Judaism What are the beliefs, history, and influence of Judaism? Origins of Judaism

Judaism

What are the beliefs, history, and influence of Judaism?

Origins of Judaism

• Judaism is the religion of the Hebrews and dates back to around 2000 BCE
• Judaism developed in the land of Canaan also known as the Levant (modern-day Israel and Palestine)
• The city of Jerusalem is considered the birth-place
• Judaism is often regarded as the first monotheistic religion
• They believe in an all-powerful single god

Origins of Judaism

• The religion traces its root back to Abraham and his covenant with YHWH (Yahweh—I am that I am)
• Yahweh is Hebrew for God
• The Covenant as told by God to Abraham states that Abraham will be the father of a great nation as long as he and his people obey God’s commands

Origins of Judaism

• Jews are an ethnoreligious group—meaning one can be born Jewish (ethnic group) or one can convert to Judaism (which is a difficult process)

Beliefs of Judaism

• The Jews are God’s chosen people
• The Ten Commandments as given to Moses are the law code of the Jews
• Males are circumcised at 8 days old
• One must observe and keep the Sabbath
• Eat Kosher foods—dietary laws, regulations and customs

Beliefs of Judaism

• Belief in the messiah—the belief that a great king (descended from David) will bring the Jews back to the land of Israel, construct the third temple, and bring back peace
• Jews believe in the after-life but it is not a primary focus nor is there much written about the subject

Sacred Texts

• The Torah is the foundational text of Judaism and is part of a larger text known as the Tanakh
• The Torah is also the first 5 books of the Old Testament (Christian Bible)
• Other texts include the Talmud and Mishnah

Holy Days

• Rosh Hashanah—marks the start of the Jewish New Year and beings a 10 day period of atonement leading up to Yom Kippur
• Yom Kippur—is the day of atonement and the holiest day in Judaism
• Hanukah—Known as the “Festival of Lights” marks the re-dedication of the Temple

How did Judaism spread?

• The spread of Judaism was mostly involuntary
• The Jews have been forced into exile several times throughout their existence
• Upon exile began the diaspora or the scattering of the Jews
• Today roughly 40% of Jews live in Israel, another 40% live in North America, and the remaining Jews primarily live in Europe