Judaism G_d’s Promise

Abraham

Abram n Judaism starts with the Patriarch Abraham whose name was changed from Abram. It is to him that G_d made a promise that he would be the father of many nations.

Abraham’s journey n Abraham moved to Palestine around 4000 BCE. This was part of G_d’s promise.

The Mighty Nation n The descendents of Abraham settled in Egypt where they had become slaves. n They cried to G_d for deliverance from bondage of slavery. n G_d called Moses to lead them.

Moses n Moses is a main figure in Jewish history. n Born to a Jew he was rescued from the Nile by the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Moses n He grew up probably as both an Egyptian and a Jew. Although he was in the house of Pharaoh he was "nursed/raised" by his birth mother. n He was raised to be a leader and became second in command of Egypt.

Moses Flees n It was discovered that he was a Jew and had to leave because he murdered an Egyptian.

The Call of Moses n He later returns to Egypt after the burning bush experience to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Moses Before Pharaoh n Moses comes before Pharaoh and tells Pharaoh to let G_d’s people go.

Pharaoh’s Response n Pharaoh refuses. n Moses then issues forth the ten plagues.

The Passover n The Jews were instructed to put blood on their doorposts. n When the Angel of Death came it “passed over” the homes with blood on the doorposts.

Final Plague n When the Pharaoh refused Moses’ last request the final plague was issued--the death of every firstborn male.

Haste n Pharaoh relented and let the Israelites leave. They had to make preparations to leave quickly.

Change n Pharaoh changed his mind and decided to chase the Israelites. n According the the Hebrew Bible as the Israelites, lead by Moses, stood at the Red Sea or the Sea of Reeds, G_d acted on their behalf and parted the waters.

The Deliverance n According to the Jews in the deliverance three things were affirmed. –Yahweh is the creator of the universe –Yahweh chose the Israelites –The Jews are to reveal Yahweh to the rest of the world.

G_d’s Deliverance n G_d, by way of Moses, led the descendents of Abraham out of slavery. A covenant was established by way of the Ten Commandments and the Laws of Moses.

Results of the Covenant n Yahweh is the the G_d not only the Israelites but of all creation. n The Israelites are G_d’s people. n Jewish communal life was established n The Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) tells the history and regulates the community.

A Light to the Gentiles (non Jews) n The Jews reveal the nature of G_d and point the way to G_d for the rest of the world.

Hebrew Bible c BCE n 3 sections –the Law - Torah –the Prophets - Nevi’im –the Writings - Kethuvim –Together they are called Tanakh –The Torah is the core of the Bible n Talmud (oral and written interpretations of the Torah).

Rites and Festivals n Circumcision of the male child at 8 days n Bar Mitzvah (Bas Mitzvah girl) boy reaches 13 years of age demonstrates acceptance of Covenant n Marriage n Burial

Festivals n Pesach (Passover) deliverance from Egypt n Shavuot (Pentecost) harvest and Torah n Sukkot (tabernacles) Fall Festival n Rosh Hashana (New Year) n Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) n Hanukkah (victory over the Syrians in 165 BCE n Purim (deliverance from the Persian Empire)

Jewish Beliefs The 13 principles as developed by Maimonides

13 Principles of the Jewish Faith n 1. I believe with perfect faith that God is the creator and Ruler of all things. n 2. I believe with perfect faith that God is one. n 3. I believe with perfect faith that God does not have a body. n 4. I believe with perfect faith that God that God is first and last. n 5. I believe with perfect faith that it is proper to pray to God. n 6. I believe with perfect faith that all the words of all of the prophets are true. n 7. I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses is absolutely true.

n 8. I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that we how have is that which was given to Moses. n 9. I believe with perfect faith that this Torah will not be changed, and there will never be another given by God. n 10. I believe with perfect faith that God knows all of a man's deeds and thoughts. n 11. I believe with perfect faith that God rewards those who keep his commandments, and punishes those who transgress Him. n 12. I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah. n 13. I believe with perfect faith that God that the dead will be brought back to life when God wills it to happen.

Jewish Belief n There is no official Jewish creed--however, there are some basic ideas. –Belief in G_d. G_d is one, formless, all-knowing, and eternal. G_d is master of the universe as its creator and judge. G_d is both loving and just. –Belief in the words of the prophets.

Jewish Belief –Belief that G_d gave the law to Moses. –Belief that the Messiah, the savior to be sent by G_d, will come some day. –Belief that there will be a resurrection of the good “in the world to come.”

Divisions within Judaism

n Cultural Based n Observance Based

Cultural Based n Sephardim n Ashkemazim n Falashas, Ethiopian Jews

Observance Based n Orthodox Judaism n Conservative Judaism n Reform Judaism n Reconstructionist Judaism

The Four Branches of Judaism

Orthodox n Orthodox Judaism –it came into existence after the Reform began. –A branch of Judaism committed to retaining traditional practice and belief. –They are hesitant about discarding any traditional practices.

Orthodox n Among the things that they believe are: –In synagogues women are separate from men –There must be a quorum of men for service to begin –Only men celebrate the coming of age (bar mitzvah)

Orthodox –Males keep their heads covered –Social roles are strictly separate (trad. Men/Women) –Orthodox household keep strict rules about diet.

Conservative n Frankel Solomon Schchter was an early leader of this branch. –The Reform movement was too radical. –The Torah and the Talmud must be followed. –Practices can vary from synagogue to synagogue. –Most of the worship service is in Hebrew.

Conservative –Males wear head coverings (yarmulkes or kippot) –Members are encouraged to observe kashruth, kosher food laws, Shabbat and holidays. –Change is accepted but with much study and discussion and carefully weighing all traditions.

Reform Judaism n David Einhorn and Isaac Mayer inspired this movement in the US. Outline: –The Torah has moral authority but ceremonial and dietary laws are no longer binding. –A need for a Jewish homeland was recognized. –An emphasis is placed on religious practice, observing the Sabbath, and keeping the holidays.

Reform Judaism n Outline (continued) –Most of the services are in English and males are not required to wear coverings. –Men and women can sit together –Women can be ordained as Rabbis. n Mendelssohn was influential in Europe n He advocated religious tolerance, Judaism could be combined with secular culture and embraced many of the ideas of the European Enlightenment.

More Reform n Reform synagogue has women and men sitting together, services are conducted in both Hebrew and the native tongue, there are choirs and use of organ. n Traditional ways of dressing are dropped. n The idea is to totally modernize Judaism to be able to survive contemporary cultures.

Reconstructionist Judaism n Founded by Mordecai Kaplan. n Individuals in this form are introduced to traditional Judaism but are allowed to individually interpret elements. n Such things as angels, prophecy, revealed law, and the Messiah are taken as symbols. n G_d is seen as “the Power which makes me follow even higher ideals.” n Judaism is seen as an changing cultural force.