Judaism

Judaism

Tradition

Early BeginningsAbraham

Approximately 1800 B.C.Covenant with God

DescendantsIsaac

Jacob (Israel)12 Tribes

Land of Canaan

Slavery and Exodus

Hebrews were enslaved by the Egyptians (Hyksos). Moses

10 PlaguesLed Hebrews out of EgyptReceived Torah on top of Mt. Sinai

ScriptureScripture

Torah- Written LawFirst Five Books of Old TestamentThe Ten Commandments

the ethical foundation of Judaism

Talmud- Oral Law

Sacred SitesJerusalem

Under King David, became a center of Jewish life

The TempleBuilt by King SolomonDestroyed in 586 BC by AssyriansRebuilt then destroyed again by the Romans in 70 AD

Kashrut (Kosher)Meat

Only from animals with cloven hoof that chew the cud Specific method of slaughterNo meat from carnivores or scavengersFish must have scales and fins

No Shellfish

Cannot mix Meat and Dairy

Specified time frames between eating

PareveExceptions

Separate UtensilsSometimes even appliances

ShabbatDay of rest

Sunset on Friday to Sunset on SaturdayNo work

Prohibition can include driving, use of electricity, and walking more than a specified distanceCan vary dependent upon denomination of JudaismCan be violated to save a life

SynagogueGathering place for worship and other cultural activitiesFrom the Greek for Assembly

HolidaysRosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year1 Tishrei 5772

Sept. 28-30 2011Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement10 Tishrei 5772

October 8, 2011

HanukkahFestival of LightsCelebrates rededication of Temple25 Kislev-1 Tevet, 5772

Dec 21-27, 2011

Passover

Divisions and Sects

ReformTorah is living documentChanges allowed with time

OrthodoxMore traditional Torah is divine and change not allowed

ConservativeMiddle of the road

ReconstructionistExtremely liberalFocus on Culture over Religion

Current StateDiasporaHolocaustJewish Nation of Israel

1948No Palestinian nation

Yom Kippur WarWest BankGolan Heights