JudaismPresented by Mrs. Goldberg

English 12

May 18, 2011

History

World’s oldest faith to believe in one G-d (monotheistic)

Jewish people are descendants of Abraham, who made a covenant with G-d

Prophets are chosen by G-d to remind people to love G-d and to obey the Law

Torah includes the history of the people and of the descendants of Abraham

Muslim faith also ties back to Abraham and his first wife Haggar

Tie to Christianity

Jesus was a practicing Jew

The two share the Torah (known to Christians as the Old Testament) and many traditions

Bread and wine prominent in aspects of both traditions

Group prayer is also central to both faiths

Why are we here?

To follow G-d’s commandments (all 613 of them!) and, by doing so, to better the world

How should we live?

Depends on the branch of Judaism

Four distinct branches of Judaism

Orthodox – strict traditionalists, separate in synagogue by sex, observe kashrut (kosher) practices, etc. (includes Hasidic branch)

Conservative – traditional in some senses, but willing to make modern accommodation

Reform – most liberal branch, translate Judaism for the modern world, prayers and services a mixture of Hebrew and English

Reconstructionist – small branch of Judaism based primarily in the US Northeast

How should we live? (continued)

Judaism sees life as holy and emphasizes a code of conduct, which different branches of Judaism follow to varied degrees:

Kashrut (keeping Kosher)

Group prayer very important

Jews throughout the world share a sense of community

Basic service includes Amidah, Sh’ma, reading from the Torah, which is in Hebrew

Shabbat

Holidays

Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year

Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement

Pesach / Passover – week-long observance

Chanukah is a relatively minor military holiday that has gained prominence primarily due to its timing (close to Christmas)

Life Cycle Events

Brit milah or brit bat – welcoming a new baby

Bar or bat mitzvah – coming into adulthood

Marriage – specific rituals, ketubah, huppah

What is the hora all about?

Why does evil exist?

We are given free will. People are basically good, but the concept of free will holds that both good and evil must exist. In other words, if good was the only choice available, free will could not truly exist …

What happens to us after we die?

Jewish people focus more on this life than an afterlife

Some Jews believe in an afterlife; many find talk of the afterlife distracting to the goal of leading a virtuous life in this lifetime

Heaven and hell are not emphasized, nor is a Day of Judgment

Jewish funerals are simple

Family sits shiva, unveiling and anniversary follow

Traditional to shovel dirt / place stones on the grave