Judaism A Brief Overview
Judaism Judaism It’s history It
is the first and oldest of the monotheists faiths (the other two are Christianity and Islam) Judaism originated in the Middle East 3500 years ago It was founded by Moses, but Jews trace their history back to Abraham 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust in an attempt to wipe out Judaism
Judaism Judaism Beliefs Jews
believe there is only one God with whom they have a covenant They keep God’s laws and attempt to bring holiness into every aspect of their life in exchange for the good that God has done for Jews Traditional Jews observe dietary laws from the book of Leviticus – it’s called eating Kosher, you will learn more at another station
Judaism Judaism Abraham- the first patriarch of the Jewish people
Abram
(later to be called Abraham) was a nomad leader who God promised would become the leader of a great people if he did what God asked of him The book of Genesis details the many tests of faith God put Abraham through Abraham is the first person to teach the idea that there is only one god, previously people believed and worshipped many gods Abraham is included and important in the three monotheists religions (Judaism, Islam and Christianity) and it is often thought that through him these three religions could be united
Judaism Judaism The Holocaust Adolf
Hitler and his Nazi regimes persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews, whom they believed were an inferior race Jews were initially forced to live in ghettos under the control of the Gestapo, later they were moved to concentration camps Many died from starvation, harsh conditions and diseases in these camps Many were also killed by the Nazis in an attempt to eliminate Judaism
Judaism Judaism Religious Text
Place of Worship Spiritual Leaders
The
most important religious document is the Torah (the first five chapters of the bible) A synagogue is the place of worship for Jews- it can also be used as a place to study or as a community center Services are led by a Rabbi, a Jewish spiritual leader, but can also be led by a member of the congregation
Judaism Judaism There
are approximately 12 million Jewish people in the world today, mostly in the USA and Israel