Demi Psyhogios Aidan Lichamer Grace Gairani Christian Koppang Judaism
Judaism Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. It is one of the most ancient religions that still exists in modern day. From its origin, Judaism has faced a vast amount of great turning points in its history. Judaism has also seen differences within its contemporary practices. This religion is linked to many other global religions that are practiced throughout the world such as Christianity and Islam. Christianity and Islam share many of the same beliefs and teachings of Tanakh, or the Hebrew Bible, closely linking them to Judaism. In short, Judaism is an extensive religion that has its roots dug into humanity's history and modern life. It has a rich past and is still changing and developing today.
The Origin, Turning Points, and Contemporary Judaism
Biblical Origins of the World According to the Bible the world and everything around us was created in 6 days by God (or Yehweh). Then God rested on the 7th day He had created 2 humans during this time, Adam and Eve. They lived in the Garden of Eden. Them they ate a forbidden apple that God had told them not to eat. They were cast out from the garden. They had many children and taught their kids to worship the one true god. One of these children`s great-great...-great grandsons is Abraham the father of many religions.
Origin of Judaism -All people who are ethnically Jewish will trace their heritage to the Patriarchs of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They lived in Canaan (modern-day Israel). -Abraham`s family eventually grew very large but later moved to Egypt due to famines and settled down. Later Pharoahs enslaved the Hebrews. -An Exodus took place and their leader was the Prophet Moses. Moses later received the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai. -The Hebrews finally returned to Canaan many years after leaving Egypt.
The Judges -the original form of government in Israel was tribalism, with a leader called a judge. Think Rambo rather than a court judge -These judges were elected when an external threat was apparent to Israel. -Most notable Judges: -Ehud: battled the Moabites -Deborah: Battled the Canaanites -Gideon: Battled the Midianites -Samson: Battled the Philistines -Samuel: Last judge of Israel, appointed the first and second kings of Israel.
The Kings The time of kings -There was no separation of church and state during almost all of Israel`s independence. The priests were often advisors in a Kings court. The Kings are often judged in religious texts for their faith (or mostly lack of faith). The church and state separated when they were conquered. -Saul: He was the first and only king of his dynasty. All of his heirs were killed in battle with Philistines -David: Started the second dynasty of Israel. He had to fight in many civil wars with Saul`s former General. He later had to fight one of his son`s in the Second civil war. -Solomon: Considered the wisest King of them all and is famed for creating the 1st temple of God and married many Women ( 1092 if you are interested) to have peace amongst Israel`s neighbor`s. He was oppressive towards the Norther people. -Rehoboam: Last king of a unified Israel and caused most of the northern country to secede from his rule. -Ending: Israel never reunited because the northern kingdom were deported by the Assyrians and eventually assimilated to Assyrian culture. The Israelites are then conquered by the Babylonians but are later freed by the Persians.
The Conquers -Judea (the southern kingdom) was conquered by three major empires: Babylon: They captured and destroyed much of the capital and deported many away from their home territory. The Persians later returned the Jews back to their homelands if they chose to. The Jews set up a theocracy after this Greece: At first the Greeks freed them of rule under the Persians, but later forced them to be Hellenized or assimilated to Greek culture. This started a revolt where the Jews, led by a priest, eventually won and became their own nation again. Rome: They were again conquered by Rome but didn`t like paying taxes to the Roman government. In 70CE they revolted, led by priests, but failed and were forced away from their homeland. The Jews had to live elsewhere in the Roman Empire. Christian email him the primary sources and the quiz to print!!
Turning Points Creation of Israel 1948-This happened after World War II. The Allies gave the original homeland of the Jews, then Palestine, back to them. This started several wars in the Middle East and many tough relationships with Israel and its Neighbors. Holocaust- Until the Holocaust, the traditional view of God and His connection with Israel had remained intact: God was their Provider and Protector. During the holocaust, the Jews could not recognize a God who would allow such evil to operate. They had no faith that such crimes would never again occur and feeling no hope in life, and expecting no meaning in death, saw no reason to perpetuate Judaism. To spare their descendants the horrors they had endured, they abandoned Judaism, sometimes converting and raising their children as non- Jews.
Turning Points Reform Movement- Reform Judaism was born at the time of the French revolution, a time when European Jews were recognized for the first time as citizens of the countries in which they lived. Ghettos were abolished, Jews didn't wear special badges, they could dress however they wanted, and they could work wherever they wanted, as well. In 1815, after Napoleon's defeat, Jews lost the rights of citizenship in several countries. Many became Christian to maintain those rights. Every so often, old practices were changed and new ones were introduced. This resulted in a Jewish life that was very different from what was lived 2,000-4,000 years before. These changes made it easier for Jews to live in accordance to Judaism. The reform movement reformed Judaism in the light of Western thought, values, and culture where such a reinterpretation did not come into conflict with Judaism's basic principles. In addition, a number of cultured laymen in various German cities tried their hand at creating liturgy and format which they believed was more keeping with Western ideals.
Turning Points Yom Kippur War- This war did not solve anything, except Israel's arrogance and self- confidence. In 1977 in a revolutionary election, the Labor Party was thrown out of office for the first time in Jewish history. In addition, Menachem Begin became the new prime minister. All of that was caused by the tremendous upheaval known as the Yom Kippur War. It was the darkest time since the Holocaust for the Jewish people. The Six Day War- The Six-Day war began on June 5, 1967. It involved three distinct battlefronts, tied together by a shared desire to eliminate Israel and erase the shame of their defeat 19 years earlier when they failed to destroy the nascent Jewish state. It resulted in a massive reorganization of territories in the middle-east. The Six Day War had many long term effects on the region as well. It put a strain on Christian-Jewish relations in the U.S as some Jewish leaders faulted Christian institutions for not speaking out against Arab enmity toward Israel. This war affected Judaism
Turning Points Christianity Being in Power (Crusades)- The Christians often persecuted and massacred Jews because they had a hand in the death of Jesus. The Pharisees had staged it so Pilate would kill Jesus Christianity Emerges from Judaism- A splinter group within the Jewish people was forming around the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Christianity first emerged as a sect or branch within Judaism when Roman control was increasing. Despite early persecution, Christianity increased in influence, until, in the fourth century, it became the official religion of the empire.
Practices and Beliefs of Judaism
Central Beliefs of Judaism A wide range of people practice Judaism, and so in turn it is does not necessarily have a standardized set of central beliefs among all of its followers and disciples. The best summarization of the central beliefs of a majority of the Judaic beliefs are described in Rambam's 13 Principles of Faith: Maimonides (Rambam), was a Rabbi born in 1135 C.E. in Spain, and composed his 13 principles to described the beliefs of Judaism. 1. God Exists 2. God is one and unique 3. God is incorporeal 4. God is eternal 5. Prayer is to be directed to God and to no other 6. The words of the Prophets are true 7. Moses' prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets 8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses 8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses 9. There will be no other Torah 10. God knows the thoughts and actions of men 11. God will reward the good and punish the wicked 12. The Messiah will come 13. The dead will be resurrected
Life Practices Value of Life: In Judaism life is treasured more than almost all else, and almost any Jewish law or commandment can be violated or disregarded in order to preserve life, for example in Judaism abortion is permitted in order to preserve the life of the mother. Bar and Bat Mitzvah: These are the coming of age for boys and girls that are fundamental in Jewish culture. Boys at age 13, become a bar mitzvah, 12 for girls, meaning they are now responsible for their own actions (previously parents held responsible), must abide by the commandments (children are not required to follow them, but often practice for adulthood), and practically seen as a full member of the Jewish church. There is usually a ceremony but it is not required. Marriage: Marriage in Jewish culture is very close to the standard marriage in the U.S.A. Marriage comes in two stages Kiddushin and Nisuin, which is similar to engagement and full marriage. At Kiddushin (engagement), the woman is bound to the man. A ceremony is usually held with a Rabbi present to recite prayers.
Life Practices (cont.) Death and Mourning: Death is seen as a passing to the afterlife in Judaism. Death in orthodox religion has very regimented and ritualistic acts of mourning. When a death of a close relative occurs some rituals occur such as ripping their clothing and fasting from pleasures such as bathing, working, wearing certain clothes, and more seven days before the burial. Kaddish: a prayer recited by a close relative in front of a group of people in order to mourn the dead and reaffirm hope in god despite the loss of a loved one.
Mashiach: The Messiah The Messiah: The idea of the Messiah or "The Anointed One" is an ancient belief that transcends time in Judaic culture. The Messiah was said lead the Jewish people in the Messianic Age. The Messianic Age is an age described by a time in the future of pure tranquility. It is said to be a time with no crime, poverty, or war. The Messiah is said to be a righteous and charismatic leader that inspires other, and wins battles for the Israel. The Jewish people believe the Messiah will one day come and get spiritual and political redemption for Israel and the Jewish people, he will establish a central government in Israel that will be the center of all world government and leadership, restore the temple and Jewish worship, and establish Jewish law as the law of the land. Messiah in Christianity vs. Judaism: In Christianity it is believed that Jesus was the savior or the Messiah, while in Judaism believes that Jesus, if a Jewish person even believes in his existence, believe that he did not fulfill the missions of the Messiah as described in the biblical passages.
Holiday and Celebration Within Judaic practice, the Jewish people honor a variety of holidays and celebrations, with many of them engulfed in both historical, traditional, and spiritual meanings. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah: Yom Kippur's (Yom-Kipoor) translation to English is "The Day of Atonement" (Atonement: Repenting for wrongdoing or injury). This day is regarded as asking for forgiveness from god for sin. This day is spent mostly in the synagogue, praying. Jewish people may fast and wear less formal clothes to avoid showing off wealth. A tradition for about a month before Yom Kippur a traditional horn made from a ram's horn called the shofar is blown to call people to remember to think of asking god for forgiveness. Along with Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah (RA-sh HA-sh-a-nah) occurs. It is the Jewish new year, and is on the first day of the seventh month on the Jewish Calendar called Tishri (October and September). Similar to other New Year celebrations, it is said to be a time of bettering oneself for the coming year. The traditional horn blown in the time before Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.
Holiday and Celebration Passover (Pesach): Passover is one of the most widely observed holidays by all types of Jewish people and even some Non-Jews. It occurs on the 15th day of the first Jewish month of Nissan (Usually early April). It is a historical holiday that spurs from the account of when the Kingdom of Egypt was holding Israelites captive, and Moses requested their freedom from the Pharaoh. When the Pharaoh refused, ten plagues were sent to Egypt, and still the Pharaoh held the captives. Then a holy figure came to kill every first-born Egyptian son. Prior the Israelites were instructed to mark the entrances to their living spaces with the blood of sacrificed lambs so that the spirit would "Passover" them, sparing their sons. The holiday today, is characterized by a variety of practices. One of them being avoiding bread, or anything created with yeast or grain. Jewish people sometimes put in great effort to avoid having any grain or yeast in their home. The holiday is also known for its traditional foods and recipes.
Places of Worship The Synagogue is the center of the Jewish community that is in its vicinity. It is a place for prayer and worship, charitable work, social interaction, and education among the Jewish people. Function: At its most basic level, the Synagogue stands as a house of prayer. Although some prayer can be performed at home, some require the presence of a group, and in that case the Synagogue serves as a communal prayer location. Also, rituals are preformed within the Synagogue. Synagogues also serve as a place of education, usually suppling Judaic texts and open teachings from religious teachers like the Rabbi. Children also receive basic religious teachings here. They also serve as a place of social welfare for people in need.
Places of Worship Organization and Structure: A Synagogue is usually community ran and doesn t follow a hierarchical system by reporting to a higher figure or structure of worship. A Synagogue often has a group of directors who run and maintain the Synagogue. They will hire a rabbi or chazzan to lead the prayers and teach the Jewish laws and lessons. (Although the Synagogue can still function without a rabbi or chazzan) Synagogues do not pass around collection plates during services. They will usually collect donations during weekday services for holding money in the Synagogue is prohibited during the weekly Jewish day of rest. They will usually use voluntary donations to handle the expenses of the Synagogue.
Current Day Judaism Branches
Current Day Judaism There are four main branches of Ju daism today in addition to a few smaller denominations The four main branches are, Ortho dox, Conservative, Reformed, and Reconstructionist Some of the smaller denominations or movements are Secular, and Hasidic Judaism
Orthodox Judaism This branch of Judaism follows multiple restrictions including dietary laws, dress and grooming obligations ( such as not being able to trim facial hair or hair from the sides of the head ), and Sabbath observance The Shabbat laws are complex laws that involve a specific instructor to teach them, some examples of Shabbat laws, are... - no usage of telephone -no -no doing laundry -no cooking baking or kindling a fire -no shopping The majority of Jews whom follow Orthodox Judaism are Hassidic Jews
Conservative Judaism Conservative Judaism was originally known as " Historical Judaism " Conservative Judaism began in the 19 hundreds as a reaction to reform Judaism Members of Conservative Judaism follow regular dress and woman have more freedom from traditional roles as homemakers and mothers. Conservative Jews hailed Westernization of Judaism in areas of education and culture, and in the 1980s the conservatives came in conclusion to admitting woman as rabbis
Reformed Judaism. Reformed Judaism requires dietary laws, and Sabbath observance optional. Later equality for woman and homosexuality was looked at as acceptable.in reformed Judaism, the ethical teachings are taught in the native language rather than in Hebrew.. Reformed Judaism is less Liberal than Reconstructionist,
Reconstructionist Judaism.. Reconstructionist Judaism was founded in 1922, in the United States, by a man named Rabbi Kaplan, in an effort to adapt classical Judaism to current ideas on, art, science, and reason..members of this community discard the concept of miracles ( like the parting of the Red Sea ), a personal God, and looking at Jews as " the chosen people ", and they rather see Judaism as an evolving society.. Reconstructionist are more liberal than Reformed members.
Modern Judaism: The Israeli and Palestinian Conflict
The Israeli and Palestinian Conflict The conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine is a complicated and has many different aspects to its story that is still developing today. This conflict directly concerns the Jewish people because it affects the most concentrated population of Jewish people in the largest Jewish state in the world. 1. Israel today began as Palestine, and was the population was mostly Arab, with a small percentage of Jewish and other religions present with their peoples living mostly in peace. 2. After World War I the Ottoman Empire dissolved in the Middle East and both France and Britain began to divide up the region. Britain claimed Palestine in what was called the British Mandate for Palestine. 3. The Jewish people were drawn to the settlement because of its religious significance because its proximity to the city of Jerusalem. Britain permitted Jewish immigration into the New Settlement, but violence broke out between Arabs and Jewish People.
Map of the Ottoman Empire before World War I, then after division into European settlement and colonization.
The Israeli and Palestinian Conflict 4. In response to the violence, Britain restricted Jewish immigration. Then in turn events such as the Holocaust forced more Jews to flee Europe to Palestine. 5. As violence continued, the U.N. proposed a plan to separate Palestine into two separate regions Israel and Palestine. They also left Jerusalem as an international zone because of its vast religious significance. Then, Britain took out most of their influence in the region. 6. Arab countries disliked the U.N.'s plan (they saw it as Europe trying to further extend its influence), and so they declared war on Israel to attempt to establish a whole Arab state (Arab-Israeli War). Israel won the war and took over many of the regions given to Palestine by the U.N. plan. 7. Another war occurred between Israel and the Arab countries (Six-days War). Upon winning the war, Israel took over many surrounding territories of other Arab countries and the entirety of Palestine. 8. Israel returned the large portion of large taken from Egypt, by signing a peace treaty, which was highly controversial. By this time outer-arab countries anger towards Israel decreased but internal conflict remained. 9. Extremist groups formed on both sides, but the most active groups formed to fight for Palestine independence.
Israel after the Six-Days- War, with their newly conquered territory. The U.N.'s plan for Israel Map of forces of the Arab states encroaching. Israel after winning Arab-Israeli War
The Israeli and Palestinian Conflict 10. Jewish and Israeli settlements began to grow inside the Palestine controlled regions. Some of these settlements force the native Palestinians out of the regions, creating refugee crises. The international community sees these settlements as illegal and unethical. 11. Several violent uprisings within Palestine occurred with massive amounts of causalities. 12. The U.S. tried to mend some relations with meetings and deals such as the Oslo Accords, and others but little was really accomplished. To this day, fighting continues. This fighting takes the lives of thousands of people. Fighting threatens both the security of Palestine and of the Jewish center of the world, Israel.
S.O.A.P.S. Tone
S.O.A.P.S. Tone #1 Leviticus- Third book of Bible and Torah Speaker: Moses, a prophet of God, who is Israel`s leader at this time (Chapter 1 verses 1 and 2). Occasion: Revealing the rules and ways to sacrifice and offerings to God. It also provides the criteria of what can and cannot be sacrificed (Chapter 1 Verses 3, 10 and 14). Audience: The people of Israel who have been recently freed from slavery in Egypt (Chapter 1 verse 2). Purpose: To provide instruction to properly sacrifice animals and what grain to offer to God (Chapter 2 verses 1 and 4). Subject: It is the rules and guidelines of how to sacrifice. These are very important, how you perform a ritual, you can be punished for messing up (Chapter 1 verses 7 and 8). Tone: Informative, so the people know and priests correctly perform the offerings and sacrifices.
S.O.A.P.S. Tone #2 Robert Kennedy s 1948 Reports from Palestine Speaker- Robert Kennedy, 22, he is the brother of famed JFK. Occasion-To report for the Boston Globe what was happening in Palestine, so the American people can be informed on what`s going on (passage 1). Audience-Readers of the Boston Globe. They have listened to many battles in WWII and are keen to hear how the war in Palestine is happening (Passage 4). Purpose-To inform the American public about how the war in Palestine is going and stances/opinions of both sides. (Passage 4 and 3). Subject: The events and opinions of peoples involved in the conflict. They have a statement from both sides (passage 5 and 6). Tone: Biased because he was very outspokenly in support of Israel (passage 2).
Sources Bar-Zohar, M. (2017, May 03). David Ben-Gurion. Retrieved October 21, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/david-ben-gurion Crash Course In Jewish History. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.jewishhistory.org/crash-course/ Four Branches of Judaism. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://media.lanecc.edu/users/borrowdalej/rel203_f13/jewish_sects.html History of the Reform Movement My Jewish Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/reform-judaism/ How the Holocaust Challenged Faith My Jewish Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/how-the-holocaust-challenged-faith/ Israel at War: Primary Sources. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2017, from http://jcpa.org/publication/israel-at-warprimary-sources/# WOI Jewish Voice for Peace. (n.d.). Israel Palestine Conflict 101. Retrieved from https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/israelipalestinian-conflict-101/ Judaism. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/religion/stories/s796551.htm Rich, R. R. (2011). Judaism 101. Retrieved October 17, 2017, from http://www.jewfaq.org/origins.htm The First Crusade. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.jewishhistory.org/the-first-crusade/ The Four Branches of Modern Judaism - Caroline Myss. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.myss.com/freeresources/world-religions/judaism/the-four-branches-of-modern-judaism/ Turning Points in Jewish History Congregation Rodfei Zedek. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://rodfei.org/node/661 What is the Six-Day war and why is it significant? - The Hindu. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israelssix-day-war
שלום Shalom! Goodbye!