy. Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy. (According to some views, fish may not be eaten with meat). 7.Utensils (including pots and pans and other cooking surfaces) 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. 8.Grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten.