1. Judaism
Grade 6 Social Studies

2. Facts Started 4000 years ago Roots in the Middle East
Semitic Religion – Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
All Semitic religions believe in one god
First to teach one God
Christianity and Islam developed from Judaism
Approximately 15 million in the world
5.7 million – USA
5.6 million - Israel

3. Roots of Judaism Abraham – Father of Judaism Covenant with God
God showed him Canaan (Israel)
Land called “The Promised Land”
Had a son named Isaac
Famine in Canaan so Isaac brought the people to Egypt
Covenant with God
Agreement between Abraham and God
God promised that all of his descendants would have this land
God promised to bless Abraham and his descendants if they worship and remain faithful.
God renewed this agreement with Isaac and Isaac's son Jacob
Jacob – Grandson of Abraham
Also knows as ISRAEL
Followers called ISRAELITES

4. 500 years later … Moses Egyptians enslaved the Chosen people of God
Rescued … celebration of Passover
Left Egypt and lived in the desert for 40 years
Return to Canaan
God gave Moses “The Ten Commandments”
Provided the laws on how to live
God asked the chosen people to carry out all duties and responsibilities

5. The Ten Commandments

6. Main Beliefs There is only one God
God made the world and created Man in his own image
The Jews are God’s chosen people
Canaan (Palestine) is the Promised Land that God pledged to the Jews through Abraham in return for adherence to His laws, which were delivered through Moses
One day a Messiah will come to gather all Jews back to the land of Israel and bring peace to the world.
All people are equal and should be treated with respect and love

7. Branches of Judaism
Reform Judaism – encourage followers to be involved citizens while remaining religiously observant. Adapt Jewish law to fit the times.
Orthodox Judaism – directly opposed to Reform Judaism. No compromise of the religion. Follow TRADITIONAL ways
Conservative Judaism – rests between the extreme of reform and Orthodox Judaism. Jewish law must adapt but Jewish traditions must not be compromised.

8. Worship and Teaching Kosher Food
Forbid the mixing of meat and dairy products
Only certain meats are allowed … animals must have hoofs
Animal must be slaughtered according to specific guidelines
Synagogue
Place of public worship
Prayer takes place in the morning, afternoon and evening
Rabbi
Leader
Teacher

9. Sacred Texts Torah Talmud Hebrew Bible
First five books of the Old Testament
Usually written on scrolls
Language … Hebrew
Talmud
Explanations and oral teachings of the Torah

10. Symbols and Objects Star of David – six pointed star
Menorah – seven branched candlesticks
Shofar – ancient ram’s horn used during the synagogue service
Kippah – small round cap worn by men at the back of the head

11. Holocaust During World War II – 1939 to 1945
German leader – Adolf Hitler
Hated Jews … wanted to find a blame for all problems
Required to wear a yellow star
Can not own cars, businesses or attend school
Solution to place in concentration camps
6 million killed
Diaspora – cities with largest Jewish population after the Diaspora
New York
Miami
Paris
Philadelphia
Chicago
San Francisco
Boston
London
Moscow

12. Arabs of the Muslim faith did not want Israel to exist
Creation of a Country
1948 – Israel state created
Arabs of the Muslim faith did not want Israel to exist