1. JUDAISM

2. February 10, 2014
Objectives: Students will be able to explain the main beliefs of Judaism and Shintoism
Question: Who founded Confucianism?
Agenda: Notes/worksheet on Shinto and Judaism

3. Judaism Worldwide: 14,551,000 Jews
US: 5.6 million
Asia: 4.5 million
Europe: 2.4 million
Many different groups/divisions of Judaism that exist
Conflicting beliefs about observances, etc.

4. Importance of History
*The basis of the Jewish religion is its history. It is the most important aspect.
demonstrated through the celebration of life cycle events in people’s lives
holiday celebrations commemorate historic events
The key event is the Exodus from Egypt (recorded Book of Exodus)
Many important aspects of observances are linked to this event

5. Judaism as a Race Judaism is an ethnic religion
Began as a religion of an extended family, a tribe of peoples known as the Hebrews
Jewish people today continue to think of themselves as a family, a nation of peoples, as well as a religion

6. Sacred Texts The Hebrew Bible or Tanakh
Known by Christians as "Old Testament“
contains the same books as the Christian version but in a different order after the first five
Considered revealed and inspired by God
Interpretation of early history of the Hebrew people, establishment of a nation
Story of God’s interaction with His "Chosen People" (His-Story)
Foundation of Jewish life
Called the Bible
(Biblia) means "little books“
Actually a library of 39 independent books divided into 3 categories:

7. The 3 Categories Torah Most important text
Divine instruction and guidance or "Written Law”
Books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Covers history from creation through the Exodus and wandering in the desert
613 commandments from God

8. Continued…
2. Prophets: Words and revelations of the minor and major prophets
Ezekiel, Isaiah, Amos, Jonah, etc.
3. Writings: poetic and devotional material written and used during the same time as the Prophets, words and works of the sages
Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, etc.

9. The Talmud Oral tradition passed to Moses and beyond
Finally written down in the 2nd century
Contains info on rituals, marriages, agricultural laws, festivals, etc.

10. The “Name” of God Written by Hebrew consonants YHVH
Means “I am”
Jews do not have a personal name for God
Christians and others have Anglicized it to Yahweh or Jehovah
Written by Orthodox Jews as G-d
God referred to as:
Adonai (The Lord)

11. A Few Main Beliefs
Jews do not believe in "original sin" (no need for a "savior" in the Christian sense)
The Ten Commandments
first 4 have to do with our relationship with God
Next 6 refer to our relationship with other people

12. Problem for Humans Rebellion against God and consequential expulsion
Adam and Eve
Who is the Messiah?
Has not arrived yet to usher in a new age
He is expected

13. Life after Death
Emphasis on good life on earth more than good afterlife
References in Psalms to heaven and hell
Influenced by Zoroastrians?
Lack specific descriptions of life beyond death

14. Rituals Jewish calendar based on lunar month Sabbath/Shabbat
Observed each week
Sundown on Fridaysundown on Saturday
Rosh Hashanah
New year
Begins the Days of Awe
Concentrate on prayer, contemplation, self-searching
Yom Kippur
10th day (of awe)
Holiest day observed
Repentance: 24 hours of atonement and fasting

15. continued
Chanukkah
Celebrated rededication of Jerusalem temple in 164 BCE (after destruction by Greeks)
Sacred oil lasted 8 days for celebration
Minor festival

16. Passover Most important holiday
Marks deliverance form slavery in Egypt under Moses’ leadership
Sacred meal: seder
Unleavened bread (matzah)

17. Mitzvah Boys: 13+1 day, girls 12+1 day Commands from God
Bar Mitzvah means “son of the commandment”
Commands from God
No immediate reward
Obedience rewards in afterlife