2. Judaism: Sacred Texts
• The Torah: The Hebrews included their history and laws in the Torah. It
contains the first 5 books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This was later adopted by the Christians as well!
• The Talmud: By 135 A.D, many Jews had scattered in
in what was known as the Diaspora but religious law
was preserved by Jewish rabbis, or
scholars, in the Talmud.
Fact: The Hebrews
were the only people
of the ancient world to
have a sacred book
like the Torah!
5. Judaism: Holidays and Celebrations
• Rosh Hashanah - Happy Jewish New Year! Rosh Hashanah literally means “first
of the year.” This year will mark the beginning of the year 5769.
• Yom Kippur – Ten days after the new year, Jews recognize yom kippur,
the day of atonement. They spend the day atoning their sins and is often
accompanied by fasting.
• Hanukkah - Jews light one candle on the Menorah for eight consecutive
days commemorating the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after
the Jews' 165 B.C.E. victory over the Syrians. The Syrians destroyed the
temple, and when the Jews wanted to rebuild, they only had enough oil to
light a candle for one night, but miraculously, it lasted for eight!
• Passover – Commemorates the release of the Jews from
slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for 8 days and is
accompanied by special prayers
and symbolic food in a Seder.
6. Judaism: Holidays and Celebrations
• Rosh Hashanah - Happy Jewish New Year! Rosh Hashanah literally means “first
of the year.” This year will mark the beginning of the year 5769.
• Yom Kippur – Ten days after the new year, Jews recognize yom kippur,
the day of atonement. They spend the day atoning their sins and is often
accompanied by fasting.
• Hanukkah - Jews light one candle on the Menorah for eight consecutive
days commemorating the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after
the Jews' 165 B.C.E. victory over the Syrians. The Syrians destroyed the
temple, and when the Jews wanted to rebuild, they only had enough oil to
light a candle for one night, but miraculously, it lasted for eight!
• Passover – Commemorates the release of the Jews from
slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated for 8 days and is
accompanied by special prayers
and symbolic food in a Seder.
