Judaism Powerpoint Mullin

Judaism is… “A 4000 year old tradition with ideas about what it means to be human and how to make the world a holy place” A “covenant relationship” between God and the Hebrew people A celebration and sanctification of life A faith, a people, a way of life…

A 4000 year old tradition… The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (“Israel”) – origins of the Hebrew people (more than 3800 years ago) Enslaved in ancient Egypt and freed by Moses (more than 3300 years ago) Hebrew monarchy in the “Promised Land” (The Land of Israel), ends 6th century BCE

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As a faith, Jews Believe… In one God, creator of the universe, personal but non-corporeal In prophets of old – especially Moses, through whom Torah was revealed to the Hebrew people In Torah (first five books of the Bible), containing religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew – the Hebrew Bible does not include the New Testament

As a people, Jews are… A nation in Diaspora (dispersed) 15 – 16 million in worldwide population United by a common heritage (an “ethnic” religion), divided in contemporary practice: – Orthodox: Modern Chasidic (Ultra Orthodox) – Reformed (18 th century Germany) – Conservative – moderates, response to reform Reconstructionalism (20 th century America)

As a way of life, Judaism is based on… 613 commandments found in Torah (“Written Law”) Talmud (“Oral Law”) – commentary of ancient rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through: – Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) – Dress and other symbols – Prayer and devotion to the one God – The Temple and Temple rites – Observance of Holy days – Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc. Thus sanctifying life, blessing it in every way

How does Judaism sanctify life? Life cycle celebrations: Bris – ritual circumcision, sign of the covenant Bar/Bat Mitzvah – full adult status and responsibility within the religion Marriage - "Be fruitful and multiply" (Gen. 1:22) Death – funerals, mourning (sitting “Shiva”), and memorials (“Yartzeits”)

How is Judaism related to Christianity? Judaism predates Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Earth Jews are not concerned about salvation and the “world to come”

What are Jews really concerned about? Tikkun Olam - “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness; through “deed, not creed” The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (“good deeds” based on God’s commandments) Through education and hard work we make our lives, the lives of others, and the world, what God intended it to be – Holy!

LeChaim! To Life!

Activity Judaism Gallery Walk. Stations are tiimed (5 minutes). Completed by end of class.

Jewish Symbols From Living Judaism by Rabbi Wayne Dosick

Magen David Star of David Was on the shields of David’s warriors Symbol on the Flag of the state of Israel Used throughout the world as a clear and unique identifying symbol of Jews and Judaism

Menorah Seven (or nine) branched candleholder One of the oldest Jewish symbols—one of the ritual objects described in the Torah Today the nine branched menorah is used in celebration of Chanukah The seven branched menorah is the authentic ancient symbol (one for each of the 6 days of creation and 1 for sabbath)

Chai The Jewish symbol of life Expresses the hope and prayer for life, health and prosperity Popular Jewish toast—L’chayim—To Life

Mazal Tov Means good luck or congratulations Particularly used for significant life events (ie. Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, birthdays, etc.)

Amen Literally “So be it” Means I agree/affirm After a blessing it is customary for those who have heard the blessing to say Amen

Shalom Means hello/goodbye/peace Comes from root word shalem which means whole/complete – Peace comes when there is wholeness, completeness, unity. Pease is the eternal Jewish prayer— world peace, peace between people, inner peace, harmony.

Activity What happened to Jews in WW2 and why is it important to learn? /detail.aspx?id= /detail.aspx?id= early-stages-lesson.pdf early-stages-lesson.pdf

Modern Denominations of Judaism From Living Judaism by Rabbi Wayne Dosick

Orthodox Judaism Mainstream Judaism Belief in the direct revelation of divine law which was recorded in the Torah – It is eternal, unchanging, and the sole guide for life – Carefully and strictly observe the commandments as the direct will of God – Ultra-Orthodox assert that complete separation from secular society

Reform Judaism Early 19 th C. Germany Assert authorship of Torah to Divinely inspired human beings Modern worship mostly in vernacular

Conservative Judaism Response to Reform mid to late 19 th C. Europe Agree that change was necessary but felt Reform had eliminated too many basic Jewish practices Motto is “tradition and change” Fiddler on the Roof

Reconstructionist Judaism Early 1920s in US by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan Judaism is not merely a religion, but an evolving religious civilization, a peoplehood, a culture, as well as a faith community

All of Judaism To accept Torah and fulfill its mitzvot To regulate existence to Judaism’s rituals & observances To be a devoted member of the Jewish community To maintain a bond and a sense of mutual interdependence with the Jewish Land To feel a connection to Jewish history To be committed to the creative survival of the Jewish future

Torah Creation: God Created the Universe and everything in it, The covenant was created between God and Humanity (specifically between God and the Jewish people) Redemption: Israelites were saved from bondage in Egypt (in order to experience revelation) Revelation: God gave his 613 mitzvot as a standard for conduct and behavior ▫ Mixed with ritual practices this provides the framework of lifestyle for all humanity.

Activity What conflict today are Jews currently experiencing?

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict o o