JUDAISMHistory & Cultural Practices

History

Founded around 2000 B.C.E.

Abraham (Ur) made an agreement with God

He would protect him because they were “the chosen people”

This became known as the Covenant

History

Abraham’s descendants moved to Egypt (where they were enslaved)

The Torah says that a man named Moses led them out of Egypt to safety

Jews believe they wandered the desert for 40 years

History

It is believed that as Moses led the Jews out of Egypt, he was handed down the Ten Commandments from God at Mt. Sinai

Historical Evidence suggests:

The Jewish people organized themselves into 12 Tribes (named themselves after Jacob’s sons)

Spiritual Texts

The Torah: first 5 books of the Christian Bible; Old Testament

The Talmud: an interpretation of the Torah; these are more specific, practical instructions as to how one can live “a Jewish life”

Important People

Abraham-father

Jacob- 12 sons

Moses- Lead out of Egypt/10 Commandments

Saul- First King of Jews

David- 2nd King/ Built Jerusalem

Solomon- 3rd King/ Built Temple

Important TermsBar/Bat Mitzvah: rite of passage at the age of 13; recognition of becoming a Jewish adult

Shabbat: Friday (sundown) to Saturday (sundown)

Synagogue/Temple: Jewish place of worship

Torah: Scrolls kept in an arc

Zionists: Those who believe Israel is the homeland of the Jews

Important Holidays

PASSOVER: Moses asked Pharoah to leave Egypt, he refused, God said he would put 10 plagues on the Egyptians

Jews were to smear blood on their doors so the plagues would pass over the Jews

Important Holidays

ROSH HASHANAH: The Jewish New Year; it is a 2-day period, the period begins when you atone for your sins for 10 days; you are supposed to ask forgiveness for the previous year’s sins

Important Holidays

YOM KIPPUR: “Day of Atonement”; God writes in the “Book of Life”; your fate is sealed for the upcoming year