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What is the Star of David?
Also known as Magen David, it was created and referenced by the shape of King David's shield.
Adopted by Zionists as a marker of Jewish nationality in the 20th century.
Today Jews see it as a symbol of the will to sruvive and as a source of pride in their Jewish identity.
When and who was Judaism founded?
Founded in the 13th century, BCE
The religion was founded by Moses.
he founded the 10 commandments which is considered to be the foundation of Judaism.
Originally, Abraham and his descendantss did found Judaism before Moses, but Moses was the one who founded the 10 commandments on which Judaism rests upon.
What are the roots of Judaism?
Dates back approximately 4000 years ago, and was founded in Palestine (now known as Israel).
What are the sacred books of Judaism?
The Old Testament consisting of the Five Books of Law called the Torah.
How many adherents does Judaism have?
It is the smallest major world religion only making up 0.2% of human race.
What 3 religions came from Ancient Israel?
Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Who were the great patriarchs of Judaism and what were their roles?
Joshua
Abraham: Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, exemplified faith and obedience, forging a covenant with God for a great nation.
Isaac: Isaac, son of Abraham, played a pivotal role in the covenant's fulfillment and is remembered for the near-sacrifice on Mount Moriah.
Jacob: Jacob, later named Israel, fathered the twelve tribes, solidifying his significance in the ancestral lineage of the Jewish people.
Who was Moses and what did he do?
Moses was the man who freed the Israelites from Egypt. He received revelation from God: Burning bush, rod/staff, 10 plagues, parting of the Red Sea.
By the end of the 13th century, Moses freed the majority of the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt during Rames II reign called the Exodus. This renewed the covenant between God and the People.
What else did Moses do other than freeing the Israelites?
Moses led the 12 Tribes of Israel to Mount Sinai where Yahweh gave him the 10 Commandments, uniting the Hebrews under one God
Moses and Hebrews searched for the “Promised Land” or the land of milk and honey, however they wandered in the desert for 40 years.
What was the covenant that was renewed because of Moses?
Solemn and binding agreement between God and Abraham (humanity) as God as the Creator and the Chosen people
Who do the Jews believe the chosen people are?
Jews considered themselves to be God’s Chosen people as god chose Abraham and led him to monotheism.
Jews are instruments of God’s will
God chose Jews; humanity must choose God
Where do the Jews believe the promise land is?
During Moses’ life Hebrews sought to keep a covenant and develop a community in the promised land, AKA Israel.
What was the development of Judaism?
There were 3 major kings, King Saul, king David, and King Solomon (built the temple).
There was a split between the North and the South.
Northern Tribes = Israel
Southern Tribes = Judah
The word of god began speaking through prophets “Love God and keep the covenant with Him”.
The Temple of Solomon was destroyed during the exile in Babylon, and the creation of synagogues and rabbis and the concept of Messiah “anointed one” rose.
The dispersion of Jews outside of Israel and Hellenization, and Greek influence taking over.
The Greeks transformed the temple into a shrine for Zeus. The Jews revolt and the temple is rededicated to God.
The Roman empire began expanding again destroyed the temple again, leaving the Western Wall. This put a strong emphasis on the coming Messiah leading the Jews out of oppression.
What are the different beliefs of Judiasm?
Monotheistic
One God
Humans are obligated to worship god
God is immaterial and indivisible
God is referred to as YHWH or YAHWEH “I am that I am”
Lineage
People are born a Jew (through their mother) or later convert (gerut)
Mitzvah
Act of performing a good deed or commandment
Bible contains 613 mitzvah or laws
Jesus
Born a jew a preacher and teacher
Not a son of god
Suffering
Heightened suffering as the Chosen People, and Jews are expected to suffer for mankind
Death
Believes the soul rises to God, while the body stays on Earth. The body will be resurrected with the soul at a later time.
What are the 2 Hebrew words “man” came from?
Adamah: The Earth
Man is made of matter mortal body “Dust you were…”
Gives us instinct for evil
Adameh: Resembles God
Man is created in God’s image (immortal soul)
Gives us instinct for good
What was created because of Adam and Eve when they were expelled from the Garden of Eden?
The Torah, as it was used as a road map to guide us. The Torah tells us how to do good and is written in stone, which means permanence.
What are the 2 different Torahs?
Written Torah
First 5 books of the Christian Bible
Contains over 600 laws fro conduct; behaviour, diet, justice and worship.
Jewish scribes write out the Torah yb hand on sacred scrolls
Every synagogue has at least 1
Oral Torah
Practical laws which clarify the complicated laws in the written Torah
Used to be prohibited to write down any laws from the Oral Torah
Ex: You shall not cook a kid in the milk of his mother (Written Torah)
Oral: No meat may be eaten at the same time as any dairy product
What is the Mishnah?
It is the Oral Torah written down, as in the third century there was a concern that the oral tradition would be corrupt or lost.
Rabbis then commented on the Mishnah which became known as the Gemara
Collectively they are both known as the Talmud (Huge Volume of Work)
What are the 4 types of Judaism listed in chronological order?
Orthodox Judaism (1800 BCE) - Extreme Conservatives
Literalists; believed without question the Torah fell from the Heavens
Services held in Hebrew
Sabbath strictly observed
Maintain strict Jewish practices
Only mother must be Jewish in order for the child to be Jewish.
Reform Judaism (1810 A.D.) - Extreme Liberals
Contextualists; Torah came from human creation
Abolished the partition (divide) in synagogues that separated men and women.
Women were allowed to become Rabbis
Both parents need to be Jewish in order for the child to be Jewish
Conservative Judaism (1854 A.D.)
Conservative Jews holding the middle ground between orthodox and reformed Jews.
Believed God revealed the Torah both to and through the people
Wanted to alter some old-style practices such as men adn women are now allowed to sit together in synagogues, and women can become rabbis
Reconstructionist Judaism (1920 A.D.)
Fastest growing American-centered Jewish movements
Goal is to make Jewish traditions meaningful in modern times
Blend traditions with change to adapt to the changing environment
What is the Rosh Hashanah? (Festival)
Jewish New Years
Falls in September or early October lasting for 2 days
Saturday prior to Rosh Hashanah is a forgiveness service at the synagogue
Starts 10 day period of repentance ending with the Yom Kippur
What is the Yom Kippur? (Festival)
Day of Atonement
Most solemn (serious) religious day including a 25 hour fast and prayers of repentance
No signs of comfort and luxury
What is Hanukkah? (Festival)
Festival of Lights
8 day period falling in December
Celebrating the day during rededication of the temple. A lamp with enough oil to last for one day lasted for 8 days.
One candle = 1 day of Hanukkah
What is Pesach? (festival)
Passover
Falls in April lasting for 7 days
Eating only unleavened bread commemorating the haste in which the Hebrews fled Egypt
Seder Meal is served on the first of pesach. The Night includes songs, special food, prayers and the Exodus story is told, enacted and explained.
What are the different practices of Judaism?
Holy Ark and Torah
Blessings and Prayer
Minyan
Kashrut
Shabbat
Circumcision
Shofar
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Marriage
Death and Shiva
What traditions occur when naming a child? (Judaism)
A formal Hebrew name is given to the child in addition to their conventional name
Boys are circumcised on the eighth day after birth, and this is also when their Hebrew name is given
Girls are given their name in the synagogue on a Sabbath shortly after birt
What happens when a Jewish child reaches their adolescent age?
Bar Mitzvah = Son of the Commandment (age 13)
Bat Mitzvah = Daughter of the Commandment (age 12)
Considered an adult in the Jewish religion
Expected to read and comment on the Torah
What happens during marriage? (Judaism)
Performed in a synagogue by a rabbi under a special canopy
Bride and groom drink a glass of blessed wine and the groom crushes the glass later
What happens during death? (Judaism)
Funeral takes place within 24 hours of a persons’ death
No cremation
Believes in life after death, but more important to focus on the present
What is Shiva?
A 7 day mourning period following the funeral
Started by lighting the Shiva candle and eating a meal of consolation prepared by friends and neighbours
Mourners do not leave the house and recite the Mourner’s prayer (kaddish)
What is anti-semitism?
Discrimination, prejudice or hostility towards Jews
What happened to Solomon’s Temple, and what was left?
6 years after Herod rebuilt the temple the Romans attacked Jerusalem destroying the temple again. Thousands of Jews were killed and the rest were taken as slave . After their defeat, the Jews were exiled out of Israel and scattered through the middle East and Europe. Temple was never rebuilt, and only the Western Wall was left.
It is called the Wailing Wall as mournful prayers are always being said at the site
It is a symbol of indestructibility for the Jewish people.
Why did Hitler Target the Jews?
Principal target of Nazi hatred as they were the minority making up less than 1% of Germany’s population in 1933.
Nazis mistakenly identified Jews as a race, and viewed them as inferior
Jews were the scapegoat for the economic depression and the country’s defeat in WW1
What is the timeline of the Holocaust/WW2?
1923: First issue of the pro-Nazi, antisemitic newspaper Der Sturmer is published.
1925: Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler is published on July 18.
1927: Hitler's autobiographical book outlining his anti-Semitic beliefs, political ideology, and future plans for Germany is published.
1933: Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of the German Reich; one-day boycott of all Jewish shops is proclaimed; kosher butchering is forbidden by law; fewer non-Aryan children admitted to German schools and universities.
1940: German Jews begin to be taken into "protective custody" and deported to concentration camps; Jews may no longer have telephones; Jews pay special income taxes.
1941: Jews must designate themselves as "unbelievers"; the "final solution" begins; every Jew in Germany must wear a Star of David; large-scale deportation of Jews to concentration camps begins.
1942: Approximately 130,000 Jews live in the Third Reich; Jews may no longer subscribe to newspapers or magazines; Jewish apartments must be identified with a Star of David; Jews forbidden to use public transportation; Jews not permitted to keep pets; Jews must hand over spare clothing, electrical and optical equipment, bicycles, typewriters; all Jewish schools are closed; Jews not allowed to institute civil suits; Jews can no longer buy meat, eggs, or milk; all Jews in concentration camps in Germany are to be transferred to Auschwitz (extermination camp).
What is another word for holocaust?
Shoah, which means terrible or great win
What happened on September 10, 1935?
The Nuremberg Law was established. This was designed to clarify three things:
Requirements of citizenship in the third reich
Assure the purity of German blood and honour
The position of Jews in the Reich
What were some of the laws the Nuremberg Laws consist of?
Forbade marriages between jews and Germans and sexual relationships to keep the German blood pure. Offence punishable by imprisonment
Also applied for other races
Men subdivided into superior and inferior races
Jews not allowed to host up the German flag nor to employ “Aryans” in tehir households
Jews weren’t able to become citizens of the Reich.
Jews were not allowed to have any public functions any more
Jews were forced to retire on Dec 31, 1935 and weren’t allowed to vote
What happened in the holocaust?
The systematic mass slaughter of European Jews in Nazi concentration camps during WW2, ordered by Hitler.
Jews were held in concentration camps where the strongest were forced to work as slaves and the weak were experimented on or killed.
Many died due to malnourishment and disseases
Many were gassed or shot with their bodies being burned
By 1945, 12 million people die and over 50% being Jews.
Who else did Hitler target?
Millions of the innocent were persecuted and murdered
Over 3 million Soviet prisoners were killed
2 million polish and Slavs were killed
Hundred thousands of Gipsies
250K mentally or physically retarded people died
Homosexuals
Thousands of political and religious dissidents (commies, socialists, etc)
Define the following terms:
Muslim
Islam
Shahadah
Allah
Islam: Arabic word that means “submitting to God” and “peace”.
Muslim: A person who follows teachings of Islam and “submits God and finds peace in Him”. All creation is Muslim.
Shahdah: “There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of god”.
Allah: Arabic name for God. It is preferred over other names because it has no gender affiliation and does not have plurality.
Define the following terms:
Mihrab
Minaret
Wudu
Imam
Mihrab: Small arch or hole in wall indicates the direction of Ka’bah in Mecca
Minaret: High tower or dome form which a muezzin calls the faithful to prayer
Wudu: Cleansing process before prayer
Imam: Chief officer in the mosque who leads prayers
What are the different divisions of Islam?
Sunni (Majority): Follows the Sunnah and recognizes four caliphs.
Shi’ah (Minority): Emphasizes leadership of Imams, starting with Ali.
Sufi: Focuses on mysticism and spiritual experience.
What does Jihad mean?
To strive, struggle, and exert effort.
Struggle against evil inclinations within oneself
Struggle to improve quality of life in society
Struggle in the battlefield for self defence or fighting against tyranny or oppression
What does Islam mean?
An Arabic word that means “submitting to God”. A person who follows the teachings of Islam is called a Muslim, “one who submits to God and finds peace in Him”.
Islam is one of the 3 Great Faiths born in the Middle East. Key figures in Islamic tradition is the Prophet Abraham.
What is the Shahadah?
Islamic belief is captured in their creed which states: “There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”.
What do Muslims believe in?
In the 7th century, God sent a series of revelations through Archangel Gabriel to Muhammad. The revelation proclaims the oneness of God and the need to submit to God through worship and righteous living.
View Noah, Moses, and Jesus as great prophets along with the Prophet Muhammad.
What is the origin of Islam?
Prior to Muhammad, Arabia believed in a variety of Gods, and was a polytheistic country. These Gods were worshipped through Idolatry (praising objects representing the diety).
What is the Ka’bah?
When Muhammad was born in 570 CE, Muslims believed the Ka’bah, a cube-shaped building Abraham built was filled with idols. Citizens believed they offered protection from battles.
Who was Muhammad and what did he do?
Muhammad was a prophet who founded Islam as he was the one who received direct revelation from god through Angel Gabriel.
Muslims regard Muhammad with great respect, which they demonstrate by using phrases such as “peace be upon him”
Muhammad led Arabia away from idolatry and into a monotheistic state
Muhammad was born into the most respected tribe Quraysh. Both his parents died during his childhood and was raised by his grandfather, and was taken by his uncle once his grandfather passed.
Always demonstrated monotheism, and viewed idolatry as a poison
Always went on long journeys with his grandfather, and on his return to Makkah, he would spend time contemplating and meditating in the hills.
What was Muhammad’s revelation?
In 610 CE, Muhammad received revelations at Mount Hira, leading to the Qur’an's formation over 23 years. Despite preaching against idolatry in Makkah, hostility grew. After nine years, he migrated to Yathrib (Madinah) in the Hijrah. Muslims believe in a Night Journey where Muhammad, with Gabriel, traveled to Jerusalem and through the Seven Heavens, meeting significant figures before approaching the Throne of God.
What happened to Muhammad in Medina?
He built a large community of Muslims, and later reached the latter of the city. The Quraysh tribe were alarmed of appeals of Islam, and aimed for the death of Muhammad. Muhammad fought the Quraysh tribe 3 times, managing to defend his city. Finally in 630 CE, Muhammad led a group of 10,000 in Makkah, and is referred to as the “Conquest of Makkah.”
What is the central belief of Islam?
There is no God but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Align yourself to the will of God
Muslims should not convert others to their beliefs but can guide others to the Truth.
What beliefs does Islam have in god?
God’s proper name is Allah
Monotheistic
God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent
God is the sole creator and provider of all
He is compassionate and merciful
god rules over Heaven and Earth
What is judgment day in Islam?
Allah created humans with a body and soul, the body acting as a temporal host for this life, while the soul is eternal.
Soul meets God in the afterlife and is sent to Paradise or Hell
Desire for Purified soul = Heaven
Disbelievers and impure soul = Hell
Upon The Final Judgement = World will end and we will stand before God to confront our own life and actions
What are some other beliefs Islam has?
Engage only in Righteous Actions in all areas: Spiritual, intellectual and physical activity
All God’s Creation is “Muslim”: Only humans are given choice to submit (be Muslim) or reject submission to God’s will
All children are born without sin and are Muslim: As they grow older , they make their religious CHOICE
Universality of the call: All muslims are brothers and equals without any distinction of class, race or tongue. Superiority is only based on the greater fear of God and greater piety.
What are the 5 Pillars of Belief?
Shahada - The Creed
Salat - Prayer
Zakat - Almsgiving, giving to the poor
Sawm - Fasting (Ramadan)
Hajj - Pilgrimage in Makkah (The big cube)
What does the first pillar represent?
The First Pillar: Shadah (Declaration of Faith)
The Shahadah states “There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.”
This is the Muslim announcement to the world that they sincerely believe in and follow the Qur’an.
What does the second pillar represent?
The Second Pillar: Salat (Mandatory Prayer)
Takes place 5 times per day, before dawn, mid-day, late afternoon, after sunset, and after day.
BeforeSalat, you must perform a ritual cleansing known as wudu (to make it pure or radiant).
It involves prayers and series of movements
Salat begins with “Allahu Akbar,” which means, “God is Great.”
What does the third pillar represent?
The Third Pillar: Zakat (Mandatory Almsgiving)
Zakat is done because Muslims want to obey divine law.
Means “To purify or increase.”
Islamic law states that a person should give alms valued at 2.5% of their wealth over the period of one year.
What does the fourth pillar represent?
The Fourth Pillar: Sawm (Mandatory Fasting)
Occurs for entire month of ramadan (Ramandan Mubarak = A blessed Ramaadan)
Forbidded to eat, drink, smoke or have sexual relations from dawn to dusk
To test the spirit, discipline the will and remind of the hungry and poor
Considered an act of worship
Elderly, sick and young children are exempt
Ends with one-day festival called Eid al-Fitr
What does the fifth pillar represent?
The Fifth Pillar: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)
Undertaken by any Muslim, male or female.
Must be healthy and can afford the trip.
Last day of hajj commemorates the day God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael at Mina. Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at three tall stone pillars that represent Satan.
What happens during Ramadan?
Fast of Ramadan occurs during the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. Fast lasts for 29 or 30 days. Adult Muslims must go without food from before dawn to after sunset. Abstain from drinking, smoking and intercourse during this time.
It is supposed to draw Muslims closer to God and develop their patience and perseverance.
What is the Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Al-Fitr is the Festival of the Breaking of the fast. It is held on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic year - at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a time for prayer - the festival begins with prayers at the mosque where Muslims thank God for the Qur’an and for helping them to fast throughout the month.
Eid Al-Fitr is a national holiday in Muslim countries and includes:
Visitation for friends and family wearing their best clothes
Give to the poor (so they can enjoy the day too)
Special meals are eaten
Children are given presents.
What is the Eid-Ul-Adha?
Eid-Ul-Adha is the festival of sacrifice
Muslims remember the time when Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son Ishmael because God commanded it.
They participate in order to show that they are also ready to sacrifice their lives for God.
They sacrifice an animal - this is symbolic of when God told Abraham to sacrifice a sheep - because God wants Muslims to show him their devotion
The meat of the animal is then shared with friends, relatives and the poor.
This festival also begins with prayers at the mosque.
What are some other events Islam celebrates?
Muslims also celebrate certain events in Muhammad’s life:
Milad ul-Nabi - Muhammad’s birthday is celebrated on the twelfth day of the third month of the Islamic calendar.
Mi’raj - Celebrates the “Night Journey” or Ascension where Muhammad is taken by Gabriel from Makkah to Jerusalem and then on to Heaven
Laylat-ul-Qadr - The “Night of Power” when the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad.
What happens during birth in Islam?
Muslim parents = Muslim child
First words a baby hears are the call to prayer in Arabic spoken into the right ear.
7 days after birth the main ceremony (Aqiqah) occurs:
Child’s head is shaved of all it’s hair
Money, gold or silver is given to the poor
Baby is given a name (one of the 99 names of God, the name of a prophet or someone in Muhammad’s family).
Friends and neighbours come for a meal and food is also given to the poor
Muslims boys are circumcised after birth
What happens during marriage in Islam?
Muslims believe that the Quran encourages them to get married.
Muslim marriages are often arranged by the two sets of parents of a young boy and girl, and most muslims trust their parents to make these choices for them (BUT the young couple has to agree before the marriage takes place).
The two sets of parents create a marriage contract that includes a dowry which is money or jewellery given by the man to his future wife.
Muslim weddings are simple, but everyone wears their best clothes.
The marriage ceremony can take place at the mosque or at the bride’s home, where an Imam reads from the Quran, but two Muslim witnesses must be present.
The marriage ceremony is followed by a feast or celebration with family and friends the following day.
What is polygamy in Islam?
Polygamy occurs when a person is married to more than one person at the same time
This allows women to marry in societies where there are more women than men and provides an opportunity for widows to remarry
It is a sign of great charity to marry a widow and spare her the hardship of having to fend for herself
It is assign of great tolerance and understanding for a woman to agree to share her husband with another woman
Muslim men can marry up to four wives (This is rare because it is expensive and illegal in some countries).
The man must obtain permission from his first wife before taking on a second, third, or fourth wife.
The vast majority of muslims maintain monogamous marriages.
What usually happens after death in Islam?
Muslims approach death with a sense of hope as they will reach paradise and attain God’s approval.
Burial should take place as soon as possible and the body is taken to the gravesite where handfuls of earth in is thrown in the grave while reciting from the Quran.
3 days of mourning after the burial. Muslims believe the deceased is visited by 2 angels who question the person about his or her life, faith and deed while on earth.
What are some Muslim food laws?
Pork is forbidden: also anything related such as bacon, ham or any by-products containing pig fat (lard).
Meat must be slaughtered according to the halal tradition.
What is halal tradition?
Means that an animal must be killed so that the blood is removed in a special way. When the animal is killed the butcher says Bismillah (In the name of Allah)
Means food is provided by Allah to feed humanity.
What is meant by haram?
If the animal is killed without following the Halal rules then it is HARAM = Forbidden
Eating animal fat or any products made with animal fat, or cooked in animal fat is HARAM.
What is halal tradition?
Camels and horses may not be eaten while chicken and beef are allowed.
Unlike the Jewish law Muslims face no restrictions on seafood.
What is Islamophobia?
Refers to unfounded fear of and hostility towards Islam
This leads to discrimination against Muslims
The media’s coverage of Islamic terrorists plays a major role in creating this fear.
Some types of discrimination faced by Muslims are:
Exclusion from mainstream political or social process Stereotyping presumption of guilt by association Racial profiling hate crime.
How are Muslims portrayed in Hollywood?
The 3 B Syndrome: Billionaires, Bombers and Belly Dancers.
How are Muslims racially profiled?
A form of racism involving police focus on people of certain racial groups when seeking suspected criminals. Since 9/11, men and women from the Middle East have been targets of racial profiling
How is it different from Anti-Semitism?
Muslims are affected, not jews
It is fear, not blame, that causes the hatred
Te Jews were blamed for the economic downfall of certain countries.
Muslims are feared because people think they are terrorists or part of terrorist groups
How is terrorism viewed in Islam?
As an opposition of the real believers of Islam. peace must take precedence and priority over aggression.
What does Islam think about murder?
Islam is a religion of peace and submission, and stresses on the sacredness of human life.
Quran: “anyone who saves on life, it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind and anyone who has killed another person, it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind”
What makes the meat Kosher?
The meat has to come from specific animals
Sea Animals: It needs to have a fin and scales
Land Animals: Split hooves are needed for land animals and ruminating stomachs
What are specific processes Jews kill animals to eat?
Cutting the animals neck, specifically targeting the oesophagus and blood vessels. The animal should not feel any pain as this is a quick and swift process.
What is Shabbat?
Hebrew for sabbath, starts evening Friday and ends Saturday evening.
Why do Jews keep meat and dairy separate?
You shall not cook a kid with his mother’s milk
How is Kosher wine different?
The creation process is the same, but instead it is prepared by Sabbath-Observant Jews.
Why is it difficult to operate a Kosher restaurant?
In order to be considered Kosher, a Jewish man needs to prepare the meal.
Difficult process of washing and preparing the meals, as one of the examples I saw was removing bugs from the vegetables. Bugs are a dietary restriction, and the meal will no longer be kosher if there are bugs.
How is the Jewish home different from a Christian’s home?
Signs or words are used to label the cabinets. The words can either be written in English or Hebrew.
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