1. The Birth of Modern Judaism
History and Present Groups
By the end of this Powerpoint, you need to know the differences between the modern sects of Judaism as well as the two mystical branches.
Take notes accordingly!

2. Christianity
Christianity was a Jewish movement that changed after the destruction of the temple in 70CE
The movement had begun 40 years later with Jesus of Nazareth
Jews and non-Jews accepted him as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah
After he was crucified, his followers, Christians, presented Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel.
Not all Jews believed this- Christians thus, parted ways with Rabbinic Jews

3. Rabbinic Judaism This movement was begun by the Pharisees
Focused on sacred writings
Encouraged people to gather in synagogues or study
at home
-People who interpreted the Torah were known as scribes or rabbis

4. Jews in Christian Europe
When the Jews were exiled from Judea in 135CE, they were scattered around Europe (Diaspora).
Key aspect of faith: Constant desire to return to homeland
Jews had a huge influence on the cultural, historical, economic, and intellectual development of the countries where they lived, but still they were often looked at as the “other”.
Largely Christian countries believed they were unbelievers and that they even were responsible for killing Jesus.

5. Mystic Movements in the Middle Ages
The Kabbalah
12th Century
One sacred text, Zohar, describes it as a journey into the self of each individual
God is indescribable- can only say what God is NOT.
The true essence of God is known as Ein Sof, which means “no end.”
No boundaries in time or space
Can be widely interpreted by Jews today

6. Hasidism
Founder of Hasidism was Israel ben Eliezer ( ), also known as Ba’al Shem Tov.
Communion with God happens through prayer, good deeds, humility, and joy!
Best known for humourous stories where people encounter God through simple chores
Hasidic communities led by “rebbes” or leaders whom followers come for guidance.

7. Hasidism Most Hasidic communities are in Montreal and Toronto
Easily identified by their dress
Most men wear dark suits and black hats; many have long uncut sideburns
Women dress modestly and cover their hair
Generally maintain a strict observance of Jewish laws

8. The Enlightenment
During the 17th C, a shift away from mysticism and religion and towards reason took place.
People became skeptical of traditional political, social and religious beliefs.
Brought changes to Judaism as well.
Less focus on religion, meant Jews were more accepted in Europe.
Three sects of Judaism stemmed from Enlightenment.

9. Reform
Attracted Jews who had mixed most frequently with the rest of population
Interpret scripture with modern means
Less desire to be strictly kosher or to return to Israel
Use a combination of Hebrew and English at services
Men and women sit together at service, women can be rabbis.
Most believe if one parent is Jewish, the child is.
Individualism is stressed
Tikkun olam is stressed (repairing world through social action)

10. Conservative
Some Jews feared they would lose their separate identity with the rise of the Reform movement, so the Conservative movement rose in response
Follows most but not all of the commandments
Accepts some modern interpretation but considers Reform too loose
Needs of Jewish community and Jewish identity comes before individual want and needs
Also stress tikkun olam
Men and women sit together in synagogues, women can be rabbis, but not all agree.
Largest branch in Canada

11. Orthodox Observes all ancient rules and practices
God gave the whole Torah, written and oral, to Moses at Mount Sinai
Observing commandments of Torah, observing Sabbath and other holy days, using Hebrew in synagogue, dressing modestly, following dietary laws
Men and women do not sit together at synagogue
Being Jewish is only passed down through the mother