A Brief Introduction to Judaism

The World’s First Major Monotheistic Faith

Ancient Palestine (Canaan)

Abraham, Father of the Hebrews

Torah – sacred text, historical source

Prophet Covenant (mutual

promise/agreement) between people & God

Moved from Ur to Canaan c. 2000 B.C.

God of Abraham Yahweh Only God, foundation of monotheism Just and merciful God Incorporeal (without a body) Omnipresent, omniscient, &

omnipotent

Moses

The Hebrews moved to Egypt c. 1600 B.C.

Harsh slavery Moses The Exodus c. 1300 B.C. A New Covenant – The

Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments

I am the Lord thy God…Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image… Though shalt no take the name of the Lord thy God in

vain… Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Honor thy father and they mother… Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet… anything that is thy neighbor’s.

Judaism Today Approximately 15 million

followers of Judaism (0.2% of world population)

75% live in Israel and the U.S. Branches of Judaism –

Orthodox, Conservative, Reform

Star of David, menorah, yarmulke

Judaism Today, Continued

Synagogue Rabbi Dietary restrictions –

kosher Lunar calendar Shabbot (Sabbath) Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Bar/Bat Mitzvah