An Overview of the
World’s Major Religions
By R.D. Baker & Ryan
Cartwright
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Acts 17:16 - While Paul was waiting in
Athens, he was greatly distressed to see
that the city was full of idols. So he
reasoned in the Synagogue with the Jews
& God-fearing Greeks as well as in the
marketplace day by day with those who
happened to be there.
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v.22 – Paul then stood up in the meeting
of the Aeropagus and said, “Men of
Athens, I see that in every way, you are
very religious. For as I walked around &
looked carefully at your objects of
worship, I even found an altar with this
inscription, ‘To an unknown god’. Now
what you worship as something unknown,
I am going to proclaim to you.
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v.24 – The God who made the world &
everything in it is the Lord of heaven & earth, &
does not live in temples built by hands. And he’s
not served by human hands, as if he needed
anything, because he himself gives all men life &
breath & everything else. From one man, he
made every nation of men, that they should
inhabit the whole earth; & he determined the
times set for them & the exact places where they
should live. God did this so that men would seek
him & perhaps reach out for him & find him,
though he is not far from each one of us.”
Major Religions of the World
Ranked by Number of Adherents
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1) Christianity: 2.1 billion
2) Islam: 1.3 billion
3) Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
4) Hinduism: 900 million
5) Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
6) Buddhism: 376 million
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Total of the top 6 categories: 6.1 billion
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Major Religions of the World
Ranked by Number of Adherents
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9) Sikhism: 23 million
12) Judaism: 15 million
13) Baha'i: 7 million
17) Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
20) Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
21) Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
22) Scientology: 500 thousand
America – “The Great Melting Pot”
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It has been said that the U.S. is “the great melting pot” for
the people of the world
The contents of that “pot” would not be complete unless it
also included the religions of those masses that now make
up our country’s population
As we are increasingly surrounded by other religious
teachings, it becomes vitally important as to what we choose
to believe & put our faith into…& then pass down to our
children
Many Religions…Many Truth’s?
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There are many religions & philosophies…but
which ones are true?
Are all religions valid?
Will they all get you to heaven?
Do all roads lead to heaven?
We will see as we explore some of the major
world religions.
Division Among Religions
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Every major religion has divisions
Not all the beliefs discussed will apply to all
adherents to a particular religion – just as in
Christianity there are a many divisions with
different beliefs
Jesus said, "If you hold to my
teaching, you are really my
disciples. Then you will know
the truth, & the truth will set
you free." – John 8:31
Truth has become quite subjective – but truth
can be discerned by considering the evidence.
"I am not insane, most excellent Festus,"
Paul replied. "What I am saying is true
& reasonable. The king is familiar with
these things, & I can speak freely to him.
I am convinced that none of this has
escaped his notice, because it was not
done in a corner.”– Acts 26:25-27
We can’t do an exhaustive study but we’ll do our
best to present a basic understanding of the major
& some minor world religions
General Introduction
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In this series we’ll examine different religions &
philosophies, consider their respective founding
fathers, history, scriptures & beliefs.
While we will make some comments on the
various religions, the goal is not to prove or
discredit the various beliefs – but simply to
present the facts.
It is each individual’s task to determine whether
what they believe is true
Always remember: Belief does not equal truth.
Focus
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In addition to this series – a study of
ancient pagan religions is recommended
to understand the background & context for both
testaments. Unfortunately we don’t have the time
to look at these religions in this series.
Our focus is to present religions that exist in our
neighborhoods today – that we may come across.
It is important to understand the people around
us and to know what they believe.
Warning!
“We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge
puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks
he knows something does not yet know as he ought
to know.” – 1 Corinthians 8:1-2
“In your hearts set apart Christ as
Lord. Always be prepared to give
an answer to everyone who asks
you to give the reason for the
hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness & respect…”
- 1 Peter 3:15
Our goal is not to win the argument or to just
possess knowledge, but to in love – guide people
to the Truth
Definitions
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Monotheism – Belief in one god
Polytheism – System of many gods
Pantheism – God synonymous with the universe or
nature. “May the Force be with you.”
Animism – Animals, plants & objects all contain
individual spirits
Asceticism – Enlightenment obtained through
extreme self denial (monasteries)
Mysticism – Enlightenment & spiritual powers
through meditation/contemplation
Judaism
15 Million Devotees
The Star of David & The Menorah
(Represents the 7-day week & the Sabbath)
Judaism
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Religious culture of the Jewish People
One of the world's oldest religions (Year 5,766)
12th largest religion in the world today
Cultural system of Jewish law, custom & practice of the
whole individual & community
Believes that everyone is under God's rule
Oldest of the 3 main monotheistic (‘one god’) religions
Shares many beliefs with other 2, Islam & Christianity
Believes the world was created by a single, all-knowing
divinity, & that all things within the world were designed
to have meaning & purpose as part of a divine order
“Famous Jews for $200, Alex”
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Abraham
Moses
King David & his son King Solomon
Mary (mother of Jesus)
John the Baptist
Jesus
The Twelve
The Apostle Paul
The entire early Christian Church
“Famous Jews for $400, Alex”
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Show Biz – Harrison Ford, Cary Grant, Ben Stiller,
Alicia Silverstone, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Newman,
Michael Douglas, Billy Crystal, George Burns, Rodney
Dangerfield, Richard Dreyfuss, Tony Clark, Goldie
Hawn, Bette Midler, Jerry Springer, Geraldo Rivera,
Joan Rivers, Howard Stern
Musicians – Slash, Joey Ramone, Gene Simmons,
Kenny G, Paul Shaffer, Benny Goodman, Herb Alpert,
Athletes – Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Marc Spitz,
Sasha Cohen, Sandy Koufax, David Beckham, Shawn
Green, Hank Greenberg
“Famous Jews for $600, Alex”
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Columbus, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein
Anne Frank, Arthur Miller, Danielle Steele, J.D.
Salinger, Neil Simon, Norman Mailer
Milton Hershey, Vidal Sassoon, Michael Dell, Steve
Balmer, Mark Cuban
Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Ali G, Marx Brothers
Harry Houdini, David Blaine, David Copperfield
Mel Blanc, Stan Lee, Matt Parker
Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand,
Neil Diamond, Simon & Garfunkel, & yes, Elvis Presley
Where are they?
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15 million Jews throughout the world (Mostly in
the U.S., Israel & former USSR)
Jews makes up 83% of Israel’s population
More Jews live in the U.S. than in Israel!
A higher proportion of American Jews are
religious (i.e., practice Judaism or profess some
form of belief in Judaism) than in Israel!
Major Branches of Judaism
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Conservative – 4.5 million
Unaffiliated & Secular – 4.5 million
Reform – 3.75 million
Orthodox – 2 million
•Most Jews today do not strictly hold to the Law
•Many of Israel's Jews are secular - nonobservant and
either nonreligious or even agnostic / atheist
•Religious Jews are in the minority in Israel
A Brief History of Time – Jewish Style
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Judaism dates back to the creation event, but
essentially starts to advance with Adam and the
other Patriarchs:
2100BC – God Promises Canaan to Abraham
1876-1446BC – Patriarchs arrive in Egypt and are
enslaved for 430 years
1446-1406BC – Desert Wanderings
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1406-1050BC – Conquest/Period of Judges
1050-930BC – United Monarchy (King David)
930-722BC – Divided Kingdom to Assyrian
Conquest; Beginning of Diaspora
722-587BC – Babylonian conquest,
Destruction of Solomon’s Temple
587-539BC – Babylonian Exile
539-333BC – Persian Period, Cyrus allows Jews
to return to rebuild Jerusalem & Temple
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333-63BC – Greek Period – Hellenization of
Holy Land; Maccabean Revolt; rise of Synagogue
& religious parties (Sadducees, Essenes,
Pharisees)
63BC-200AD – Roman period
70AD – Jewish War results in the destruction of
Herod’s Temple, Sanhedrin & sacrificial system
132AD – Judean revolt sparked by Roman
Emperor Hadrian’s building city Aelia Capitolina
on top of ruins of Jerusalem. Jews banned from
Jerusalem; circumcision of converts forbidden
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200-640AD – Period of intense persecution
mainly from the Christians, especially after
Christianity became the religion of the Roman
Empire
634-1096AD – Age of the Gaons – Muslim
conquests bring many Jews under Islamic
domain, improving quality of life considerably
1096AD – Crusades specifically target Jews;
they are looted & murdered en masse
1096-1348AD – Jews expelled from England,
not returning until 1650
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1348 – Jews accused of poisoning wells and
causing the Black Death. (This resulted in
many gruesome massacres across Europe.)
1348-1517 – Jewish Influence – After the
massacres, Jews allowed to return to their cities,
many becoming moneylenders.
1492 – Jews in Spain offered choice of
converting to Christianity or leaving the country.
Wherever they went the exiles had a powerful
impact.
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1517-1700 – Europe in Ferment – Period started with
a era of tolerance as authorities viewed Jews as useful.
Massacres in 1648 & 1649 devastated the Jews in
Poland & the Ukraine.
Numerous men rose up claiming to be the Messiah.
Most important was Shabbetai Zevi (1628-1716). He
was imprisoned in Gallipolo; then later converted to
Islam.
“The Paradox of the traitorous Messiah is far greater
then an executed Messiah.” – Gershom Scholem
Meaning a Jew claiming to be the Messiah then
converting to Islam is more insulting than a messiah
being crucified.
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1700’s-Present – Large numbers migrated to
the Americas (period of Jewish tolerance)
1880’s – Strong Aryan, anti-semitic movements
began in France
WWII – Extermination of 1/3 of world’s Jewish
population – 6 million murdered
1948 – Zionists pushed for & received the State
of Israel for the Jews to have a country once
more. Battle for this territory still rages today
Divisions & Sects
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Shortly after the original temple was built the
first major rift in Jewish history occurred.
Under the poor leadership of King Rehoboam,
Israel divided into the Northern Kingdom of
Israel & the Southern Kingdom of Judea.
“But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him
and consulted the young men who had grown up with
him and were serving him.” – 1 Kings 12:8
The two kingdoms remained divided, & fell separately
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After returning from exile, the Jews formed at
least 4 parties during the Intertestamental period:
Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes & Zealots
Each party had it’s own distinct traditions in
regards to culture, religious beliefs, ceremonies,
calendar, lifestyle, etc.
The differences concern activities more than
theology
Pharisees
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Represented more of the common people
Stressed holiness of life; created a body of laws to
prevent people from breaking laws (‘hedging’)
Not as strict as the Essenes
Created the oral law; eventually became the Talmud
Unlike the Sadducees, they strongly resisted the
Hellenistic culture
Emerged as the dominant group after 70AD
"Woe to you…Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom
of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will
you let those enter who are trying to.” – Jesus: Matthew 23:13
Sadducees
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Composed of wealthy aristocrats & priests
Held to a very strict interpretation of the Scriptures
Rejected the doctrine of the Resurrection
Most members of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees
Disappeared with Jerusalem destruction in 70AD
When John the Baptist saw many of the Pharisees &
Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them:
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the
coming wrath?” – Matthew 3:7
Essenes
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Ascetic, monastic sect; removed themselves from daily
life to prevent being polluted by the corrupt world
No personal possessions, very strict observation of
community & Sabbath rules, incl. no bowel movements
Devoted themselves to study, with a focus on moral &
ethical learning
Qumran sect is best known of this group; the Dead Sea
Scrolls were widely believed to be their work
Their website claims almost all main founders of what
would later be called ‘Christianity’ were Essenes, incl.
Joseph & Mary, John the Baptist, Jesus & John
Zealots
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Term used to describe Jewish anti-Roman groups using
both political & military tactics
Covered many different factions; was not a party name
Began in 6AD by Judas Maccabees based on inspiration
of Phinehas (Numbers 25:11)
“Sicarii” (‘Dagger-men’) most extreme branch; carried
short daggers, stabbing their enemies in broad daylight
in large crowds, then joined the outraged crowd, adding
their own cries of indignation
Largely responsible for the beginning of the Jewish War,
which led to the destruction of the Temple
Zealots
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One of the 12 apostles was ‘Simon the Zealot’
Barabbas; possibly Paul (Acts 22:3; Galatians 1:14)
Acts 21:38 – ‘4,000 Assassins’ – ‘4,000 Terrorists’
Mark 15:7 – ‘The Insurrectionists’
Last Zealot Stronghold, Masada, fell in May 74AD
Orthodox vs. Reformed
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Most obvious division today is between Orthodox
& Progressive Jews
Orthodox Jews adhere to a very strict biblical &
oral law (Talmud).
Diligently follow Sabbatical laws & Kosher
regulations. (In their own eyes no other Jews are
really Jews.)
Reformed Judaism
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Began in Germany in the 18th Century
Followed philosophies of enlightenment, enjoying the
benefits of the lessening persecution
Soon many Jews adapted to their culture rather than
holding to their traditions
Using scientific inquiry and critical evaluation some
even taught that man no longer needed to accept the
revelation of the Torah as factual & binding
Changes in ritual law & worship were encouraged;
dietary laws were abandoned and a more “people
friendly” version of Judaism was born
Kabbalah (Mysticism)
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Branch of Judaism; meaning ‘Received Tradition’
Claims to be the oldest religion; with origins dating
back to Adam & Abraham
Possesses secret & mystic “truths”
Claims to hold the long-hidden keys to the secrets of
the universe & mysteries of the human heart & soul
Many similarities to Gnostic movements
Essenes protected their writings, allegedly authored by
Cain, Noah & Jared
Isaac Newton, Madonna, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton,
Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Mick Jagger, Anthony
Kiedis
Basic Teachings of Kabbalah
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In order to claim the gifts you were created to receive, you must
1st earn those gifts. You do this undertaking spiritual work — the
process of transforming yourself. By recognizing the sources of
negativity in your mind & heart, you’ll receive the tools for
positive change.
Every human being is a work in progress. Pain, disappointment &
chaos exists not because this is how life is meant to be, but
because of unfinished work that brought the strife. That work is
the process of freeing yourself from the domination of the human
ego and creating an attraction with God.
In everyday life, this transformation means letting go of anger,
jealousy & other reactive behaviors – in favor of patience,
empathy & compassion. It does not mean giving up all desires, &
going to live on a mountaintop. On the contrary, it means
desiring more of the fulfillment that humanity was meant to have.
Jewish Culture & Beliefs
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To understand any religion we must look at what
their followers believe & how they live. In this
section we’ll look at a few major Jewish beliefs
The Jewish culture has existed for thousands of
years – so many beliefs changed with time
Much of what we know of ancient Jewish history is
found in the writing of Josephus & Philo (Essenes)
Let’s look at some key terms of Judaism:
Monotheism
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There is only one God, YHWH
Originally Judaism was much different than the
majority of ancient polytheistic religions. (An
important statement of Jewish Theology.)
Parented the other two main monotheistic
religions: Islam & Christianity
Land of Canaan/Promised Land
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God promised Abraham that his descendants
would inherit this land forever
When it was lost it was a devastating blow to
people’s faith
Many believe that God was behind giving the
land back to the Jews in this century (1948)
The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people &
your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will
make you into a great nation & I will bless you; I will make your name
great, & you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, &
whoever curses you I will curse; & all peoples on earth will be blessed
through you." – Genesis 12:1-3
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Israel – God’s Chosen People – The Jewish nation
Abraham fathered has always believed themselves
to be God’s only chosen people. (Jewish vs.
Gentile perspective.)
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The Law – Found predominately in the
Pentateuch (books of the Law). 613 total
commandments the Jews were to obey. Today
only Orthodox Jews attempt to obey them all.
(The rest pick & choose which portions of the law
are applicable to them.)
The Shema
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Judaism has no formal creed but the essence of
their faith is summed up in the Shema
Shema means “Hear,” as in “Hear O Lord”
Read every morning by pious Jews to remind
them of the Law
Consists mainly of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and
affirms their monotheistic belief, as well as
praises God for his creation, revelation &
redemption
The Sabbath
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Begins at sunset each Friday, ends the same time
the next day
Considered the most important Jewish festival
Originally ordained by God to be a holy day of
rest where work was forbidden
Few things are specifically forbidden in the Bible
(Numbers 15:32-36 - Gathering kindling is
forbidden under pain of death.)
Most of the rules are found in the Mishnah of
200AD, and are quite detailed & restrictive.
The Sabbath
Some rules obeyed by various sects include:
 No fires can be lit on the Sabbath, although if it is
already burning it can remain lit
 No long journeys may be undertaken
 No vehicles may be driven
 Historically some sects even went as far as to
forbid bowel movements on the Sabbath although
that was not the common practice
Kosher/Dietary Regulations
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Kosher – Fit or clean according to Jewish dietary laws
Regulations found in the Torah (Lev 11, Deut 14), but
many more added through traditions
Meat & dairy products can’t be eaten together. (Many
households have 2 sets of dishes to prevent any contact
Jewish hotels have 2 kitchens to prevent contamination
Animals must be slaughtered & prepared by a ‘shochet’,
trained & ordained in the kosher regulations
Orthodox Jews follow these regulations meticulously;
average Jews do not
The Synagogue
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Place of Jewish communal worship
Most Jews are members of a Synagogue although
that does not mean that they regularly attend
Mainly a place for reading scripture & prayer
Since 70AD (Destruction of the Temple), this has
been the center of both religious & cultural life
May have originated after 586BC to replace temple
worship while in exile, but it developed rapidly
during the Intertestamental period
Festivals
Jewish religious year has many annual festivals
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Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year’s Day,
occurring in September or October
Celebrates both the creation of the world and
God’s judgment of the world
Tradition says this was the day God called the
Universe into existence
People are called to return to God and set aside
next 10 days for self examination & repentance
Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement
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Holiest day of the Jewish Year
Concludes 10-day period begun on New Year’s
Day of fasting, prayer & public confession of sin
Commemorates the day when the High Priest
made sacrifices for people of Israel and entered
the Holy of Holies
No sacrifices today, so worshippers fast for 24
hours and spend the whole day at the synagogue
At the end of the day they consider themselves to
be reborn
Sukkot – Feast of Tabernacles
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5 days after Day of Atonement
Lasts for one week
One of 3 harvest festivals in the Jewish year
(Passover & Pentecost)
Model for Christian harvest celebrations
Purpose: To remember how God provided for
His people during the 40 years in the dessert
Shelters or Tabernacles of branches are built and
lived in for the week
Simchat Torah – Rejoicing of the Law
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During the course of every year the entire
Pentateuch is read in the synagogue
On this day the reading is completed with the
last few verses of Deuteronomy & the 1st few of
Genesis
The scrolls of the law are carried around the
synagogue in a procession, with much joy,
singing & dancing
Hanukkah - Festival of Lights
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Celebrated around Christmas time
Celebrates the Maccabean victory over
Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 164BC, when the
temple was rededicated to God. (Antiochus had
set up a idol in the temple to Zeus, & sacrificed
a pig on it.)
The festival lasts eight days
On each day a candle on a menorah (9branched candle stick) is lit
Purim – Lot
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Celebrated in Feb/Mar; recalls the story of Esther
Named in reference to the lot (‘pur’) Haman cast
to decide the day to destroy the Jews in the Persian
Empire (Esther 3:7)
The entire book of Esther read in the synagogues.
Whenever Haman’s name is mentioned, the boys
make noise & stomp their feet
The festival is a time of parties and a special pastry
served called Hamantaschen
Pesach – Passover
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Recalls the deliverance of Israel from slavery in
Egypt, especially the last plague of the 1st Born
A special meal is served in the home called
Sedar (“order”)
The youngest child asks, “What does this
mean?” & the father relates the Exodus story
Traditionally an extra seat is left for Elijah, who’s
expected to herald in the Messianic age
On the eve of Passover a thorough search is
made for leaven in the home
Pentecost
Feast of the First Fruits (Weeks)
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Originally an agricultural celebration occurring 7weeks or 50 days after the beginning of Passover
Commemorates the Law given to Moses on Mt.
Sinai
Also associated with failed revolt against the
Romans in 2nd Century AD
The Ten Commandments are read
Some Jews stay up all night mediating on the Law
The day the Christian Church started!
Tishah B’Av
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Observed on 9th day of Av – around July/August
Memorializes the Temple destruction of 70 AD
Some also link it with the 586BC destruction
All ornaments are removed from the synagogue
Day of mourning & fasting
The Three Rites
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In addition to the festivals, modern male Jews
celebrate 3 rites in the course of their lives:
Circumcision, Bar Mitzvah & Marriage
According to Orthodox Jewish law a Jew is one
born to a Jewish mother
Boys are circumcised 8 days after birth and
receive their Jewish name
Circumcisions can be done by a doctor or by a
Mohel, a trained & registered professional
Circumcision
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According to Orthodox Jewish law, a Jew is one
born to a Jewish mother
Boys are circumcised 8 days after birth and
then receive their Jewish name
Circumcisions can be done by a doctor or by a
‘Mohel’, a trained & registered professional
Bar-Mitzvah
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At age 13, Jewish boys becomes Bar-Mitzvah (son of
the Commandment)
On the Sabbath after this birthday, he reads from
the Torah during the synagogue service for the 1st
time
From this time on he is expected to fulfill all the
duties of a Jew
A girl becomes Bat-Mitzvah (daughter of the
Commandment) automatically at the age of 12.
Some synagogues will have a ceremony to celebrate
Marriage
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Marriage is considered to be a holy covenant
Bridegroom signs the marriage document
(‘ketubbah’) & pledges himself to his bride
During the service the couple stands under an
embroidered canopy supported by 4 poles, which
represents their future home
The ceremony ends with the bridegroom breaking
a glass. Some think this is symbolic of the
destruction of the temple, others believe it’s to
take moments to reflect – even during times of
great joy
The Temple
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Originally built by Solomon approx. 950 BC
Rebuilt last by King Herod – an 83-year project
completed in 63AD – on 35 acres of land
Two most significant events in Jewish history are
the destruction of the temples: 586BC by the
Babylonians & 70AD by the Romans
While the temple has not existed for 1900 years it
is still a very relevant topic
Many Jews believe that God will allow for the
temple to be rebuilt again, now that they have
returned to the Holy land
Herod’s Temple
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However, it is very unlikely that Muslims will
allow this – as they’ve built the “Dome of the
Rock” on the location of the original Temple
All that remains of the original Temple is the
Western Wall also knows as the Wailing Wall
The wall is a place of prayer & lamentation – as
well as a popular pilgrimage site
Dome of the Rock – Al-Aqsa Mosque
Dome of the Rock – Al-Aqsa
Mosque
Scriptures
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We’re very familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures
as the Old Testament contains them in their
entirety, although the format is different
A prominent feature of the OT is the three-fold
division of The Torah (Law), Nevi’im
(Prophets) & the Ketuvim (Writings)
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In addition to the Torah a large body of laws have
developed over time:
100BC-70 AD – Pharisees’ oral interpretations of the
Torah
200AD – Mishnah – Interpretations of the Torah by
Rabbinic writers
200-500AD – Midrash – Rabbinic sermons on the Torah
400AD – Palestinian Gemera records debates of Rabbis
in Palestine
400AD – Jerusalem Talmud – Consists of the Mishnah &
Palestinian Gemara
500AD – Following an independent development of
thought in Babylon, a separate Talmud developed
consisting of Babylonian Gemara & the Mishnah.
Wailing Wall - Jerusalem