What are the main doctrines of Judaism?

Brief OverviewSmallest and oldest monotheistic religion3800 yrs ago (Covenant with Abraham)Only 14 million followers

More than a religionAlso an ethnic group

Worship in SynagoguesSpiritual leaders called rabbis (teachers)

Important figuresAbraham (1812 BC)

Established covenant, father of the family of Jews

(Book of Genesis)

Moses (1250 BC)Gave Jews the Torah (laws of God) Freed them from slavery in Egypt

Brief OverviewTorah (Teachings)First 5 books of the Hebrew Bible, hand-

written on a scroll of parchment including laws/customs from written/oral law.Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteuronomy

Contains 10 commandments + 613 mitzvot http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/756399/jewish/The-613-Commandments.ht

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Shabbat (Sabbath)Friday sunset until Saturday sunsetDay of rest (no work) and spiritual

enrichment

Important festivalsPassover (Pesach) Celebration of liberation from slavery in Egypt by Moses

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)

Celebrates creation (Adam & Eve) Year 5773 (09/2013)

Important festivalsYom Kippur (Day of Atonement)

25 hr fast, praying for forgiveness, resolving to do better

Hanukkah/Chanukah (Festival of Lights)

8 day holiday, celebrates victory over religious persecution (165 BC) and the re-dedication of the Temple of Jerusalem (miracle of the burning oil)

MonotheisticBelief in ONE G*d. Jews believe the word is holy and therefore do not write it completely

Each person has their own, personal and unique relationship with G*d.

The doctrines of Judaism

Divine Image ("b'zelem Elohim“)Every person is created in the image of G*d

Everyone has the potential to do goodHumans have free will, which has both negative and positive consequences

ZionThe word that usually refers to Jerusalem.

The doctrines of Judaism

Israel " Eretz Israel“The land of Israel is part of the covenant between G*d and Israelites.

Messiah (Savior )Will unite the world/ bring peace to humanity.

Most believe that the Messiah will be descendant from the lineage of King David

The doctrines of Judaism

Kashrut lawsKosher (proper) foods follow Jewish law.

No mixing of dairy and meatNo pork or pork productsNo shellfish

RPE: Can you separately eat meat and diary? Record that experience and explain your achievements and failures

Jewish words/phrasesChutzpah. Brazen arrogance, guts,

presumption, or gall. Usually a positive trait.

Kippah. That little hat that Jewish men (and sometimes women) wear on their heads. Also called a yarmulke.

L’chayim. Literally “To life!” Said like “Cheers!” when toasting drinks.

Mazel Tov. Good luck! Usually said at the end of a wedding or when responding to good news.

Shalom. Hello, goodbye, or peace.