3. History
Judaism traces its origins to the beginning of man, as told in the Old Testament.
More specifically it began with Abraham and the Hebrews around 1300 BCE,
who came from a town in Mesopotamia (now known as Iraq). Abraham was
called by God to migrate to Canaan (what is roughly Israel and Lebanon today).
Many years passed when a great famine occurred. The Hebrews, who were
semi-nomadic, migrated to Egypt, where they were enslaved by the Pharaoh's
command. The Prophet Moses, who was also Hebrew but was adopted by the
Pharaoh's queen, was exiled for killing a slave-master after witnessing how the
Hebrews were treated. Soon after, God called upon Moses to free his people.
After they fled Egypt, they once again settled in Canaan.
Jews have been persecuted throughout their history, including the time of the
Holocaust, which took place during the 1930’s and early 1940’s. Jews were
forced to move from country to country, acquiring different aspects of cultures
along the way. However, Jews have also experienced “golden ages”,
acceptance, and cultural growth.
It is recorded in the Hebrew Bible that God made the Jews his chosen people
and promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation.
5. Fast Facts
Judaism was the religious foundation for Christianity and
Islam.
Jews have their own ethnicity and culture.
History is the most important aspect of Judaism and is
centered on historical narrative.
Holidays are meant to connect Jews with their historical
ancestors and traditions.
The Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) is
Judaism’s most sacred place on earth. It is what is left of
The Temple of Jerusalem, where the Ark of the Covenant
was stored (the Ark contained the commandments and
many other laws sent by God).
8. Major Sects
Orthodox: Designated as the most traditional form of the religion,
Orthodox Jews believe in the Torah, which was revealed at Sinai and is
concerned with oral and written versions of the law. Some religious
holidays differ slightly from other affiliations. Households are very
strict regarding food and utensils. Meat and dairy are never eaten
together. The two food groups have separate storage areas and
utensils, which are also washed separately. Segregation of women and
men in synagogues is still continued.
Hasidic: Are considered to be ultra-Orthodox. This branch of the
religion originated in Poland, led by Eliezer Ba’al Shem Tov (master of
the Good Name), who stressed the study of Jewish literature. A
Zaddik or righteous man was believed to have a direct line to God.
They are recognized today by their distinct appearance; men dressed
completely in black with wide-brimmed hats, long coats, beards, and
extended rope-like sideburns.
9.
10. Major Sects, cont.
Conservative: The Torah and Talmud are taught to be constant authorities
but that historical and textual studies both could set apart cultural ideas from
permanent religious laws. The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York
City, is the leading institution for conservatives. Rabbis are trained there,
along with women (Orthodoxy strictly prohibits this), who are also allowed
to pray together with men. Jewish Conservatism upholds the importance of
Jewish nationalism and stimulates the study of Hebrew and the support of
Zionism (modern political movement that supports the creation of a Jewish
state).
Reform: The main distinctions are that many beliefs, laws, and practices
were either abandoned or modified from Orthodoxy. The central principle
is that they have the right to decide which beliefs and practices to follow.
Conversion to Judaism is also much simpler. Today, Reform Judaism is
moving toward embracing more of the rituals and dietary laws as Orthodox
and Conservative Jews do.
12. Beliefs
Ethics are the foundation of Judaism.
The backbone of Judaism is the Five Books of Moses
(Torah), which contain 613 commandments and
should be read each Sabbath (shabbat).
God is all powerful. The sacred name of God is
YHWH (sometimes pronounced as “Yahweh”).
The 13 Articles of Faith were created by a 12th
century rabbi, Maimonides, and are accepted as a
general summary of religious Judaism.
13. •
The 13 Articles of Faith
1. God exists.
• 2. God is one and unique.
• 3. God is incorporeal.
• 4. God is eternal.
• 5. Prayer is to God only.
• 6. The prophets spoke truth.
• 7. Moses was the greatest of the prophets.
• 8. The Written and Oral Torah were given to Moses.
• 9. There will be no other Torah.
• 10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
• 11. God will reward the good and punish the wicked.
• 12. The Messiah will come.
• 13. The dead will be resurrected.
15. Rituals & Practices
Most Jews have a mezuzah (parchment inscribed with religious
texts attached in a case) on every door post in their home, that
reminds them to keep God’s laws.
Circumcision (brit milah) takes place on the 8th day after a boy’s
birth. This custom is written in the Torah and said to be the
fulfillment of the covenant between God and Abraham. The ritual
is performed by a mohel (specially trained in Jewish law and
surgical techniques).
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: All 13/12 year-old boys and girls are considered
to be of marriageable age (today it is almost unheard of that
children marry this early) and must obey Jewish laws (children are
not held to Jewish laws up until this age). A ritual is not needed in
order to signify their new status. It is only recently that these
elaborate ceremonies were invented.
17. Sacred Texts
Torah (also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses): Most
important section of the Jewish Bible (Tanakh). It consists of narratives and
laws that have been recorded, in historical order, the beginning of the world
all the way through to the death of Moses. To study the Torah is considered
to be an act of worship. The five books are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Talmud (means study or learning): A reference to the interpretations of the
Torah. It is the ultimate authority of law and is used mostly by rabbis. It
uses the rules of Torah and describes how to apply them to different
circumstances.
Tanakh (acronym for Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim): The Hebrew Bible is the
same as the Christian Old Testament and consists of the historic writings of
rabbis. The books are arranged in a slightly different order along with other
minor variations from the Christian version. The Tanakh consists of the
Torah, Nevi'im (law) and Ketuvim (writings).
19. Worship
Jews gather at synagogues (center of Jewish community life) for
worship. There are three traditional functions of a synagogue:
-House of Prayer (where services are held on the Sabbath and
festival days)
-House of Study (where the Torah and Talmud are studied)
-House of Assembly (people can meet for any purpose)
Synagogues were developed after the destruction of The
Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE, when the Jews dispersed all over
the Roman Empire.
A rabbi (teacher) runs the synagogue and helps settle disputes
regarding Jewish law, although they can be run without one.
In traditional Judaism, Jews recite prayers three times a day.
Although private praying is accepted, it is ideal if praying takes
place in a synagogue with a minyan (quorum of 10 adult males).
20.
21. Symbolism
The Menorah (candelabrum): One of the oldest symbols
of the Jewish faith. Menorahs in synagogues and homes
represent the eternal lamp that was left burning in front
of the Ark of the Covenant.
The Jewish Star (magen david): This six-pointed star
appeared around the 1600’s (roughly) and was first used
to adorn synagogues. The Zionists adopted the symbol in
the 19th century, it became popular among the Jewish
culture. Today it is part of the flag of Israel.
Chai: Consists of two Hebrew letters chet (life) and yud
(living), which represents the value that Judaism places
on life. This symbol is mainly used in jewelry.
22.
23. "Intelligent people know of what they speak; fools
speak of what they know.”
-Minchas Shabbos Pirkei Avos 3:18 /
-Ethics of The Fathers (Talmud)
25. Historical Events
• Christianity arose from Judaism
• Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus of
Nazareth
• Early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs, which
led many to worship/gather in secret until Constantine I
legalized the religion in 313.
• Using the formation of the Jewish Diaspora (dispersion),
Christians were able to reach Gentile (non-Jewish)
communities, thus spreading Jesus’ philosophy
• Became the dominant religion over the Roman Empire by
the late 4th century
26. Subdivisions (Three largest branches of Christianity)
• Catholicism: Distinctive differences include special authority
of the Pope, ability of saints to intercede on behalf of believers, the
concept of Purgatory (purification of the elect before entering
heaven), and that bread used in the Eucharist (Mass) becomes the
true body of Christ when blessed by a priest.
• Protestantism (Anglicans are within this
branch): Emphasizes that Christians can communicate directly
with God, instead of through saints and or priests. Praying
directly from the heart instead of reciting fixed prayers are
encouraged. Their theology demonstrates that there is
justification by grace through faith.
• Orthodoxy: Scripture is interpreted by the 7 ecumenical
councils of the church; emphasis is placed on the practical and
personal experience of truth; the Holy Spirit is central to worship
(liturgy begins with prayer to the spirit and invocations are
addressed to the spirit).
28. Beliefs
• The Eucharist (Holy Communion or The Lord’s Supper) is the
central symbol of the death of Jesus on the cross and
established the new covenant (formal alliance/agreement).
• Jesus’ resurrection is central to Christian belief.
• Jesus is the son of God and represents the person that all
Christians strive to be like.
• God, is the all-powerful creator and everything he created is an
expression of his power and love.
• The Holy Trinity means that God is the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit.
• Christians follow ten commandments.
29.
30. The Ten Commandments (summarized from the Bible):
1. You shall have no other Gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself any carved image.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God
in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your
neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife,
etc.
32. Customs and Rituals:
• Prayer is a large part of a Christian’s life
and can be personal (as a private act) and
communal (in Church). Prayers are used
to thank God for his gifts, for forgiveness,
and for blessings and favors.
• Baptism is an important ritual because it
marks the beginning of a person’s life as a
Christian and symbolizes the washing
away of all past sins.
34. Facts:
• The term Christ originated from the Greek
word Xristos, meaning “the anointed one” and
is a title applied to Jesus to indicate status.
• The term catholic means universal.
• “Born again” refers to the belief that God
forgives the sins of all who repent and wish to
lead a new life.
• The title Pope originated from papa in Latin
and pappas in Greek, which means father.
35.
36. Sacred Texts
• The Holy Bible is the text that Christians use. It is
divided into two books; the Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament consists of Abraham’s
relationship with God and the people of Israel. The
New Testament refers to early Christians and their
new covenant with God through Christ.
•Church services often include a reading (lesson)
from the Bible.
•Catholic and Orthodox Bibles sometimes include the
Apocrypha (hidden books), which were written
between the Old and New Testaments.
37.
38. Symbolism
• The fish symbol is a well known icon among Christians
and non-Christians alike. Some scholars believe that it
was a symbol used to recognize other believers when
early Christians were persecuted for their faith. When
meeting a stranger they identified themselves by drawing
an arc in the sand. If the other person was a Christian,
they would draw a second arc, completing the fish. If the
person was not a Christian, then the one arc would not
reveal who they were.
•Alpha and Omega are other symbols used by Christians.
They are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet,
which together signifies that God is the beginning and
the end.
39.
40. “Even the least among you can do
all that I have done, and greater
things.” Jesus of Nazareth
42. History
• The founder and prophet of Islam is
Muhammad. Born in 570 CE, Muhammad
experienced a revelation when he was forty
years old and began to teach the word of God.
• The first Islamic community was formed after
Muhammad fled from persecution and migrated
to Medina. Because of his work, a federation of
Arab tribes were created, which resulted in the
basis of Arab unity.
• The main principle of Islam is the submission
to God. The word Islam literally means to
submit.
44. Fast Facts
• Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad the Prophet.
• During daily prayers, all Muslims must face Mecca,
where the Ka’ba is located. The Ka’ba or “house of God”
contains a meteorite that is believed to have been put
there by Abraham and Ismail. The Ka’ba symbolizes the
first house of worship.
• Muslims follow a different calendar which does not
keep in step with the solar year. This calendar year
consists of 354 days.
• Figurative art of Muhammad is not acceptable and is
actually considered offensive to Muslims. Muhammad
instructed his followers not to draw his likeness for fear
that they would worship him instead of God.
46. Major Sects
• Sunni: This is the largest sect in Islam, with 940 million
adherents. Sunni’s follow the sunnah, which means
custom and tradition. This means that they follow the
teachings of Muhammad’s successor, Abu Bakr, instead
of Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali.
• Shi’a: Shi’ites follow Ali, who was the closest relative of
Muhammad and is the main difference that separates
them from Sunnis. Shi’ites also see Ali as the first Imam
or spiritual leader; one who can interpret the inner
workings of the Qu’ran in addition to being a political
leader.
• Sufism: This mystical aspect of the Islamic faith is
based in orthodox Islam and the Qu’ran. Sufi’s believe in
the purity of life, strict obedience to Islamic Law and
emulating Muhammad the Prophet.
47.
48.
49. Belief
• To be considered a Muslim, you must follow the six
articles of faith: Belief of one God, angels of God,
books of God, prophets of God, day of judgment,
and the supremacy of God’s will.
• The most important belief is that there is only one
God, Allah (which means the God).
• Prophets are messengers of God and are to be
revered not worshiped.
• As in Christian faith, Muslims believe that the soul
will continue on with the ultimate path being
Paradise or Hell.
51. Rituals & Practices
• The Five Pillars of Islam are the focus of a Muslim’s
faith.
− Confession of faith (shahada): There is no god but
God and Muhammad is the prophet of God.
− Ritual Prayer (salat): Performed five times a day
and always in the direction of the Ka’ba shrine in
Mecca.
−Alms Tax (zakat): All adult Muslims of sufficient
means are to pay this tax, which goes to the needy.
−Fasting During the Month of Ramadan (sawm):
Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sex during
daylight hours. There is also more praying and more
acts of devotion.
−Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj): During the last month of
the Islamic year, every Muslim must make the
journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
53. Sacred Texts
• The two most important texts in the Islamic faith are
the Qur’an and the Hadith.
• The Qur’an is Islam’s most sacred text because it is
believed to be the actual word of God as told to
Muhammad.
(Although the Judeo-Christian bible is respected by
Muslims, it is understood by Islam that it has been
incorrectly translated).
• The Hadith (narrative or report) consists of words and
deeds of Muhammad, his family and his followers.
Muslims use the Hadith for moral guidance and
religious law.
54.
55. Worship
• Muslims are summoned to worship/prayer by a
man (muezzin) who calls out from rooftops.
Sometimes a megaphone is used to reach long
distances. These reminders help believers to
remember God through all that happens during
their daily work and family concerns. Prayers
consist of recitations glorifying God, accompanied
by several movements, including bowing, kneeling
and touching one’s forehead to the ground.
• Muslims may worship/pray wherever they
happen to be when called. They can worship/pray
by themselves or with others. It is preferred that
this is practiced together in order to show
brotherhood, equality, and solidarity.
56.
57. Symbolism
• Officially there are no Islamic symbols. However, the
star and crescent is the most recognizable and is seen
on many flags in the Islamic world. Scholars say this
symbol was originally used by the Ottoman Empire,
which lasted from 1299 – 1922 and covered three
continents. Because of cultural diffusion and the
spread of Islam among the Ottoman Turks, it became
associated with Islam.
• The color green is used to represent vegetation and
life. Some believe that Muhammad favored this color
and wore green robes and a green turban. In the
Qur’an it states that the inhabitants of paradise wear
garments of green silk. Green is also one of the colors
on Saudi Arabia’s flag.
58. “It is your own conduct which will lead you to
reward or punishment, as if you had been
destined therefor.”
-Muhammad
