Judaism

GOD OF JUDAISM:

- Like Christianity, Judaism is monotheistic; they believe in ONE god.
- In Judaism, the name is too holy

• they do not write it out, nor do they say it

• name: YHWH (Yahweh)/ the Lord of Hashem

THE MESSIAH/ MOSHIACH:

- In Judaism, they are still awaiting the Messiah or Moshiach

- In Christianity, Jesus is the Messiah

THE SHEMA:
- The Shema is a daily prayer, that is very important to Jews in their day-to-day lives

THE TORAH:
- The “teachings”

- Revealed by God directly to Moses

- Kept in an Ark (like the Ark of the covenant) in EVRERY synagogue
- Prophet: “one who speaks for”

• Moses spoke for the people = he is a prophet

- First 5 books of the Bible

• Genesis

• Exodus

• Leviticus

• Numbers

• Deuteronomy

THE LIVING, ORAL TORAH:
- Mishnah: teachings of early rabbis

• address changing situations, which are unexplained by the Torah

- Talmud: current commentary on Mishnah

MODERN JUDAISM:

• Reform Judaism:

  • Language of Services: English Liturgy, but prayers and readings in Hebrew.

  • Gender of Rabbis: Male and Female

  • Sabbath: Loosely observed

  • Interpretation of Faith: Progressive; allows for more personal interpretations

• Conservative Judaism:

  • Language of Services: Hebrew Liturgy

  • Gender of Rabbis: Male and Female

  • Sabbath: Strict Observance (Sabbath Laws, Kosher)

  • Interpretation of Faith: Open to change and modern ways

• Orthodox:

  • Language of Services: Hebrew Liturgy (most traditional, by the book)

  • Gender of Rabbis: Male ONLY

  • Sabbath: Strict Observance (Sabbath Laws, Kosher)

  • Interpretation of Faith: Traditional; “Torah-Truth” Society must conform to it

SANCTIFICATION OF LIFE: DAILY LIFE:

- Life sanctified through…

• Ethical Conduct AKA Observing the Torah

• Worship

- Jew NOT a “believer” but an “observer of commandments

- Spiritual perfection = perfect observance of the Law

- Prayer for Men and Women

• Men: 3 times a day

  • Yartmulke / Kippah

  • Tefillin

  • Prayer Shawl

• Women: excused for chores

SANCTIFICATION OF LIFE: SABBATH:

- From Sunset Friday → Sunset Saturday

- Religious AND social high point of the week
- Rest

SANCTIFICATION OF LIFE: HOME:
- Center of Jewish social life

- Mezuzah: placed to the right of the doors; holds scroll with Shema
- Dinner Table: social and religious center

• Kosher

SANCTIFICATION OF LIFE: HOLY DAYS:
- Purpose: ensure unity and community

• 16 Days

• First day / month (marked by the new moon) is holy

- Most Important: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover

• Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and repentance

• Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, where individuals seek forgiveness for their sins

• Passover: Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and emphasizes themes of freedom and redemption.

SANCTIFICATION OF LIFE: RITES OF PASSAGE:

• Purposes:

  • Reflect life changes and provide a sense of permanence

  • Defines one’s responsibilities

• Birth and Naming:

  • Boys: circumcision and naming on eighth day after birth, symbolizing a covenant with God.