Judaism

1. Judaism World Religion Project by:

2. Introduction Everybody is different when it comes to appearance, personality, and any other factors. But one other trait that differs everyone, is religion. Judaism is a very unique faith, and we intend to teach you all about it.

3. Historical Background Information • Judaism is the oldest religion of the western world (influenced Christianity and Islam) • The Hebrews were the ancestors of the Jews • Hebrews established the nation, Israel, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea • Hebrews moved to Egypt due to famine • They were enslaved by the Egyptians • After they returned to Israel, they were forced to leave during a period (Diaspora) when they were living as minorities

4. The creation of the Jewish nation happened in 1948, and originated in the Middle East • Nazi party in Germany committed genocide because of their ethnics- this was called the Holocaust

5. Basic Belief System Judaism is a monotheistic religion, and they believe in G-d, the greatest figure for Judaism. He is believed by Jews to be the creator of the universe and well-respected. G-d or L-rd is very sacred to Jews. Basic groups of Jewish people have different understandings of the interpretation of the Torah: • Orthodox • Conservative • Reform

6. Sacred Symbols, Texts and Places -Places: • The Temple Mount-known as the place G-d chose the Divine Presence to rest • The Western Wall- the imposing remnant of Jerusalem's Second, which the Romans destroyed • Jerusalem's Zion Gate- a place that holds sites sacred to Jews

7. -Texts: • Torah- can refer to the entire Tanakh or sometimes the first five books of the Tanah • Nevi’im- Prophets • Ketuvim- Writings

8. -Symbols: Mezuzah • A decoration put on the doorposts of traditional homes • Many people believe the mezuzah is a good-luck charm, or that it has any connection with the lambs Menorah • A seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple • It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and the mission is to be “a light unto the nation”

9. The Magen David (Star of David) • The symbol most associated with Judaism today • Represents the shape of King David's shield Some believe the top Chai • A symbol commonly seen on necklaces, jewelry and ornaments • Many believe it refers to the living G-d, other say it is simply Judaism's focus on the important of life

10. Rituals, Holidays, Ceremonies and Celebrations The Jews are very festive and have many celebrations. All Jewish holidays begin in the evening before the specified date on most calendars. This is because a Jewish day begins and ends on sunset instead of midnight.

11. -Holidays: Rosh Hashanah- The Jewish New Year • Lasts two days • Creation of the world • Judgement day- God compares one’s deeds over the last year

12. Yom Kippur- Day of Confession • A day committed to prayer and Devotion • Observed the holiday by fasting Yom Hashoah- Holocaust Remembrance • Annual commemoration of the genocide Hanukkah (Chanukah)- Festival of Lights • Celebrated for eight days and nights • Rededication of the holy temple/ the victory over the Syrians

13. Simchat Torah- Rejoicing the Truth • Weekly readings from the Torah • Reminder that the Torah is a never ending circle

14. -Rituals: A main part of Judaism is tradition. The Jews have many different rituals for significant events in life, such as: Birth ceremonies • Fathers are called to recite the aliyah at a synagogue • Asks for blessings for the mother and child

15. Naming ceremonies • Girls are named on the first Sabbath after birth • Boys are named at 8 days old Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah • When Jewish boys become 13 • When Jewish girls become 12 • They are becoming men and women • Signifies becoming a full fledged member of the Jewish community

16. Marriage Traditions • One must be married in order to be a rabbi • Means, “dedication” or “one soul in two bodies” ChevraKadisha • Demonstrates the great value Judaism places on life • “Holy Society” Mourning • Lasts 30 days after burial (intense first 7 days) • Seventh day is called the “shivah”; 30 day period is called the ”shloshim”

17. Role of Women Jews were treated as equals. Women’s obligations and goals are different from men’s though. Role of women used to be misunderstood and miss represented. But, they were just as important. In some ways, what woman do are more important than what men do.

18. Woman held positions of respect in Judaism since biblical times. For example, Miriam (the older sister of Moses and Aaron), was an important prophetess that led the children of Israel out of the Egypt. Some rights of women are: • A greater degree of “binah” (intuition, understanding, intelligence) than men • To buy, sell, and own property • To make their own contracts

19. Demographics • Approximately 14, 500, 000 people follow Judaism • The Jewish religion made their way into Africa, Asia and Europe mostly through trade • Persecutions forced the Jews to move to various countries, and they brought their religion with them- Judaism spread even more

21. Conclusion Whether it is the traditions, history, sacred components, or the faith itself, Judaism is a very different religion. But, it is an important one as well. We hope you enjoyed!

22. Work Cited http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/307197/Judaism/35270/Holy-places-the-land-of-Israel-and-Jerusalem http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_holiday http://www.jewfaq.org/tocpeople.htm http://judaism.about.com/od/judaismbasics/a/what-Isolam-Ha-Ba-Jewish-Views-Afterlife.htm