Religions
Of the Middle East
VI. Judaism
A. Judaism is the main religion of Israel. It is
based upon the Torah which is the Jewish Holy Book. It
is also known as the Old Testament of the Bible. Judaism
is a religion that has been the center of discrimination and
prejudice during many time periods throughout history.
Discrimination
still
Exists.

B. Early Hebrew History, 1500-900 B.C.E.
 Early Hebrews were semi-nomadic and moved from
Mesopotamia to the land of Canaan: the modern states of
Israel, Lebanon, and western Syria from 2000-1700 B.C.E.
C. Patriarchs
1.
Abraham is considered to be the first patriarch of
Judaism. He entered into a covenant with God.
• Covenant – An agreement
2.
Under the covenant, Abraham and his descendants
must only worship God (MONOTHEISM). God would bless
his descendants and allow them to multiply.
3.
Abraham moved the people to Canaan. However, they
were forced out due to a drought.
4.
The Patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—continued
to lead tribes in their wanderings; Jacob took the name
“Israel,” marking his people’s special relationship with
one God.
5.
They then relocated to Egypt and were forced into
slavery. The Hebrews then became known as the Jews.
5
6. According to the scriptures, Moses
led a group out of Egypt escape to the
Sinai Peninsula and around 1250
B.C.E.
•
The Ten Commandments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqCTq3EeDcY
7. 10 commandments- according to
scripture, were given to Moses during
the exile from Egypt.
8. God demands obedience and in turn,
protects his people
9.
Thus helping to forge the
Hebrews into a national group with
a religious purpose.
• The Hebrews then migrated back to Canaan (Israel). In 1025 BCE, they
formed the Kingdom of Israel between Egypt and Mesopotamia. However,
with frequent invasions, the kingdom did not last long. Israel did flourish
under two great leaders.
1. King David – Skilled general who unified Israel.
2. Solomon – David’s son who built palaces and temples. Some
contain inner walls of gold.
 After the death of Solomon, foreign invaders took control Israel.
• Persians
-Permitted the Hebrews to return to Israel and practice their religion
freely. Solomon’s temple was rebuilt.
•
The Greeks and the Romans –
-In 70 CE, the Jews revolted against the Romans and were forced to
leave Palestine.
D. Diaspora –
Scattering of the Jews throughout the world.
E. Major Movements
Golden Age
Expulsions
Haskalah
Hasidism
D. Types of Judaism.
1. Orthodox
a. Everything is conducted in Hebrew or Yiddish.
b. Attendance is expected every week.
c. Men and women attend separate services.
d. Women may not lead services.
2. Conservative
a. Services are conducted partially in English
b. Attendance is not mandatory
c. Men and women may attend services together.
3. Reform
a. All services are conducted in English.
4. Reconstructionist
XII.Beliefs in Judaism
A. Judaism is a monotheistic religion. The teachings of God are outlined in the
Torah. The Torah contains the moral and religious laws of God. The Torah
includes the 10 Commandments. The commandments urge people to
respect and honor God. It also forbids stealing, lying, cheating,
and murder. In general, the laws of the Torah outline standards of
conduct for everyday life. People were reminded of their duties to God by the
prophets. Rulers and commoners must all obey the laws of the Torah. It teaches
that individuals are responsible for their actions. Judaism does show the ideas
of Zoroaster. They both believe that people have to choose between good
and evil.
1. Judaism –
People and rulers should all live moral lives.
2. 10 Commandments –
Ethical and moral laws to live by.
3. Prophets –
Religious teachers
XIII. Holidays
A. Sabbath - Sundown Friday to sundown Saturday
B. Rosh Hashanah
1. Jewish New Year
2. September or October
*Honey is an important symbol of
the Rosh Hashanah. It represents
wishes of a hope of a sweet New Year.
C. Yom Kippur
1. Nine days after Rosh Hashanah
2. It is the holiest of all days
3. Day of Atonement Fast for 24 hours
Prayer
Repentance
D. Passover
1. March or April
2. It is the deliverance of the Jewish people
from Egypt.
3. The Seder service on the first two evenings
recounts the story of the Exodus.
E. Hanukkah
1. November or December
2. Festival of Lights
3. It is the celebration of conquering the temple from the Syrians.
4. They only had enough oil for one day but lasted for eight.
Menorah - Candelabra
1. Light one candle for each day
2. Receive gifts for each day.
F. Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
1. Bar - boy becomes an adult
2. Bat - girl becomes an adult
G. Holy Sites
1. Synagogues - Houses of prayer
2. Western Wall or the Wailing Wall – It is one wall of a temple which
was destroyed by the Romans which still stands today.
H. OTHER