Judaism 101 Name: ______________________________
History:
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Judaism can be traced back to over 2000 B.C.E. when the belief in only one deity was established. A belief in only one higher being set this religious group apart from others than had a polytheistic society.
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The patriarchs of this religion are:
Abraham: father of the Hebrews/Jews
Moses: leader to whom the Torah (first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, &
Deuteronomy) was revealed by God. These books hold the guidelines for religious, moral, and social law according to Judaism. {Side note: the Jewish Bible does NOT contain the New Testament.} Moses brought his people out of slavery.
Isaac: son of Abraham
Jacob: grandson of Abraham; began the twelve tribes of Israel
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An enslaved group for most of their time in existence, the Jews were most highly persecuted in early history by the
Egyptians who used them as slaves. The Jews were only set free after a series of plagues swept across Egypt. The plagues were:
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Plague 1 - Blood
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Plague 2 - Frogs
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Plague 3 - Gnats
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Plague 4 - Flies
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Plague 5 - Disease in Livestock
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Plague 6 - Boils
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Plague 7 - Hail
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Plague 8 - Locusts
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Plague 9 - Darkness
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Plague 10 - Death of Firstborn
General Beliefs:
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The followers of Judaism adopt a focus on works (deeds) in this life as a means of fulfillment. Their relationship with God is a covenant one, meaning that they believe that their God has made a promise to them (ex. See Old Testament story of
Noah and the flood) which protects followers of their religion.
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As a sign of the covenant, all male children must be circumcised. This act enters the child into life as a Jew and re-enforces the relationship between the child’s parents and God.
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Bar(male)/Bat(girl) Mitzvahs: This is a milestone in a child’s life when he/she becomes a mature figure within the Jewish faith.
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Marriages – These events are marked with days of feasting and celebration. They are generally rejoiced due to the prospect of children as is the decree stated in Genesis 1:22 which reads, “Be fruitful and multiply.”
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Death- Jewish funerals are generally filled with mourning (Shivahs) and memorials.
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The Messiah: o Although Jesus, as well as the apostles, were Jewish, followers of Judaism do not believe him to be anything more than a prophet or very good man. o The Jews still await a Messiah who will restore a Hebrew and re-establish peace on Earth. He will not be divine; instead, he will be a monarch who will reign over the Earth.
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In so far as religious practice: o Jews are not concerned with the world to come. o “Tikkun Olam”- “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness; through deed not creed o Jews focus on home, family, and social responsibility as well as doing good works (Mitzvots). o Through education and hard work Jews strive to make their lives, the lives of others, and the world itself more holy.
Holidays:
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Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year

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Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement for sins
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Chanukah/Hanukkah: Festival of Lights
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Pesach :Passover
 Shavuot: Pentecost time which celebrates the receipt of the Torah
 Sukkot: Festival of Booths/Tabernacles- harvest festival
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Shabbat: (Sabbath) Within the book of Genesis, there is a passage that tells how God rested on the final day of creation.
According to Jewish belief, the creation of the world began on a Sunday; therefore, the day of rest would be Saturday. No work is allowed on this day.
Kosher Foods:
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“Kosher”- means fit or proper o Hoofed mammals: ok o Non-hoofed: (i.e.- rabbit) not ok o Seafood- can only be eaten if scales are removable; cannot be served with any other meat o Milk and meat cannot be served together. o Any animal slaughtered must die without pain. After being slaughtered, all of the nerves, fat, and blood must be removed. o Any utensil that is used in cooking must be kosher, have never come in contact with any non-kosher food product.
Divisions within the Belief:
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Orthodox: o Modern o Chasidic (ultra Orthodox)
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Reformed- occurred during the 18 th century
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Conservatives- moderates that were created as a response to the Reconstruction
Terms Related to the Faith:
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Twelve Tribes of Israel: named after the sons of Jacob
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Thirteen Articles of Faith: core set of Jewish beliefs
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Synagogue: Jewish place of worship
 Talmud: record of discussions by rabbis on social and religious laws as related to the Torah