JudaismWhat are the beliefs, history, and influence of Judaism?

Anthropomorphic

Having human-like characteristics, behaviors, and emotions

For they provoked Him with their high places, And aroused His jealousy with their graven images

(Psalm 78:58)

Covenant

An agreement or legal contract

Exile

To be banished from one’s homeland

Diaspora

Jews living outside of Israel—the scattering of the Jews

Origins of Judaism Judaism is the religion of the Hebrews

and dates back to around 2000 BCE

Judaism developed in the land of Canaan also known as the Levant (modern-day Israel and Palestine) The city of Jerusalem is considered

the birth-place

Judaism is often regarded as the first monotheistic religion They believe in an all-powerful

single god

Origins of Judaism

The religion traces its root back to Abraham and his covenant with YHWH (Yahweh—I am that I am)Yahweh is Hebrew for God

The Covenant as told by God to Abraham states that Abraham will be the father of a great nation as long as he and his people obey God’s commands

Origins of Judaism

Jews are an ethnoreligious group—meaning one can be born Jewish (ethnic group) or one can convert to Judaism (which is a difficult process)

Beliefs of Judaism The Jews are God’s chosen people

The Ten Commandments as given to Moses are the law code of the Jews

Males are circumcised at 8 days old

One must observe and keep the Sabbath

Eat Kosher foods—dietary laws, regulations and customs

Beliefs of Judaism

Belief in the messiah—the belief that a great king (descended from David) will bring the Jews back to the land of Israel, construct the third temple, and bring back peace

Jews believe in the after-life but it is not a primary focus nor is there much written about the subject

Sacred Texts

The Torah is the foundational text of Judaism and is part of a larger text known as the TanakhThe Torah is also the first 5

books of the Old Testament (Christian Bible)

Other texts include the Talmud and Mishnah

Holy Days

Rosh Hashanah—marks the start of the Jewish New Year and beings a 10 day period of atonement leading up to Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur—is the day of atonement and the holiest day in Judaism

Hanukah—Known as the “Festival of Lights” marks the re-dedication of the Temple

How did Judaism spread?

The spread of Judaism was mostly involuntary The Jews have been forced into exile

several times throughout their existence

Upon exile began the diaspora or the scattering of the Jews

Today roughly 40% of Jews live in Israel, another 40% live in North America, and the remaining Jews primarily live in Europe