1. Judaism

2. The smallest of the 5 major world religions: 20 million followers That’s less than 1 % (0.023%) of the world’s population <1% (mathematically) Demographics Symbol

3. Judaism Mostly located in the Middle East Israel is a Jewish country in the Middle East – Located along the Mediterranean Sea in between Egypt and Mesopotamia Flag of Israel Question #4

4. Judaism throughout the World Most Jews live in Israel (about 8 million) About 6 million Jews live in the United States Several million Jews live in Europe – France, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Austria Question #5

5. Judaism This is the world’s first monotheistic religion – Founded in 535 BCE Based on the teachings of The Torah – The Holy Book Abraham is considered to be “the father” of Judaism Question #6 & #7

6. Main Beliefs Created by Abraham. Abraham had two sons: – Isaac and Ishmael The Hebrew people fled to Egypt because of a drought, but the pharaoh took them as slaves Moses led the Hebrew people across the Red Sea back to Israel to escape slavery – They wandered the desert for 40 years in search of Israel Believe that God revealed his laws and commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai Question #8

7. Monotheism At the time, other religions focused on the belief of many gods Judaism was the first major religion to follow monotheism: – the belief in one all-powerful god Question #9

8. Similarities between Christianity and Judaism Jewish people believe that the Ten Commandments are the laws that God put forth to live by Later, Christianity would develop many of the same beliefs as Judaism – Jesus Christ was Jewish Question #10

9. Judaism Jews believe that the Messiah has not yet come to earth and that God will soon send them one Jerusalem is a holy city Jews worship in a synagogue Rabbis are spiritual leaders Question #11 & #12

10. Modern-Day Israel Today, there is violence between the Jewish people and Palestinian people – 75% Jewish People – 25% Palestinian After World War II, a treaty was signed to make a new Jewish nation – Israel was created from Palestinian land Parts of Israel have been given to the Palestinian people – Golan Heights – West Bank – Gaza Strip

11. Jerusalem A sacred city to 3 different religions – Christianity – Islam – Judaism Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Israel – This is an on-going issue in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict Promises- A documentary that shows the conflict through eyes of the children Promises Question #13

12. Judaism Possible extra credit questions: What does the “Star of David” symbolize? What are the different branches of Judaism? Who are some famous Jewish people in the world? What is the largest Jewish Synagogue in the United States?