Origin of Judaism Judaism begins with Abraham, who came to
believe in one Supreme Being, Then his son Isaac, then Isaac's son
Jacob, and then Jacob's 12 sons who were the twelve tribes of
Israel. Later they were captured by the Egyptians and became slaves
for many years until Moses, along with his family led the Children
of Israel out of Egypt and to the Promised Land
Holy Writings & Core Beliefs The Torah is a holy book for
all Jewish people, it contains the five books of Moses and a
section called profits. The Rabbi reads from the torah during the
Sabbath. The Mitzvot are the 613 commandments believed to be from
God, but the ten commandments are the most important ones. Most of
them are not laws the are rules to live by to make you a better
person. Judaism believes there is one God who created and rules the
world. This God is all powerful, all knowing and in all places at
all times. God is also just and merciful. Each person is created in
the image of one God. Therefore, all people are created equal.
People have freewill and are responsible for the choices they
make
Holy Places and/or Places of Worship
Jerusalem is very holy place. It is where the second temple was
built and some of its remains are still there.
The Western Wall (previously call the wailing wall) got it name
because Jews would go their to morn the loss of the temple. Many
people still go their to visit and leave notes in the cracks of the
wall.
A Synagogue, is a place where they gather to worship, today some
are also called a Temple. The rabbi is the leader and teaches the
congregation about the torah in the Sabbath Services. It its
followed by a cantor with singing and chanting.
Rites of Passage & Rituals
Bar & Bat Mitzvah
When a boy or girl reaches the proper age they are Mitzvahed
and they become responsible from that day forward to follow the
Torah
Preparing for this takes years of studying
They have to deliver a speech and read from the Torah
After the ceremony there is a festive meal
Kosher Foods
Jewish Laws that address what foods they can and cannot
eat.
Kosher means proper or correct.
Fruits & veggies must be in their natural state.
Cannot mix meat and cheese
They can only eat certain kinds of meat.
Prepared foods must have Kosher symbol.
Shabbat
This is a day of resting that starts on Friday at sundown and
ends on Saturday at sundown.
Light a candle to start
They say many prayers over the food and wine before they
eat.
Cannot work on this day and it happens every week.
This is how much Judaism people live in the world, comparing to
the other religions
Some Symbols & Their Meaning This is a Tallit, it is
usually worn in a Synagogue. The strings at the bottom represent
all of the Mitzvahs (commandments) and sometimes worn by some under
their cloths' Star of David, the six pointed star, also called a
Magen David (shield of David). The Shofar is a rams horn blown
before and during the month before Rosh Hashanah (New Years), to
remind people of their responsibilities and to wake them up.
Celebrations & Holidays Purim: Purim is one of the most
joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a
time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from
extermination. A common treat at this time of year is hamentaschen
(lit. Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are
supposed to represent Haman's three-cornered hat, or pointy ears.
Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the
festival of lights, and it is eight days long. A candle is lit each
of the eight days. There is eating fried foods; playing with a
dreidel (a top) and gift giving. Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur is probably
the most important holiday of the Jewish year. The name "Yom
Kippur" means "Day of Atonement," and that pretty much explains
what the holiday is. This day is, essentially, your last appeal,
your last chance to change the judgment, and to demonstrate your
repentance and make amends.
Modern day vs. History. A judge brings Ten commandments to see
at court, but the law says not to. The judge gets judged. He is a
very religious Jewish man, And he really argues about them
disagreeing, And hes fired.