According to historians, Judaism began when Abraham made a divine covenant with God, making him the father of the Semitic religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Throughout history, followers of Judaism have been called Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews. The document then provides details on the major texts of Judaism including the Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim, Talmud, Mishnah, and an overview of the major denominations and practices of Judaism such as dietary laws and kosher practices.

3. According to most historians,According to most historians,
Judaism began when AbrahamJudaism began when Abraham
made divine covenant with God.made divine covenant with God.
Because of this, Abraham isBecause of this, Abraham is
considered to be the Father of theconsidered to be the Father of the
Semitic religions (Judaism,Semitic religions (Judaism,
Christianity and Islam).Christianity and Islam).

6. Throughout Judaism history ,theirThroughout Judaism history ,their
followers have been called manyfollowers have been called many
names.names.
““Hebrews”Hebrews” refer to thoserefer to those
who accepted Yahweh aswho accepted Yahweh as
their God and much of theirtheir God and much of their
history is written in Hebrewhistory is written in Hebrew

7. Throughout Judaism history ,theirThroughout Judaism history ,their
followers have been called manyfollowers have been called many
names.names.
““IsraeliteIsraelite” refer to the
descendants of the Hebrews,
which originated from
Abraham.

8. His grandson , Jacob had 12 sons andHis grandson , Jacob had 12 sons and
their descendants became known astheir descendants became known as
the 12 tribes of Israel.the 12 tribes of Israel.
““Jew” comescomes fromfrom YehudahYehudah
oror JudahJudah ,, thethe SouthernSouthern
KingdomKingdom ofof Israel.Israel. NowNow itit
isis usedused toto referrefer someonesomeone
who practiceswho practices Judaism and takesJudaism and takes
part in Jewish Culture.part in Jewish Culture.

9. Jews do not believe thatJews do not believe that
Jesus was anything moreJesus was anything more
than a good and wise manthan a good and wise man
who lived and died 2000who lived and died 2000
years ago – Jews still awaityears ago – Jews still await
their messiahtheir messiah

10. ModernModern
DenominationsDenominations
of Judaismof Judaism

11. Orthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism
• Mainstream JudaismMainstream Judaism
• Belief in the direct revelation of divineBelief in the direct revelation of divine
law which was recorded in the Torahlaw which was recorded in the Torah
– It is eternal, unchanging, and the soleIt is eternal, unchanging, and the sole
guide for lifeguide for life
– Carefully and strictly observe theCarefully and strictly observe the
commandments as the direct will of Godcommandments as the direct will of God
– Ultra-Orthodox assert that completeUltra-Orthodox assert that complete
separation from secular societyseparation from secular society

12. Orthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism
 Orthodox Judaism is the mostOrthodox Judaism is the most
traditional expression of moderntraditional expression of modern
Judaism.Judaism.
 Orthodox Jews believe the entireOrthodox Jews believe the entire
Torah - including "Written," the theTorah - including "Written," the the
Pentateuch, and "Oral," the Talmud)Pentateuch, and "Oral," the Talmud)
was given to Moses by God at Sinaiwas given to Moses by God at Sinai
and remains authoritative forand remains authoritative for
modern life in its entirety.modern life in its entirety.

13. Reconstructionist JudaismReconstructionist Judaism
 Early 1920s in US by Rabbi MordecaiEarly 1920s in US by Rabbi Mordecai
KaplanKaplan
 Judaism is not merely a religion, butJudaism is not merely a religion, but
an evolving religious civilization, aan evolving religious civilization, a
peoplehood, a culture, as well as apeoplehood, a culture, as well as a
faith communityfaith community

14. Reform JudaismReform Judaism
 Early 19Early 19thth
C. GermanyC. Germany
 Assert authorship of Torah toAssert authorship of Torah to
Divinely inspired human beingsDivinely inspired human beings
 Modern worshipModern worship

15. Reform JudaismReform Judaism
 Reform Judaism affirms the centralReform Judaism affirms the central
tenets of Judaism - God, Torah andtenets of Judaism - God, Torah and
Israel - and embraces diverse beliefsIsrael - and embraces diverse beliefs
and practices. Reform Jews acceptand practices. Reform Jews accept
the Torah as the foundation God'sthe Torah as the foundation God's
ongoing revelation while learningongoing revelation while learning
also from modern exploration of itsalso from modern exploration of its
development.development.

16. Conservative JudaismConservative Judaism
 Agree that change was necessary butAgree that change was necessary but
felt Reform had eliminated too manyfelt Reform had eliminated too many
basic Jewish practicesbasic Jewish practices
 Motto is “tradition and change”Motto is “tradition and change”

17. Conservative JudaismConservative Judaism
 Conservative Judaism may be said toConservative Judaism may be said to
be a moderate position betweenbe a moderate position between
Orthodox and Reform Judaism. ItOrthodox and Reform Judaism. It
seeks to conserve the traditionalseeks to conserve the traditional
elements of Judaism, while allowingelements of Judaism, while allowing
for modernization to a less radicalfor modernization to a less radical
extent than Reform Judaism.extent than Reform Judaism.

18. Conservative JudaismConservative Judaism
 Conservative Judaism maintains that theConservative Judaism maintains that the
ideas in the Torah come from God, butideas in the Torah come from God, but
were transmitted by humans and contain awere transmitted by humans and contain a
human component. Conservative Judaismhuman component. Conservative Judaism
generally accepts the binding nature ofgenerally accepts the binding nature of
halakhah (Jewish Law), but believes thathalakhah (Jewish Law), but believes that
the Law should adapt, absorbing aspectsthe Law should adapt, absorbing aspects
of the predominant culture whileof the predominant culture while
remaining true to Judaism's values.remaining true to Judaism's values.

19. Conservative JudaismConservative Judaism
Defines the Jew as being bornDefines the Jew as being born
of Jewish motherof Jewish mother
Reform JudaismReform Judaism
Traces it to either a JewishTraces it to either a Jewish
father or mother.father or mother.

20. Sacred TextsSacred Texts
 Torah,Torah,
Poetry,Poetry,
Prophets,Prophets,
Talmud,Talmud,
MishnahMishnah

21. Sacred TextsSacred Texts
TanakhTanakh –the Hebrew–the Hebrew
Bible (called the OldBible (called the Old
Testament by Christians)isTestament by Christians)is
a collection of 24 booksa collection of 24 books
divided into 3 parts:divided into 3 parts:

22. Tenach / TanakhTenach / Tanakh
 Hebrew name for Hebrew BibleHebrew name for Hebrew Bible
 Created by taking the first letter ofCreated by taking the first letter of
each of the three sections of theeach of the three sections of the
Bible and making a word out of thoseBible and making a word out of those
three letters.three letters.
– T: for TorahT: for Torah
– N: for Nevi’imN: for Nevi’im
– CH: for KetuvimCH: for Ketuvim

23. 1. TORAH1. TORAH
TheThe TorahTorah, or Jewish, or Jewish
Written Law, consists ofWritten Law, consists of
the five books of thethe five books of the
Hebrew Bible - knownHebrew Bible - known
more commonly to non-more commonly to non-
Jews as the "Jews as the "
Old TestamentOld Testament" - that" - that
were given by G-d towere given by G-d to
MosesMoses onon Mount SinaiMount Sinai ..

24. 1. TORAH1. TORAH
Torah comes in theTorah comes in the
“beginning” and“beginning” and
explains “where itexplains “where it
all began”.all began”.
Teachings or lawTeachings or law
Genesis,Genesis,
Exodus,Leviticus,Exodus,Leviticus,
numbers,numbers,
DeutoronomyDeutoronomy

25. 1. TORAH1. TORAH
Torah contains the earlyTorah contains the early
history of Judaism. Wehistory of Judaism. We
begin with Genesis, thebegin with Genesis, the
first book of Torah-and offirst book of Torah-and of
the Hebrew Bible.the Hebrew Bible.
Genesis means “origin”.Genesis means “origin”.

26. TorahTorah
• Genesis (Bereshit):Genesis (Bereshit): contains stories ofcontains stories of
creation, records the establishment of thecreation, records the establishment of the
covenant between God and the Jewishcovenant between God and the Jewish
people, tells of the lives of the patriarchspeople, tells of the lives of the patriarchs
and matriarchsand matriarchs
• Exodus (Sh’mot):Exodus (Sh’mot): account of Israelitesaccount of Israelites
enslaved in Egypt, the exodus from Egypt,enslaved in Egypt, the exodus from Egypt,
the receiving of the 10 Commandments atthe receiving of the 10 Commandments at
Mt. SinaiMt. Sinai
• Leviticus (Vayikra):Leviticus (Vayikra): gives God’s ethicalgives God’s ethical
and ritual laws and specific instructions toand ritual laws and specific instructions to
priests on how to perform their dutiespriests on how to perform their duties

27. TorahTorah
• Numbers (Bamidbar):Numbers (Bamidbar):
recounts the of the Israelitesrecounts the of the Israelites
through the desert and givesthrough the desert and gives
more of God’s ethical and ritualmore of God’s ethical and ritual
lawslaws
• Deuteronony (Devarim):Deuteronony (Devarim):
Moses reviews the laws and theMoses reviews the laws and the
people prepare to enter thepeople prepare to enter the
promised land.promised land.

28. 2. The Nevi’im2. The Nevi’im
Means “prophets”.Means “prophets”.
Contains writings of God’sContains writings of God’s
messenger, who spoke Hismessenger, who spoke His
word to the Hebrews. Theword to the Hebrews. The
writing is the more literarywriting is the more literary
section of the Tanakh,section of the Tanakh,
consisting of stories,consisting of stories,
proverbs, psalms andproverbs, psalms and
poetries.poetries.

29. 2. The Nevi’im2. The Nevi’im
the second main division ofthe second main division of
thethe Hebrew BibleHebrew Bible (the(the TanakhTanakh
), between the), between the TorahTorah
(instruction) and(instruction) and KetuvimKetuvim
(writings).(writings).

30. 2. The Nevi’im2. The Nevi’im
 It contains two sub-groups, theIt contains two sub-groups, the
Former Prophets, the narrative booksFormer Prophets, the narrative books
of Joshua, Judges, Samuel andof Joshua, Judges, Samuel and
Kings) and the Latter Prophets, theKings) and the Latter Prophets, the
books of Isaiah, Jeremiah andbooks of Isaiah, Jeremiah and
Ezekiel and The Twelve minorEzekiel and The Twelve minor
prophets).prophets).

31. Nevi’imNevi’im
 Early Prophets: Joshua, Judges,Early Prophets: Joshua, Judges,
Samuel (2), Kings (2)Samuel (2), Kings (2)
 Latter Prophets:Latter Prophets:
– Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah,Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah,
EzekielEzekiel
– Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos,Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos,
Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nachum,Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nachum,
Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai,Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai,
Zechariah, MalachiZechariah, Malachi

32. 3. Ketuvim3. Ketuvim
 is the third and final sectionis the third and final section
of theof the TanakhTanakh (Hebrew(Hebrew
Bible), afterBible), after TorahTorah
(instruction) and(instruction) and Nevi'imNevi'im
(prophets).(prophets).
 In English translations ofIn English translations of
the Hebrew Bible, thisthe Hebrew Bible, this
section is usually entitledsection is usually entitled
"Writings"."Writings".

33. KetuvimKetuvim
 Contains wisdom literature, poetry,Contains wisdom literature, poetry,
songs, narrative, history, religioussongs, narrative, history, religious
philosophy, and love hymns…12philosophy, and love hymns…12
books in totalbooks in total
 Books include: Psalms, Proverbs,Books include: Psalms, Proverbs,
Job, Songs, Ruth, Lamentations,Job, Songs, Ruth, Lamentations,
Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra,Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra,
Nechemiah, ChroniclesNechemiah, Chronicles

34. TalmudTalmud
The TalmudThe Talmud
(Hebrew for(Hebrew for
“study”) is one of“study”) is one of
the central works ofthe central works of
the Jewish people.the Jewish people.
It is the record ofIt is the record of
rabbinic teachings.rabbinic teachings.

35. TalmudTalmud
The Talmud is made up of twoThe Talmud is made up of two
separate works: theseparate works: the MishnahMishnah,,
primarily a compilation of Jewishprimarily a compilation of Jewish
laws, written in Hebrew and editedlaws, written in Hebrew and edited
sometimes around 200 C.E. insometimes around 200 C.E. in
Israel; and theIsrael; and the GemaraGemara,, thethe
rabbinic commentaries andrabbinic commentaries and
discussions on the Mishnah.discussions on the Mishnah.

36. Important TextsImportant Texts
 The Talmud (a collection of stories,The Talmud (a collection of stories,
laws, medical knowledge and so on)laws, medical knowledge and so on)
– ““Learning or Study”Learning or Study”
 The Mishnah’s (Hebrew laws)The Mishnah’s (Hebrew laws)
 The Gemara (a HUGE collection ofThe Gemara (a HUGE collection of
sayings from Rabbis)sayings from Rabbis)

37. MishnahMishnah
 The first compilation of the Oral LawThe first compilation of the Oral Law
between 200 BCE and 200 CEbetween 200 BCE and 200 CE
 Collects all of the Jewish legalCollects all of the Jewish legal
material from the post-Torah era.material from the post-Torah era.
 Divided into 6 orders (or chapters)Divided into 6 orders (or chapters)
– Seeds, Festivals, Women, Damages,Seeds, Festivals, Women, Damages,
Holy Things, PurificationsHoly Things, Purifications

38. Dietary PracticesDietary Practices
 Food consumptions and handling must beFood consumptions and handling must be
done according to religious laws.done according to religious laws.
 All blood must be drained before the meatAll blood must be drained before the meat
is cooked and eaten because blood,whichis cooked and eaten because blood,which
give life ,is sacred to God”.give life ,is sacred to God”.
 The Jews do not eat pork and shellfishThe Jews do not eat pork and shellfish
(see Leviticus 11), because these animals(see Leviticus 11), because these animals
are believed to be contaminated by whatare believed to be contaminated by what
they ate.they ate.

39. Dietary PracticesDietary Practices
Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetablesFish, eggs, fruits, vegetables
and grains can be eaten withand grains can be eaten with
either meat or dairy.either meat or dairy.
Utensils that have come intoUtensils that have come into
contact with meat may not becontact with meat may not be
used with dairy, and viceused with dairy, and vice
versa.versa.

40. Kosher PracticesKosher Practices
 Kosher which means “rituallyKosher which means “ritually
correct” and particularly refers tocorrect” and particularly refers to
food preparations and consumptions.food preparations and consumptions.
 Anything in the water that has finsAnything in the water that has fins
and scales is acceptable. Thisand scales is acceptable. This
therefore excludes shellfish such astherefore excludes shellfish such as
lobsters, oysters, shrimp, clams andlobsters, oysters, shrimp, clams and
crabs, all of which are forbidden.crabs, all of which are forbidden.
 Rodents, reptiles, amphibians, andRodents, reptiles, amphibians, and
insects are all forbidden.insects are all forbidden.

41. Kosher PracticesKosher Practices

42. SabbathSabbath
By Friday afternoon, he hasBy Friday afternoon, he has
bathed, put on his Sabbathbathed, put on his Sabbath
garments, and set asided thegarments, and set asided the
affairs of the week. At home,affairs of the week. At home,
his wife will have cleaned,his wife will have cleaned,
cooked and arranged hercooked and arranged her
finest table.finest table.

43. SabbathSabbath
The Sabbath comesThe Sabbath comes
at sunset, and leavesat sunset, and leaves
when three starswhen three stars
appear Saturdayappear Saturday
night.night.

44. SabbathSabbath
The Sabbath comesThe Sabbath comes
at sunset, and leavesat sunset, and leaves
when three starswhen three stars
appear Saturdayappear Saturday
night.night.

45. Basic Jewish Beliefs cont.Basic Jewish Beliefs cont.
 The Torah was given to Moses.The Torah was given to Moses.
 There will be no other Torah.There will be no other Torah.
 God knows the thoughts and deedsGod knows the thoughts and deeds
of men.of men.
 God will reward the good and punishGod will reward the good and punish
the wicked.the wicked.
 The Messiah will come.The Messiah will come.
 The dead will be resurrected.The dead will be resurrected.

46. MessiahMessiah
One of the mostOne of the most
fundamental Jewishfundamental Jewish
belief is that a Messiahbelief is that a Messiah
or savior will come.or savior will come.

47. What do Jews believe aboutWhat do Jews believe about
the messiah?the messiah?
 God’s ‘anointed one’God’s ‘anointed one’
 Called God’s sonCalled God’s son
 Bring blessings from GodBring blessings from God
 Establish God’s kingdom on earthEstablish God’s kingdom on earth
 Destroy Israel’s enemiesDestroy Israel’s enemies
 Rule the whole worldRule the whole world

48. PassoverPassover
The Feast of Passover whichThe Feast of Passover which
commemorates the liberation ofcommemorates the liberation of
the Hebrews from Egypt.the Hebrews from Egypt.
The Jewish liturgical years beginsThe Jewish liturgical years begins
with the month of Nisan in springwith the month of Nisan in spring
and the Passover begins on theand the Passover begins on the
1515thth
of Nissan, celebrated for 8of Nissan, celebrated for 8
days.days.

49. PassoverPassover
One of the parts of the PasoverOne of the parts of the Pasover
is the Seder, or the Paschal mealis the Seder, or the Paschal meal
shared by the family on the eveshared by the family on the eve
of the first day of the feast.of the first day of the feast.
Traditionally, first-born sons fastTraditionally, first-born sons fast
on the day leading to the Sederon the day leading to the Seder
to commemorate the killing ofto commemorate the killing of
the Egyptian first-born.the Egyptian first-born.

50. PassoverPassover
The primary food ingestedThe primary food ingested
during the Passover isduring the Passover is
matzah or unleavened bread,matzah or unleavened bread,
which was consumed duringwhich was consumed during
the Exodus,when there nothe Exodus,when there no
one to prepare decent breadone to prepare decent bread..

51. PassoverPassover
It symbolizes freedomIt symbolizes freedom
and liberation.and liberation.
In connection with this,In connection with this,
all leavened items mustall leavened items must
be removed.be removed.

52. PassoverPassover
Wine is also served,Wine is also served,
where all participantswhere all participants
are supposed to drinkare supposed to drink
four glasses throughoutfour glasses throughout
the ceremony.the ceremony.

53. The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments
1.1. ““You shall have no other godsYou shall have no other gods
before me.before me.
2.2. ““You shall not make for yourself anYou shall not make for yourself an
image in the form of anything inimage in the form of anything in
heaven above or on the earthheaven above or on the earth
beneath or in the waters below”.beneath or in the waters below”.
3.3.
““You shall not misuse the name ofYou shall not misuse the name of
the LORD your God, forthe LORD your God, for
the LORDwill not hold anyonethe LORDwill not hold anyone
guiltless who misuses his name”.guiltless who misuses his name”.

54. The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments
4.4. Remember the Sabbath dayRemember the Sabbath day
by keeping it holy.by keeping it holy.
5.5. “Honor your father and your“Honor your father and your
mother, so that you may livemother, so that you may live
long in thelong in the
land the LORD your God island the LORD your God is
giving you.giving you.
6.6. “You shall not murder.“You shall not murder.

55. The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments
7.7. You shall not commitYou shall not commit
adultery.adultery.
8.8.
“You shall not steal.“You shall not steal.
9. “You shall not give false9. “You shall not give false
testimony against yourtestimony against your
neighborneighbor
10.“You shall not covet your10.“You shall not covet your
neighbor’s house.neighbor’s house.

56. God in JudaismGod in Judaism
 God in JudaismGod in Judaism is understood to beis understood to be
the absolute one, indivisible, andthe absolute one, indivisible, and
incomparable being who is the ultimateincomparable being who is the ultimate
cause of all existence.cause of all existence.
 Judaism holds thatJudaism holds that YahwehYahweh, the god, the god
of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob andof Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and
the national god of the Israelites,the national god of the Israelites,
delivered the Israelites from slavery indelivered the Israelites from slavery in
Egypt, and gave them the Law ofEgypt, and gave them the Law of
Moses at biblical Mount Sinai as describedMoses at biblical Mount Sinai as described
in thein the TorahTorah..

57. God in JudaismGod in Judaism
God has a proper name,God has a proper name,
writtenwritten YHWHYHWH inin
the Hebrew Biblethe Hebrew Bible

58. JEWS DO NOT ACCEPTJEWS DO NOT ACCEPT
JESUS AS THE MESSIAHJESUS AS THE MESSIAH
BECAUSE:BECAUSE:

59. What exactly is the MessiahWhat exactly is the Messiah
 The word “Messiah” is an EnglishThe word “Messiah” is an English
rendering of the Hebrew word “rendering of the Hebrew word “MashiachMashiach”,”,
which means “Anointed.” It usually referswhich means “Anointed.” It usually refers
to a person initiated into God’s service byto a person initiated into God’s service by
being anointed with oil. (Exodus 29:7, Ibeing anointed with oil. (Exodus 29:7, I
Kings 1:39, II Kings 9:3)Kings 1:39, II Kings 9:3)
 Since every King and High Priest wasSince every King and High Priest was
anointed with oil, each may be referred toanointed with oil, each may be referred to
as “an anointed one” (aas “an anointed one” (a MashiachMashiach or aor a
Messiah).Messiah).

60. 1) JESUS DID NOT FULFILL THE1) JESUS DID NOT FULFILL THE
MESSIANIC PROPHECIESMESSIANIC PROPHECIES
 What is the Messiah supposed toWhat is the Messiah supposed to
accomplish? The Bible says that heaccomplish? The Bible says that he
will:will:
 A. Build the Third Temple (EzekielA. Build the Third Temple (Ezekiel
37:26-28).37:26-28).
 B. Gather all Jews back to the LandB. Gather all Jews back to the Land
of Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6).of Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6).

61. What exactly is the MessiahWhat exactly is the Messiah
 C. Usher in an era of world peace, and endC. Usher in an era of world peace, and end
all hatred, oppression, suffering andall hatred, oppression, suffering and
disease. As it says: "Nation shall not lift updisease. As it says: "Nation shall not lift up
sword against nation, neither shall mansword against nation, neither shall man
learn war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4)learn war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4)
 D. Spread universal knowledge of the GodD. Spread universal knowledge of the God
of Israel, which will unite humanity as one.of Israel, which will unite humanity as one.
As it says: "God will be King over all theAs it says: "God will be King over all the
world—on that day, God will be One andworld—on that day, God will be One and
His Name will be One" (Zechariah 14:9).His Name will be One" (Zechariah 14:9).

62. What exactly is the MessiahWhat exactly is the Messiah
The historical fact is thatThe historical fact is that
Jesus fulfilled none ofJesus fulfilled none of
these messianicthese messianic
prophecies.prophecies.

63. 2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OFPERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF
MESSIAHMESSIAH
A. MESSIAH AS PROPHETA. MESSIAH AS PROPHET
 Jesus was not a prophet. Prophecy can only existJesus was not a prophet. Prophecy can only exist
in Israel when the land is inhabited by a majorityin Israel when the land is inhabited by a majority
of world Jewry. During the time of Ezra (circa 300of world Jewry. During the time of Ezra (circa 300
BCE), when the majority of Jews refused to moveBCE), when the majority of Jews refused to move
from Babylon to Israel, prophecy ended upon thefrom Babylon to Israel, prophecy ended upon the
death of the last prophets—Haggai, Zechariahdeath of the last prophets—Haggai, Zechariah
and Malachi.and Malachi.
 Jesus appeared on the scene approximately 350Jesus appeared on the scene approximately 350
years after prophecy had ended.years after prophecy had ended.

64. 2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OFPERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF
MESSIAHMESSIAH
 B. DESCENDENT OF DAVIDB. DESCENDENT OF DAVID
According to Jewish sources, theAccording to Jewish sources, the
Messiah will be born of humanMessiah will be born of human
parents and possess normalparents and possess normal
physical attributes like otherphysical attributes like other
people. He will not be a demi-people. He will not be a demi-
god, nor will he possessgod, nor will he possess
supernatural qualities.supernatural qualities.

65. 2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OFPERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF
MESSIAHMESSIAH
 B. DESCENDENT OF DAVIDB. DESCENDENT OF DAVID
 The Messiah must be descended on hisThe Messiah must be descended on his
father’s side from King David (see Genesisfather’s side from King David (see Genesis
49:10 and Isaiah 11:1). According to the49:10 and Isaiah 11:1). According to the
Christian claim that Jesus was the productChristian claim that Jesus was the product
of a virgin birth, he had no father—andof a virgin birth, he had no father—and
thus could not have possibly fulfilled thethus could not have possibly fulfilled the
messianic requirement of being descendedmessianic requirement of being descended
on his father’s side from King David!on his father’s side from King David!

66. 2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OFPERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF
MESSIAHMESSIAH
 C. TORAH OBSERVANCEC. TORAH OBSERVANCE
 The Messiah will lead the Jewish people toThe Messiah will lead the Jewish people to
full Torah observance. The Torah statesfull Torah observance. The Torah states
that all mitzvot (commandments) remainthat all mitzvot (commandments) remain
binding forever, and anyone coming tobinding forever, and anyone coming to
change the Torah is immediately identifiedchange the Torah is immediately identified
as a false prophet. (Deut. 13:1-4)as a false prophet. (Deut. 13:1-4)

67. 2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE2. JESUS DID NOT EMBODY THE
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OFPERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF
MESSIAHMESSIAH
 C. TORAH OBSERVANCEC. TORAH OBSERVANCE
 Throughout the New Testament, Jesus contradictsThroughout the New Testament, Jesus contradicts
the Torah and states that its commandments arethe Torah and states that its commandments are
no longer applicable. (see John 1:45 and 9:16,no longer applicable. (see John 1:45 and 9:16,
Acts 3:22 and 7:37) For example, John 9:14Acts 3:22 and 7:37) For example, John 9:14
records that Jesus made a paste in violation ofrecords that Jesus made a paste in violation of
Shabbat, which caused the Pharisees to sayShabbat, which caused the Pharisees to say
(verse 16), "He does not observe Shabbat!(verse 16), "He does not observe Shabbat!
 is immediately identified as a false prophet.is immediately identified as a false prophet.
(Deut. 13:1-4)(Deut. 13:1-4)

68. 3) MISTRANSLATED VERSES3) MISTRANSLATED VERSES
"REFERRING" TO JESUS"REFERRING" TO JESUS
 A. VIRGIN BIRTHA. VIRGIN BIRTH
 The Christian idea of a virgin birth isThe Christian idea of a virgin birth is
derived from the verse in Isaiah 7:14derived from the verse in Isaiah 7:14
describing an "alma" as giving birth.describing an "alma" as giving birth.
The word "alma" has always meant aThe word "alma" has always meant a
young woman, but Christianyoung woman, but Christian
theologians came centuries later andtheologians came centuries later and
translated it as "virgin."translated it as "virgin."

69. 3) MISTRANSLATED VERSES3) MISTRANSLATED VERSES
"REFERRING" TO JESUS"REFERRING" TO JESUS
 B.CRUCIFIXIONB.CRUCIFIXION
 The verse in Psalms 22:17 reads:The verse in Psalms 22:17 reads:
"Like a lion, they are at my hands"Like a lion, they are at my hands
and feet." The Hebrew word ki-ariand feet." The Hebrew word ki-ari
(like a lion) is grammatically similar(like a lion) is grammatically similar
to the word "gouged." Thusto the word "gouged." Thus
Christianity reads the verse as aChristianity reads the verse as a
reference to crucifixion: "Theyreference to crucifixion: "They
pierced my hands and feet."pierced my hands and feet."

70. 4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS
JEWISH THEOLOGYJEWISH THEOLOGY

AA. GOD AS THREE?. GOD AS THREE?
 The Catholic idea of Trinity breaks God into threeThe Catholic idea of Trinity breaks God into three
separate beings: The Father, the Son and theseparate beings: The Father, the Son and the
Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19).Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19).
 Contrast this to the Shema, the basis of JewishContrast this to the Shema, the basis of Jewish
belief: "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lordbelief: "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord
is ONE" (Deut. 6:4). Jews declare the Shemais ONE" (Deut. 6:4). Jews declare the Shema
every day, while writing it on doorpostsevery day, while writing it on doorposts
(Mezuzah), and binding it to the hand and head(Mezuzah), and binding it to the hand and head
(Tefillin). This statement of God’s One-ness is the(Tefillin). This statement of God’s One-ness is the
first words a Jewish child is taught to say, andfirst words a Jewish child is taught to say, and
the last words uttered before a Jew diesthe last words uttered before a Jew dies..

71. 4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS
JEWISH THEOLOGYJEWISH THEOLOGY

AA. GOD AS THREE?. GOD AS THREE?
 In Jewish law, worship of a three-In Jewish law, worship of a three-
part god is considered idolatry—onepart god is considered idolatry—one
of the three cardinal sins that a Jewof the three cardinal sins that a Jew
should rather give up his life thanshould rather give up his life than
transgress. This explains why duringtransgress. This explains why during
the Inquisitions and throughoutthe Inquisitions and throughout
history, Jews gave up their liveshistory, Jews gave up their lives
rather than convert.rather than convert.

72. 4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS
JEWISH THEOLOGYJEWISH THEOLOGY

BB. MAN AS GOD?. MAN AS GOD?
 Roman Catholics believe that God came down toRoman Catholics believe that God came down to
earth in human form, as Jesus said: "I and theearth in human form, as Jesus said: "I and the
Father are one" (John 10:30).Father are one" (John 10:30).
 Maimonides devotes most of the "Guide for theMaimonides devotes most of the "Guide for the
Perplexed" to the fundamental idea that God isPerplexed" to the fundamental idea that God is
incorporeal, meaning that He assumes noincorporeal, meaning that He assumes no
physical formphysical form. God is Eternal, above time. He . God is Eternal, above time. He
is Infinite, beyond space. He cannot be born, is Infinite, beyond space. He cannot be born,
and cannot dieand cannot die. Saying that God assumes. Saying that God assumes
human form makes God small, diminishing bothhuman form makes God small, diminishing both
His unity and His divinity.His unity and His divinity. As the Torah says: As the Torah says:
"God is not a mortal""God is not a mortal" (Numbers 23:19).(Numbers 23:19).

73. 4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS
JEWISH THEOLOGYJEWISH THEOLOGY

BB. MAN AS GOD?. MAN AS GOD?
 Judaism says that the Messiah will be bornJudaism says that the Messiah will be born
of human parents, and possess normalof human parents, and possess normal
physical attributes like other people. Hephysical attributes like other people. He
will not be a demi-god, and will notwill not be a demi-god, and will not
possess supernatural qualities. In fact, anpossess supernatural qualities. In fact, an
individual is alive in every generation withindividual is alive in every generation with
the capacity to step into the role of thethe capacity to step into the role of the
Messiah. (see Maimonides - Laws of KingsMessiah. (see Maimonides - Laws of Kings
11:3)11:3)

74. 4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS
JEWISH THEOLOGYJEWISH THEOLOGY
 C. INTERMEDIARY FOR PRAYER?C. INTERMEDIARY FOR PRAYER?
 The Catholic belief is that prayerThe Catholic belief is that prayer
must be directed through anmust be directed through an
intermediary—i.e. confessing one’sintermediary—i.e. confessing one’s
sins to a priest. Jesus himself is ansins to a priest. Jesus himself is an
intermediary, as Jesus said: "No manintermediary, as Jesus said: "No man
cometh unto the Father but by me."cometh unto the Father but by me."

75. 4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS
JEWISH THEOLOGYJEWISH THEOLOGY
 C. INTERMEDIARY FOR PRAYER?C. INTERMEDIARY FOR PRAYER?
 In Judaism, prayer is a totally privateIn Judaism, prayer is a totally private
matter, between each individual and God.matter, between each individual and God.
As the Bible says: "God is near to all whoAs the Bible says: "God is near to all who
call unto Him" (Psalms 145:18). Further,call unto Him" (Psalms 145:18). Further,
the Ten Commandments state: "You shallthe Ten Commandments state: "You shall
have no other gods BEFORE ME," meaninghave no other gods BEFORE ME," meaning
that it is forbidden to set up a mediatorthat it is forbidden to set up a mediator
between God and man. (see Maimonides -between God and man. (see Maimonides -
Laws of Idolatry ch. 1)Laws of Idolatry ch. 1)

76. 4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS
JEWISH THEOLOGYJEWISH THEOLOGY
 D. INVOLVEMENT IN THE PHYSICAL WORLDD. INVOLVEMENT IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD
 Catholic doctrine often treats the physical worldCatholic doctrine often treats the physical world
as an evil to be avoided. Mary, the holiestas an evil to be avoided. Mary, the holiest
woman, is portrayed as a virgin. Priests and nunswoman, is portrayed as a virgin. Priests and nuns
are celibate. And monasteries are in remote,are celibate. And monasteries are in remote,
secluded locations.secluded locations.
 By contrast, Judaism believes that God createdBy contrast, Judaism believes that God created
the physical world not to frustrate us, but for ourthe physical world not to frustrate us, but for our
pleasure. Jewish spirituality comes throughpleasure. Jewish spirituality comes through
grappling with the mundane world in a way thatgrappling with the mundane world in a way that
uplifts and elevates. Sex in the proper context isuplifts and elevates. Sex in the proper context is
one of the holiest acts we can perform.one of the holiest acts we can perform.

77. 4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS4) CHRISTIANITY CONTRADICTS
JEWISH THEOLOGYJEWISH THEOLOGY
 D. INVOLVEMENT IN THE PHYSICAL WORLDD. INVOLVEMENT IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD
 The Talmud says if a person has theThe Talmud says if a person has the
opportunity to taste a new fruit andopportunity to taste a new fruit and
refuses to do so, he will have torefuses to do so, he will have to
account for that in the World toaccount for that in the World to
Come. Jewish rabbinical schoolsCome. Jewish rabbinical schools
teach how to live amidst the bustleteach how to live amidst the bustle
of commercial activity. Jews don’tof commercial activity. Jews don’t
retreat from life, we elevate it.retreat from life, we elevate it.

78. Jewish SymbolsJewish Symbols

79. Magen DavidMagen David
• Star of DavidStar of David
• Was on the shields of David’s warriorsWas on the shields of David’s warriors
• Symbol on the Flag of the state of IsraelSymbol on the Flag of the state of Israel
• Used throughout the world as a clear andUsed throughout the world as a clear and
unique identifying symbol of Jews andunique identifying symbol of Jews and
JudaismJudaism

80. MenorahMenorah
• Seven (or nine) branched candleholderSeven (or nine) branched candleholder
• One of the oldest Jewish symbols—one of theOne of the oldest Jewish symbols—one of the
ritual objects described in the Torahritual objects described in the Torah
• Today the nine branched menorah is used inToday the nine branched menorah is used in
celebration of Chanukahcelebration of Chanukah
• The seven branched menorah is the authenticThe seven branched menorah is the authentic
ancient symbol (one for each of the 6 days ofancient symbol (one for each of the 6 days of
creation and 1 for sabbath)creation and 1 for sabbath)

81. ChaiChai
 The Jewish symbol of lifeThe Jewish symbol of life
 Expresses the hope andExpresses the hope and
prayer for life, health andprayer for life, health and
prosperityprosperity
 Popular Jewish toast—Popular Jewish toast—
L’chayim—To LifeL’chayim—To Life

82. Mazal TovMazal Tov
• Means good luck or congratulationsMeans good luck or congratulations
• Particularly used for significant lifeParticularly used for significant life
events (ie. Bar Mitzvahs, weddings,events (ie. Bar Mitzvahs, weddings,
birthdays, etc.)birthdays, etc.)

83. AmenAmen
 Literally “So be it”Literally “So be it”
 Means I agree/affirmMeans I agree/affirm
 After a blessing it is customary forAfter a blessing it is customary for
those who have heard the blessing tothose who have heard the blessing to
say Amensay Amen

84. ShalomShalom
• Means hello/goodbye/peaceMeans hello/goodbye/peace
• Comes from root wordComes from root word shalemshalem whichwhich
means whole/completemeans whole/complete
– Peace comes when there is wholeness,Peace comes when there is wholeness,
completeness, unity.completeness, unity.
• Pease is the eternal Jewish prayer—worldPease is the eternal Jewish prayer—world
peace, peace between people, innerpeace, peace between people, inner
peace, harmony.peace, harmony.

85. Jewish leadershipJewish leadership
 RabbiRabbi
– ServicesServices
– EducationEducation
– Beth dinBeth din
 CantorCantor
– SingingSinging
 ScribeScribe
– Torah scrollsTorah scrolls
 ShochetShochet
– SlaughtererSlaughterer
 MohelMohel
– CircumcisionCircumcision

86. RabbiRabbi
A person who is trained toA person who is trained to
make decision about what ismake decision about what is
lawful in Judaism,to performlawful in Judaism,to perform
Jewish ceremonies or to leadJewish ceremonies or to lead
a Jewish congregation.a Jewish congregation.

87. Bar mitzvahBar mitzvah
 Meaning: son of theMeaning: son of the
commandmentcommandment
 13 years old - becomes an13 years old - becomes an
adultadult
 Read Torah in publicRead Torah in public
 Father’s blessingFather’s blessing
 Celebratory mealCelebratory meal

88. Brit millah (circumcision)Brit millah (circumcision)
 Sign of the covenantSign of the covenant
– Prayer before circumcisionPrayer before circumcision
 ““Praised be Thou, O Lord our G-d, ruling spirit of thePraised be Thou, O Lord our G-d, ruling spirit of the
universe who has commanded us to enter into theuniverse who has commanded us to enter into the
covenant of our father Abraham.”covenant of our father Abraham.”
– Prayer after circumcision:Prayer after circumcision:
 ““As he entered the covenant, so may he enter intoAs he entered the covenant, so may he enter into
the love of the Torah, into the marriage canopy andthe love of the Torah, into the marriage canopy and
into the life of good deeds.”into the life of good deeds.”

89. Rosh HashanahRosh Hashanah
 Jewish New YearJewish New Year
 Birthday of the world and AdamBirthday of the world and Adam
 Day of JudgementDay of Judgement
– 1st of 10 days of repentance1st of 10 days of repentance
– 3 books opened to righteous, wicked and in-3 books opened to righteous, wicked and in-
betweenbetween
– Prayer, apologies, fasting,Prayer, apologies, fasting, hesedhesed, self-, self-
reflectionreflection
 Shofar blown 100 timesShofar blown 100 times
– RepentanceRepentance
– Coronation of GodCoronation of God
 Creator of the worldCreator of the world

90. Yom KippurYom Kippur
 Day of AtonementDay of Atonement
– Process of causing act toProcess of causing act to
be forgivenbe forgiven
– 25 hour fast and prayer in25 hour fast and prayer in
synagoguesynagogue
 No eating and drinkingNo eating and drinking
 No wearing of leatherNo wearing of leather
shoesshoes
 No bathing or washingNo bathing or washing
 No anointing oneself withNo anointing oneself with
perfumes or lotionsperfumes or lotions
 No marital relationsNo marital relations
 No dealing with moneyNo dealing with money
 Person’s fate for the yearPerson’s fate for the year
sealedsealed

91. HanukkahHanukkah
 Celebrate the EverlastingCelebrate the Everlasting
Light burning for 8 daysLight burning for 8 days
--
165 BCE165 BCE
 Judah the Maccabee andJudah the Maccabee and
Antiochus EpiphanesAntiochus Epiphanes
 Family festivalFamily festival
– Food cooked in oilFood cooked in oil
– Presents exchangedPresents exchanged
Hannukiah
Menorah

92. Pesach (Passover)Pesach (Passover)
 Remember and reliveRemember and relive
the Exodusthe Exodus
 Family festivalFamily festival
– House cleanedHouse cleaned
– Remove leavenRemove leaven
– Seder mealSeder meal
 HaggadahHaggadah
 4 glasses wine4 glasses wine
 Symbolic foodsSymbolic foods
 4 questions4 questions
 Songs and funSongs and fun
 ““Next year inNext year in
Jerusalem”Jerusalem”

93. QuestionsQuestions
 If God knows the thoughts and deedsIf God knows the thoughts and deeds
of men then why do bad thingsof men then why do bad things
happen?happen?
 Why do some deeds go unpunished?Why do some deeds go unpunished?
 What divisions are apparent betweenWhat divisions are apparent between
Christianity and Judaism?Christianity and Judaism?

94. SynagoguesSynagogues
 Synagogues are led bySynagogues are led by
RabbisRabbis (teachers well(teachers well
educated in Jewish law andeducated in Jewish law and
thought)thought)
 Temples…tTemples…the temple ishe temple is
in Jerusalem.in Jerusalem.
 The temple was theThe temple was the
only place a sacrificeonly place a sacrifice
could be administered.could be administered.
 The temple inThe temple in
Jerusalem wasJerusalem was
destroyed.destroyed.
Baltimore, Maryland

95. The RabbiThe Rabbi
 Earned by passing extensiveEarned by passing extensive
examinations on the Torah and Talmud.examinations on the Torah and Talmud.
 Study at aStudy at a yeshivayeshiva, or holy school, like, or holy school, like
a seminary program.a seminary program.
 He is not required to wear a particularHe is not required to wear a particular
uniform, and he can dress just like anyuniform, and he can dress just like any
other Jew.other Jew.
 Permitted to Marry.Permitted to Marry.
 May have children.May have children.
 Neighborhood counselor.Neighborhood counselor.
 Inspire community members to becomeInspire community members to become
better people.better people.

96. All people of the Jewish faithAll people of the Jewish faith
worship on Saturday, followworship on Saturday, follow
strict discipline…the laws setstrict discipline…the laws set
forth in the Torah, regularforth in the Torah, regular
attendance at Synagogue.attendance at Synagogue.

97. Passage into AdulthoodPassage into Adulthood
 Children are usheredChildren are ushered
into adulthood with ainto adulthood with a
big ceremonybig ceremony
– usually around age 13usually around age 13
 Bar Mitzvah for boysBar Mitzvah for boys
 Bat Mitzvah for girlsBat Mitzvah for girls

98. Liberal DenominationsLiberal Denominations
 Reform JudaismReform Judaism
– Torah was written by humans, not God, butTorah was written by humans, not God, but
later combined (liberal).later combined (liberal).
– Does not accept binding nature of Jewish lawDoes not accept binding nature of Jewish law
(halakhah).(halakhah).
 Reconstructionist JudaismReconstructionist Judaism
– ““evolving religious civilization”evolving religious civilization”
– Jews are not the chosen people by God (lessJews are not the chosen people by God (less
liberal).liberal).
– Can observe Jewish Law is they choose toCan observe Jewish Law is they choose to
because it is a cultural remnant.because it is a cultural remnant.

99. Conservative DenominationsConservative Denominations
 Conservative JudaismConservative Judaism
– Torah comes from God, transmitted byTorah comes from God, transmitted by
humans, and contains a human component.humans, and contains a human component.
– Accepts binding nature of Jewish Law but itAccepts binding nature of Jewish Law but it
adapts.adapts.
 Orthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism
– God gave Moses the entire Torah, written (firstGod gave Moses the entire Torah, written (first
5 books of the bible) and oral at Mount Sinai.5 books of the bible) and oral at Mount Sinai.
– Strictly observe Jewish Law.Strictly observe Jewish Law.
– 613 mitzvot (commandments)613 mitzvot (commandments)
– Chasidic Jews do not assimilate.Chasidic Jews do not assimilate.

100. Important Jewish Holidays:Important Jewish Holidays:
 Passover – Celebrates thePassover – Celebrates the
birth of the Jewish nationbirth of the Jewish nation
 Rosh Hashanah – Jewish NewRosh Hashanah – Jewish New
YearYear
 Yom Kippur – Day ofYom Kippur – Day of
Atonement," is the holiest dayAtonement," is the holiest day
of the Jewish yearof the Jewish year
 Sukkoth – Harvest festivalSukkoth – Harvest festival
 Hanukkah – Rededication ofHanukkah – Rededication of
the holy temple in Jerusalemthe holy temple in Jerusalem
after a military victoryafter a military victory
 Purim – Queen Esther savedPurim – Queen Esther saved
the Jews of Persia fromthe Jews of Persia from
annihilation.annihilation.
 Shavout – CommemoratesShavout – Commemorates
the giving of the Tenthe giving of the Ten
Commandments to the JewishCommandments to the Jewish
People on Mount Sinai.People on Mount Sinai.

101. ReviewReview
 This text is the “teaching orThis text is the “teaching or
instruction” of the Old Testament…instruction” of the Old Testament…
 TorahTorah
 A collection of stories, “learning orA collection of stories, “learning or
study”study”
 TalmudTalmud
 TheThe wordswords of the prophets are…of the prophets are…
 truetrue
 Can Rabbis marry and have children?Can Rabbis marry and have children?
 YesYes