Judaism

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGION.

GROUP 4
MOTIVATIONAL ACTIVITY

MOTIVATE YOURSELF IN ARRANGING THE JUMBLED WORDS RELATED IN JUDAISM.

1. WEJHSI
2. AARBAHM
3. SCAIA
4. ISENGES
5. NAITGPYE
6. UXDOES
7. TEOMYORNEDU
8. TTEEHCUNEP
9. AHTNKE
10. AIMDJSU
CONCEPT MAP

JUDAISM

SACRED WORSHIP AND BELIEFS AND

SUBDIVISION
SCRIPTURES OBSERVANCES DOCTRINES
S
JUDAISM

 Is an ancient Monotheist Religion that traces its origin as an organized belief system during the Bronze Age
in West Asia.
 Judaism is one of the three Abrahamic Religion that also include Christianity and Islam.
 The Jewish people consider themselves as a chosen people of god. They must provide an example to the
world of their moral behavior.
 Judaism is one of the oldest Monotheistic Religion in the world that originated in the West Asia.
 It is the Religion professed by the Jews known as the “people of the book”.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

 It is quite difficult to separate the history of Judaism from the history of the Jews themselves (Parrinder
1971).The ancestors of the Jews were groups of semites called Hebrews that traced in the desert lands of
Arabia(Brown 1975).
 Judaism emerge from the beliefs and practices of the people known as “Israel”. What is considered
Classical or Robbonical, Judaism did not emerge until the first century C.E. Judaism traces its origins to
the covenant lead made with Abraham and his lineage-that lead would make them a sacred people and give
them a land.
 Judaism has three notable founding figures or patriarchs, namely, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.This biblical
patriarchs are the physical and spiritual forebears of the Jewish people and their narratives found in
Genesis 12-50.
 The beginning of Judaism recorded in the first five books of Hebrew Bible the Pentateuch.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

 These patriarchs are depicted as nomads in biblical stories.

 Jewish people believe that they descended from a tribe in Canaan. Located at Eastern Mediterranean occupied
by Israel, Jordan, and Syria. (Bowker 1997)
 God changed Sarai’s name to “Sarah” meaning “Princess” or “Noble Woman”. Abraham and Sarah had a son
named Isaac, heir to God’s Covenant and Ancestors of the Jewish people. Abram was change to “Abraham”
or “The Father of many nations”. Abraham story is narrated in Genesis 11-15 of Hebrew Bible.
 A close encounter with an Angel merited him a change of name from Jacob to “Israel” means “The one who
wrestled with God”.
 Jewish people referred as the “Children of Israel”.
 The book of Genesis end with a great nation emerging from Abraham’s descendants, book of Exodus begins
with them crying out for deliverance from Egyptian bondage. (Hopfe 1983)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

 The Israelites were banished from Egypt with Moses leading them across the Red Sea.(Yam Suph or
“Sea of Reeds”)
 Moses parted the Red Sea that allowed them to across the water and reach the dry lands of Sinai.
These event called Exodus became part of Jewish history that manifested Yahweh’s intervention to
deliver his chosen people. (Hopfe 1983)
 Another significant event in Jewish history was the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount
Sinai. Moses eventually united the different tribes into one group and consecrated to the worship of the
one living God.(Brown 1975)
 Forty years after the Exodus, Moses died in the desert with in reach of the “Promised Land”.
TRIVIA

 Did you know that the “ARK OF THE COVENANT” is a sacred relic of Judaism said to have originated
from the time of the Exodus? It is a coffin-like, ornate, gilded case that may have been the portable throne
of Yahweh during the time of Moses. It is also housed the stone tablets of the ten commandments.
SOCIO-POLITICAL DYNAMICS OF JUDAISM

 The old testament gives us ideas on social-political dynamics of Judaism.

 Understanding the Jewish people concepts on politics and society would help us understand the historical
development of Judaism as one of the world’s religions and see it’s relevance in contemporary times. This
can be deduced from the chronicles of the Kings of Israel and Judah, as well as in the book of
Deuteronomy which is stated, “Let me put a king over me like all the nations that are around me” (Deut. 17:
14-15)
SACRED SCRIPTURES

 According to the Jewish tradition, the Hebrew bible is divided into three principal sections mainly the
Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim.
 The foundational text Torah (“Teaching”) is composed of the “first five books” of the Pentateuch
traditionally believed to have been authored by Moses through divining structures in Sinai. (Includes
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy)
 Pentateuch also narrates the history, religious, statues, and moral regulations for individuals and society,
ceremonial rights and creation stories by Yahweh, and the original and growth of mankind (Braswell
1994)
SACRED SCRIPTURES

 The Nevi’im (“Prophets”) is a divided into Earlier Prophets, Later Prophets, and twelve minor
prophets. Served as a spokespersons who criticize the Hypocritical practices of Jewish people. They
were specifically chosen by God to preach his message to the people.
 Lastly, the Ketuvim (“Writings”) form the third section of Tanakh that contains work on Poetry,
Temple, Ritual, Private prayer, Philosophical explorations and other canonical works.
 Sacred writing of Judaism is the Talmud (or the “Oral Torah”) which means study.
 Talmud is an authoritative collection of Rabbinic interpretations of the sacred scriptures. It contains
materials of low and moral coast.
BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES

 In Judaism, Actions are more significant than Beliefs.

 Judaism has no dogma, there is definitely a place for belief within the religion since it focuses on the
worship of one God, The practice of good deeds and the love of learning (Braswell 1994).
ARTICLES OF FAITH

According to Moshe ben Maimon, the minimum requirements of Jewish belief as listed in his thirteen principles
of faith are as follows:
 JEWISH PEOPLE OF FAITH
 God exists.
 God is one and unique.
 God is incorporeal.
 God is eternal.
 Prayer is to be directed to God alone and to no other.
 The words of the prophets are true.
 Moses' prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets.
 The Written Torah and the Oral Torah were given to Moses.
 There will be no other Torah.
 God knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
 God will reward the good and punish the wicked.
 The Messiah will come.
 The dead will be resurrected.
ARTICLES OF FAITH

 These statements of belief were eventually constructed as credo with every article beginning with "I
believe" and then later versified, set to music, and included in prayer books (Jurji 1946)
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

 The Ten Commandments are a set of absolute laws given by God to Moses at the biblical Mount Sinai that
shall govern the life of every Israelite. Most scholars consider this period as the official beginning of
Judaism as an organized and structured belief system. These laws are twice mentioned in the Hebrew
Bible, particularly, in Exodus and in Deuteronomy.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCE

 The Jewish community utilizes a lunar calendar with twelve months, each beginning at the new moon of 29
or 30 days. Every festival and Sabbath commences and terminates at dusk (or sunset) rather than midnight
in adherence to the biblical pattern.
 The Jewish calendar is followed in observance of festivities, holidays, and community and family
celebrations (Brass- well 1994). Jewish holidays are special days observed to commemorate key events in
Jewish history and other events that depict the special connections with the world, such as creation,
revelation, and redemption.
SABBATH

 The most important day in the Jewish calendar is the Sabbath (or Shabbat) which commemorates
God's completion of the creation of the universe and his rest after the six-day toil (Parrinder 1971).
 This is the fourth law within the Ten Commandments. It begins a few minutes before sunset on
Friday and runs until an hour after sunset on Saturday or almost 25 hours to be precise. At Friday
sundown, Sabbath candles are lighted and kiddush ("sanctification") is recited over wine or grape
juice. Children are then blessed by their parents. Jews must abstain from work and must study the
Torah. Some work prohibitions include lighting fires, using money, and writing. The Sabbath ends
through the symbolic ritual of havdalah ("division") done by dousing wine on candles and smelling
sweet spices.
THE DAYS OF AWE

 Tishri is the seventh month in the ecclesiastical year of the Jewish calendar. The first ten days of Tishri are
called the "Days of Awe" (Yamim Noraim) wherein the first two days comprise the New Year (Rosh
Hashanah) and the tenth day as the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
 Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the ten-day period of penitence leading to the Yom Kippur and is
distinguished from other days by blowing a ram's horn trumpet (shofar) in the synagogue and eating apples
dipped in honey which is symbolic for a sweet new year.
OTHER IMPORTANT DAYS

 There are many feasts and festivals celebrated by the Jewish people. The family assumes the principal
responsibility for worship, religious education, and moral behavior (Braswell 1994).
 Other important events in the Jewish calendar include the Hanukkah, Purim, and the Independence
Day of the State of Israel. Hanukkah ("Festival of Lights" or "Feast of Dedication") is a celebration to
commemorate the victory of Jewish fighters against the Seleucid Empire in 165 B.C.E. Purim ("Feast
of Esther") celebrates the deliverance of the Jews during the Persian Empire, specifically from the
Vizier Haman who wanted to annihilate all Persian Jews as recorded in the Book of Esther.
 A brief outline of important dates and holy days in the Jewish calendar is presented below with their
approximation in the Gregorian Calendar.
JEWISH MONTHS AND FESTIVALS

 Nisan (March or April)

 14-Passover Eve
 15-21 Passover
 lyyar (April or May)
 5- Israel's Independence Day
 Sivan (May or June)
 6,7-Shavuot
JEWISH MONTHS AND FESTIVALS
 Tishri (September or October)
 1- Rosh Hashanah
 10-Yom Kippur
 15-Sukkot
 21-Hashanah Rabbah
 22- Shemini Atzeret
 23-Simchat Torah
 Kislev (November or December)
 25-Hanukkah begins up to the second of Tebet (December or January)
 Adar (February or March)
 14- Purim /
HALAKHA

 Because Judaism is also a comprehensive way of life, Jewish people follow a set of rules and practices that
govern their everyday living. Collectively called halakha which as "the path that one walks," these are
Jewish religious laws derived from the "Written Torah" and "Oral Torah" including the 613 mitzvot.
 Jewish laws contain directions on how to revere God and treat other people and animals. Halakha instructs
Jews what to do as they wake up in the morning, what foods to eat, what clothes to wear, who to marry, and
how to observe Sabbath and holy days. When properly observed, halakha increases one's spirituality as even
mundane acts become essential to his or her existence.
 SYNAGOGUES

 Synagogues are Jewish temples of worship, instruction, and community fellowship that contain separate rooms
designed for specific activities, such as praying and studying. In Orthodox Judaism, men and women sit separately at
the synagogues; in Reform Judaism, they sit altogether in temples.
 Similar to a Christian church, synagogues have seats facing an elevated platform with one or two lecterns or chair.
The central feature at the platform (bimah or tebah) and the holiest spot inside a synagogue is the ark where the
Torah scrolls are kept. Reminiscent of the original Ark of the Covenant, an ark inside a temple is normally placed in
a manner that when people face the ark, they are facing in the direction of Jerusalem. An ornate curtain (parochet)
veils the ark while a lamp or lantern (ner tamid) burns before it symbolizing the constantly lit six-branched lampstand
(menorah) in the Temple of Jerusalem (Braswell 1994).
 While a Jewish layman may lead a prayer service during Sabbath if there are 10 adult males present (minyan), the
religious leader is oftentimes a trained rabbi. He delivers sermon and interprets the Torah. The rabbi serves as a
pastor, administrator, and counselor.
TRIVIA

 Did you know that based on Jewish dietary law (kashrut), ox and sheep are ritually clean animals while
camel and pig are ritually impure? Foods that conform to the kashrut are called kosher ("fit") while those
that do not are called treif ("torn"). To see the entire list of 613 mitzvoth.
THE TEMPLE

 Around 1003 B.C.E., David conquered Jerusalem and made it his capital. Bringing with him the "Ark of
the Covenant," David intended to build a temple to become the first and fixed place of worship for the Jews.
However, God told David that it would be one of his sons who will have the privilege of accomplishing this
task.

 The Hebrew Bible acknowledged Solomon, David's son, as the builder of the First Temple in Jerusalem
around 1000 B.C.E. which was also known as Solomon's Temple. Within the temple, the most important
room was the "Holy of Holies" where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The ark contained the tablets of
the Ten Commandments and the Pentateuch. The First Temple became the focus of Jewish worship for four
hundred years until Nebuchadnezzar II and the Babylonians completely destroyed the structure in 587
B.C.E during the siege of Jerusalem. Allegedly located in Temple Mount or Mount Zion, the remains of
the First Temple have never been found and the "Ark of the Covenant" has continually been shrouded in
mystery.
THE TEMPLE

 In 353 B.C.E., the Jews began to rebuild their temple under the Persian king Darius who ratified their
effort. The Second Temple was completed in 349 B.C.E. and was substantially altered under Herod around
20 B.C.E. (Douglas 2007).
 This Second Temple lasted for about 420 years until the Romans razed Jerusalem in 70 C.E. All but a
portion in the western section was completely destroyed. Presently, this is the famous "Western Wall"
("Wailing Wall" or Kotel) that has been a popular site of prayer and pilgrimage for the Jews throughout
many centuries.
SUBDIVISION

 Being one of the oldest religions in the world, Judaism has undergone various changes in response to
changing times and cultures brought about by key historical events or philosophical upheavals. While there
are certain beliefs shared by most adherents, differences and diversity in faith also abound among Jewish
denominations and sects.
 Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional of modern Judaism that adheres to the authority of the entire
Torah as given to Moses by God at Mount Sinai. The Torah is the sole authority that must be strictly
followed until the present time.
 Reform Judaism (Liberal or Progressive Judaism) is considered the most liberal expression of Judaism that
subjects religious laws and customs to human judgment.
SUBDIVISION

 Largely developed in the 20th century, Conservative Judaism seeks to conserve the traditional elements of
Judaism while at the same time allowing for modernization that is less radical than Reform Judaism.
 Hasidism or Hasidic Judaism emerged in Germany during the twelfth century. It was largely a spiritual
movement that gives prime importance to asceticism and experience as a result of love and humility before
God. During the eighteenth century, a modern Hasidic movement was started in Poland by Baal Shem Toy
("Master of the Good Name") as a reaction to the excessive legalistic nature of Judaism during that time.
SELECTED ISSUES

 Women in Judaism
- Women's role in the Jewish religion is determined by the Tanakh, the "Oral Torah," and Jewish customs.
Mishnah instructs that women must follow nearly all the negative commandments except trimming the beard
and viewing a dead body. Women must also follow all positive commandments not structured by time but are
exempted from those that are restricted by time. The reason here is quite simple, that is, to release women from
laws that they find difficult or impossible to perform given their traditional domestic roles, such as giving birth,
taking care of the family, and accomplishing household chores. In addition, women have the right to be
consulted on matters concerning marriage. Judaism offers tremendous respect to roles given to women as wives
and mothers. Even Jewishness or the question of Jewish self-identification is passed down through the mother.