Judaism Notes  One of the smallest of the major religions at 14 million.  Monotheistic  No true founder, but could include Abraham as the father of the faith.

Judaism, continued  Books (Tanakh - Old Testament which includes the Torah – the first 5 books of the Old Testament)  Synagogues serve as a meeting place for worship and education, led by a rabbi.

Jewish history at a glance…  Abraham and wife Sarah had no children.  G-d spoke to Abraham saying that he would have descendants to equal the stars and a land to live in of his own.  Isaac was born.

Jewish history, continued  Famine forced the Israelites out of Israel  They ended up in Egypt where they became enslaved.  God chose Moses to plead with the Egyptian pharaoh to free the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.

Jewish history, continued  He refused to let them go and G-d sent a series of 10 plagues to force him to change his mind.  The Passover was the result of the last of the 10 plagues.  The Pharaoh changed his mind and the people were freed.

Judaism, continued  Believe in “kosher” products: Literally means “fit” in accordance with G-d’s law. Separate meat and milk (never same time or prepare with same utensils) Shun foods such as pork and shellfish Meat must be drained of blood b/c it is the life of the animal and is too sacred to eat. Animal is o.k. to eat if it chews its cud and has split hooves. Animals that eat other animals are not permitted for consumption.

Jewish history, continued  The Exodus followed as the Israelites were led out of Egypt by Moses with pharaoh’s army in pursuit.  The Red Sea was parted so that the Israelites can safely pass through.

Jewish history, continued  The Ten Commandments were given to Moses and the Israelites from G-d.  40 years after the Exodus, the tribes of Israel reached Canaan, the promised land.  This land would be taken over many times by many peoples, including the Romans who would rename it Palestine.

Jewish history, continued  In 1948, Palestine was divided up and the modern state of Israel was born.  The Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths claim that their founders were born here and each hold rightful claim to the land.