Classifications
Is this religion Mono/Poly/Henotheistic?
The early Hebrews came to believe that God was taking a hand in their history. As a result, they recorded events and laws in the Torah, their most sacred text. The Torah as well as the Talmud are texts that are looked at upon as vital documents in Judaism. Much like Buddhism and Hinduism, the sacred text in Judaism contains many stories of the founding and rules within the Jewish religion. Followers of Judaism believe in Torah, which is a collection of stories and lessons about life and beliefs. However, while Hindus and Buddhists believe in many gods, or are polytheistic, Jewish followers believe in only one god, making them monotheistic. The Torah contains story that relates to how God started and created the universe.
The early Hebrews came to believe that God was taking a hand in their history. As a result, they recorded events and laws in the Torah, their most sacred text. The Torah as well as the Talmud are texts that are looked at upon as vital documents in Judaism. Much like Buddhism and Hinduism, the sacred text in Judaism contains many stories of the founding and rules within the Jewish religion. Followers of Judaism believe in Torah, which is a collection of stories and lessons about life and beliefs. However, while Hindus and Buddhists believe in many gods, or are polytheistic, Jewish followers believe in only one god, making them monotheistic. The Torah contains story that relates to how God started and created the universe.
Founding Story
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How did this religion begin?
Jewish history begins with Abraham. Abraham was the patriarch or head of his tribe. Abraham had many responsibilities. As head of his tribe, he had a hand in everything. He settled disputes and punished law breakers. He officiated at religious ceremonies, saying prayers and offering sacrifices at the altar. He led his tribe into wars with other tribes. Abraham’s greatest responsibility was to look after the well-being of his tribe, because they were goatherds and shepherds. It was Haran the God is said to have revealed himself to Abraham. It was also at Haran that Jews (and Christians) believe in God gave Abraham the following instructions, as recorded in Genesis 12:1 of the Old Testament: Now the Lord had said unto Abram (as Abraham was known in those days), “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” Even though Abraham was 75 years old at the time, he was not about to disobey God. According to Judaism, God has made a covenant with Abraham that he would give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan as their home if they carried out God will. The covenant became a contract between Abraham’s followers and God. As long as they served and obey him, they would be God’s Chosen People. Knowing this Abraham gathered his family and followers together and departed for the land of Canaan.
Jewish history begins with Abraham. Abraham was the patriarch or head of his tribe. Abraham had many responsibilities. As head of his tribe, he had a hand in everything. He settled disputes and punished law breakers. He officiated at religious ceremonies, saying prayers and offering sacrifices at the altar. He led his tribe into wars with other tribes. Abraham’s greatest responsibility was to look after the well-being of his tribe, because they were goatherds and shepherds. It was Haran the God is said to have revealed himself to Abraham. It was also at Haran that Jews (and Christians) believe in God gave Abraham the following instructions, as recorded in Genesis 12:1 of the Old Testament: Now the Lord had said unto Abram (as Abraham was known in those days), “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” Even though Abraham was 75 years old at the time, he was not about to disobey God. According to Judaism, God has made a covenant with Abraham that he would give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan as their home if they carried out God will. The covenant became a contract between Abraham’s followers and God. As long as they served and obey him, they would be God’s Chosen People. Knowing this Abraham gathered his family and followers together and departed for the land of Canaan.
Key Figures
Important people to the story
Two important people in Judaism are Abraham and Moses because they did things that are so important to Jews. Abraham is important because God ordered to sacrifice his son Isaac, on a altar. In early Hebrew tradition, God or Yahweh decided to test Abraham’s faith by commanding him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham disheartened at the thought of his son dying but was determined to carry out God’s will. the sacrifice was going to take place on top a mountain called Mount Moriah. Abraham was about to killed his son until God said (Genesis 22: 11-12). Abraham and Isaac heard something in the bush and a ram had gotten caught in the thorns of the bush and was unable to escape. The ancient Hebrews believed that God had provided the ram to serve as the sacrifice. Moses is important because he free the israelites in Egypt. Also he saved the lives of the israelites by lifting his staff and parted the sea and having the israelites cross. He closed the sea when the Egyptians tried to pass. Since Moses save the people God promise them to go on their way on the promised land. |
Religious Authority
Who or what makes the rules?
Jews should follow and listen to the ten commandments. Some rules of Judaism are all meat must be kosher (prepared in a particular way and drained of blood) Forbidden foods: meat taken from animals that do not have cloven hooves and chew the cud, fish that do not have scales and fins and particular birds. Jews can eat non kosher food (forbidden food). Meat and milk should not be used together. Diet restrictions is found in the Torah. No work or reading of the Torah should be done on Shabbat (Sabbath, from Friday Evening to Saturday evening). These are a few rules there is more in the religion.
Jews should follow and listen to the ten commandments. Some rules of Judaism are all meat must be kosher (prepared in a particular way and drained of blood) Forbidden foods: meat taken from animals that do not have cloven hooves and chew the cud, fish that do not have scales and fins and particular birds. Jews can eat non kosher food (forbidden food). Meat and milk should not be used together. Diet restrictions is found in the Torah. No work or reading of the Torah should be done on Shabbat (Sabbath, from Friday Evening to Saturday evening). These are a few rules there is more in the religion.
Core Beliefs
Goals. Goals of the religion
The ultimate of the goal of the religion of Judaism is live in harmony with God and to follow the rules of the Torah. In order to live in harmony with God you have live life in Earth well and when you died live happily in the place with your family and other relatives. Jews should also follow and respect the rules of the Torah. Also follow the 10 commandment because is part of the Jewish laws.
The ultimate of the goal of the religion of Judaism is live in harmony with God and to follow the rules of the Torah. In order to live in harmony with God you have live life in Earth well and when you died live happily in the place with your family and other relatives. Jews should also follow and respect the rules of the Torah. Also follow the 10 commandment because is part of the Jewish laws.
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Beliefs about the afterlife
Very similar to the idea of reaching eternal peace, the ultimate goal in Judaism is to reach righteousness. Righteousness is the idea that you are living your life here on earth well and that you will live happily forever in a place where “you will be reunited with relatives.” Unlike the polytheistic faiths, Jews do not believe in reincarnation and thus make it their goal to live the best they can while on earth. Because this is their one chance to make an impact. Also, it is important to understand that the belief in one God was very unique to the ancient world; prior to this religion, followers of Hinduism and Buddhism believe in many gods.
Very similar to the idea of reaching eternal peace, the ultimate goal in Judaism is to reach righteousness. Righteousness is the idea that you are living your life here on earth well and that you will live happily forever in a place where “you will be reunited with relatives.” Unlike the polytheistic faiths, Jews do not believe in reincarnation and thus make it their goal to live the best they can while on earth. Because this is their one chance to make an impact. Also, it is important to understand that the belief in one God was very unique to the ancient world; prior to this religion, followers of Hinduism and Buddhism believe in many gods.
Rules/guidelines for daily life
Included in the Torah are the ideas of Kosher. According to religious laws and customs are rules as to how to prepare and eat food. Many foods are seen as non-kosher or you should not eat them in the Jewish religion. One example of kosher food is any type of meat that is taken from front half of a cow. Any meat taken from the back half of a cow is seen as non-kosher and cannot be prepared and eaten. Although the general structure and look can change, Jew's worship in synagogues. These are large or small buildings that contain seats, religious statues and religions books. The idea of the synagogue is to remain simple that followers can focus clearly on the religion. |
Concept of higher power
All Jews believe that their is only one God. They believe that God made the world and created Man in his own image. God chosen people are the Jews. The Cannan (Palastine) is the Promised Land that God pledged to the Jews through Abraham in return for adherence to His laws, which were delivered to Moses. The Jews believe that God gave Moses the ten commandments. Jews believe that One day a Messiah will come to rebuild the Temple, gather all Jews back to the land of Israel, and bring peace to the world. Jews believe that God isn’t the savior they are still wanting for the savior to come. All people are equal and should be treated with respect and love.
All Jews believe that their is only one God. They believe that God made the world and created Man in his own image. God chosen people are the Jews. The Cannan (Palastine) is the Promised Land that God pledged to the Jews through Abraham in return for adherence to His laws, which were delivered to Moses. The Jews believe that God gave Moses the ten commandments. Jews believe that One day a Messiah will come to rebuild the Temple, gather all Jews back to the land of Israel, and bring peace to the world. Jews believe that God isn’t the savior they are still wanting for the savior to come. All people are equal and should be treated with respect and love.
Key Holidays
Followers of Judaism have many different aspects of culture that are important to them. Although Jewish is a religion and not a race, followers make many aspects of the faith part of their culture. These aspects include the Sabbath, or day of rest. Bar and Bat mitzvahs, which is a child’s becoming an adult. Also Passover which dates back to the Jews being freed from Egypt. Additionally, followers practice Hanukkah which is eight days of fasting and celebration around the holiday season, where members light the menorah in honor the holy days. |
Sites and Symbols
Famous places and images of the religion
A jewish symbol is the Star of David (six pointed star). The Menorah is a (seven- branched candlestick). The Ner Tamid is symbolic of the lamp that once burned in the Temple in Jerusalem. Jews believe that it reminds them that God is present. On either side of the Ark is a menorah, a seven-branched candlestick. The seven branches represent the number of days the Bible says it took God to create the universe. The middle branch stands for Sabbath. |
Sects and Branches
There are many different sects in Judaism. However, Jes do not refer to the differences between them using “sect.” In Judaism, sects are referred to as movements. Movements throughout Jewish history were really reactions to changes occurring in the cultures in Jews were living. The three major movements that a majority of Jews belong to are the orthodox, conservative and reform movements. The Orthodox movement reflects the most traditional beliefs and practices of Judaism. Orthodox Jews reject the new changes brought about the conservative and reform movements. Orthodox Jews have very strict rules about daily living. Conservative Jews are not as strict in their interpretation of Judaism as Orthodox Jews. Conservative Jews are moderate in their religious beliefs and practice compared to Orthodox and Reform Jews. Conservatives tend to preserve the traditional elements of Judaism. Reform Judaism is the most liberal of the modern Jewish movements. Jewish law is not so strictly interpreted in Reform Judaism. Religious life and practice is considered in a modern context.