JUDAISM History & Cultural Practices
Dec 29, 2015
History
Founded around 2000 B.C.E.
Abraham (Ur) made an agreement with God
He would protect him because they were “the chosen people”
This became known as the Covenant
History
Abraham’s descendants moved to Egypt (where they were enslaved)
The Torah says that a man named Moses led them out of Egypt to safety
Jews believe they wandered the desert for 40 years
History
It is believed that as Moses led the Jews out of Egypt, he was handed down the Ten Commandments from God at Mt. Sinai
Historical Evidence suggests:
The Jewish people organized themselves into 12 Tribes (named themselves after Jacob’s sons)
Spiritual Texts
The Torah: first 5 books of the Christian Bible; Old Testament
The Talmud: an interpretation of the Torah; these are more specific, practical instructions as to how one can live “a Jewish life”
Important People
Abraham-father
Jacob- 12 sons
Moses- Lead out of Egypt/10 Commandments
Saul- First King of Jews
David- 2nd King/ Built Jerusalem
Solomon- 3rd King/ Built Temple
Important TermsBar/Bat Mitzvah: rite of passage at the age of 13; recognition of becoming a Jewish adult
Shabbat: Friday (sundown) to Saturday (sundown)
Synagogue/Temple: Jewish place of worship
Torah: Scrolls kept in an arc
Zionists: Those who believe Israel is the homeland of the Jews
Important Holidays
PASSOVER: Moses asked Pharoah to leave Egypt, he refused, God said he would put 10 plagues on the Egyptians
Jews were to smear blood on their doors so the plagues would pass over the Jews
Important Holidays
ROSH HASHANAH: The Jewish New Year; it is a 2-day period, the period begins when you atone for your sins for 10 days; you are supposed to ask forgiveness for the previous year’s sins