Judaism Lecture

Defining Judaism and the Jewish Identity

Judaism is defined as the totality of the beliefs and practices of the Jewish people. A Jew is identified as a person who is either of Jewish heritage or who has undergone a conversion to the Jewish religion. This ancient monotheistic religion traces its origins as an organized belief system back to the Bronze Age in West Asia. It is classified as one of the three Abrahamic religions, alongside Christianity and Islam. Historically, the practitioners of Judaism are known as the "People of the Book."

Traditionally, Jewish identity is passed through the mother; a Jew is anyone whose mother is a Jew. This matrilineal descent was established by the ancient Israelites because the identity of the mother is always certain. However, individuals can also become Jews through conversion. A conversion ceremony is described as an "adoption" into the spiritual family of Abraham and Sarah. This connection means that all Jews believe they are part of Abraham's spiritual family, even if they cannot trace a literal family tree back to him.

Sacred Symbols of the Jewish Faith

The Menorah is the oldest symbol of the Jewish faith. A standard Menorah features $7$ branches, which symbolize the $7$ days of Hanukkah. It represents the state of Israel and its mission to be "a light unto the nations." Lamps of this style stand in synagogues worldwide today. There is also a specific $9$-branched Menorah used specifically for Hanukkah. This version celebrates the miracle in which a single day's supply of oil lasted for $8$ days.

The Star of David, known in Hebrew as the Magen David, is the universal symbol of Judaism. It is composed of two interlocking triangles and appeared as early as the $960\text{'s BC}$. This symbol is found on synagogues, the state flag of Israel, and various Jewish ritual objects. During the Holocaust, Jewish people were forced to wear the Star of David on their arms as a means of identification.

Places of Worship and Leadership

The synagogue was originally established as a place where $10$ men could gather to worship and study. Most Jewish rituals take place within these structures. For example, the Congregation Schara Tzedeck is the largest synagogue in Vancouver, located on Oak Street in downtown Vancouver. The synagogue is led by a Rabbi, who is the individual in charge and responsible for teaching the congregation.

The Torah and Sacred Scriptures

The Torah is the most important text of the Jewish people, containing the "$5$ books of Moses" and many sacred laws. While "Torah" specifically refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the term can also refer to the entirety of Jewish sacred texts. Christians often refer to the Torah as the "Old Testament." According to Jewish tradition, the complete Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) is divided into three main sections: the Torah (Teaching/Law), the Nevi’im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). The Ketuvim includes poetry, wisdom, and history such as Psalms, Proverbs, and Job.

The Torah consists of the Pentateuch, which includes these five books:

1. Genesis: Covers the beginning of the world, humanity, and the story of Abraham’s family.
2. Exodus: Details the Israelites' slavery in Egypt and their escape under Moses.
3. Leviticus: Outlines laws and religious practices for priests and the people.
4. Numbers: Describes the Israelites' journey through the desert.
5. Deuteronomy: Contains Moses' final speeches and a review of laws before entering the Promised Land.

The History of the Patriarch Abraham

Abraham is considered the father of the Jewish people and the first patriarch (a "male power figure"). He was born in Ur Kasdim around $1800 \text{ BC}$. Abraham was the first person to enter into a covenant, or contract, with God. He began teaching monotheism at a time when polytheism was the dominant belief system. According to the Book of Genesis, God chose Abraham to be the father of great nations and promised that his descendants would be God’s chosen people.

To prove his faith, Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice his only son with Sarah, Isaac. Abraham was willing to comply, but right before the sacrifice, God accepted his loyalty and provided a ram instead. This respect for God's wishes sealed the covenant between Abraham and God.

Moses, the Exodus, and the Law

Moses, also known as Moshe Rabbenu in Hebrew, is regarded as the founder of Judaism and its greatest prophet. The Hebrew Bible states that the Israelites migrated to Egypt due to droughts and the threat of famine. While initially accepted, they were eventually forced into slavery. When Moses was born, the Israelites were slaves; after fleeing Egypt because he struck a slave master, Moses encountered a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire. God spoke through the bush, commanding Moses to lead the people out of slavery.

When the Pharaoh ignored Moses' plea to "Let My People Go," God punished Egypt with $10$ plagues:

1. Water turned to blood: The Nile and all water became undrinkable ($\text{Exodus 7:14–24}$).
2. Frogs: Swarms entered homes and kitchens ($\text{Exodus 8:1–15}$).
3. Lice: Dust turned into gnats or lice affecting people and animals ($\text{Exodus 8:16–19}$).
4. Flies: Swarms invaded Egyptian land ($\text{Exodus 8:20–32}$).
5. Death of Livestock: Killed Egyptian horses, donkeys, camels, and cattle ($\text{Exodus 9:1–7}$).
6. Boils: Painful sores broke out on people and animals ($\text{Exodus 9:8–12}$).
7. Hail: A severe storm mixed with fire destroyed crops ($\text{Exodus 9:13–35}$).
8. Locusts: Devoured all remaining greenery ($\text{Exodus 10:1–20}$).
9. Darkness: Thick darkness covered Egypt for $3$ days ($\text{Exodus 10:21–29}$).
10. Death of the Firstborn: This resulted in the death of the Pharaoh’s son. The Israelites were spared by marking doors with lamb’s blood, which is the origin of Passover ($\text{Exodus 11:1–12:30}$).

Moses led the Israelites through the desert for $40$ years. At Mount Sinai, he received the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets. He then led the Hebrews back toward Canaan, the land where Abraham had lived.

The Rise and Fall of the United Monarchy

The Kingdom of Israel ($1020$-$922 \text{ BC}$) began in Canaan, a land characterized by hard conditions, including rocky wilderness, many deserts, and scarce water. The first king was Saul, who was chosen by the prophet Samuel. Saul started strong but lost God’s favor after he offered a sacrifice himself (a task reserved for priests) and failed to completely destroy the Amalekites as commanded.

David succeeded Saul and is known as the greatest king of Israel. He defeated Goliath as a young shepherd and made Jerusalem the capital city. Although he wrote many Psalms and had deep faith, he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, killed to cover the sin. This led to conflict within his family as a consequence.

Solomon, David's son, was the most powerful of the three kings and was famous for his wisdom. He built the First Temple (Solomon’s Temple) in Jerusalem. However, his heavy taxation and labor requirements strained the kingdom. Toward the end of his life, he married many foreign wives and built temples for their gods. Consequently, after his death, the kingdom split into two: Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

Prophets and the Period of Exile

In $586 \text{ BCE}$, the Babylonians destroyed the First Temple, causing a crisis of faith. Prophets explained this as God’s punishment for the people’s sins. Isaiah taught that God desires righteousness over mere rituals and spoke of a future Messiah and peace. Jeremiah, the "Weeping Prophet," warned of Jerusalem's destruction but taught that God would bring a "new covenant" written on the hearts of the people. Ezekiel, while in Babylonian exile, used visions like the valley of dry bones to show that God would restore Israel even while they were far from Jerusalem.

Theological Doctrines and Beliefs

Jewish theology is centered on the belief in one eternal God who created and rules the universe. All people are considered equal before God. While there is no formal strict dogma, Judaism emphasizes actions (doing good deeds) over abstract belief. It also highly values a love for learning. Communication with God is achieved through prayer, meditation, and revelation.

Judaism does not accept Jesus of Nazareth as God, the Son of God, or part of a Trinity. Jews believe Jesus did not fulfill the specific prophecies of the Messiah. In Jewish belief, the Messiah is expected to be a powerful, righteous human king from David’s line who will bring world peace and rebuild the Temple, but he will not be divine.

Modern Context and Historical Timeline

Jews utilize the term B.C.E. (Before Common Era) rather than B.C. (Before Christ) and C.E. (Common Era) rather than A.D. (Anno Domini), as they do not recognize Jesus as the Christ or the Lord. The Jewish calendar begins with the date of creation. Historically, Judaism is the "mother religion" to both Christianity and Islam.

Key dates in Jewish history include:

• Around $2000 \text{ BC}$: Earliest historical Jews exist.
• $1300$-$1200 \text{ BC}$: Moses leads the Exodus from Egypt.
• $586 \text{ BCE}$: Babylonians destroy the First Temple.
• $538 \text{ BCE}$: Construction begins on the Second Temple.
• $70 \text{ CE}$: Romans destroy the Second Temple during a rebellion.
• Around $100 \text{ CE}$: The official canon of the Hebrew Bible is finalized.
• $1948$-$49$: The Arab-Israeli War occurred. The Israelis won the war and took $50\%$ of the land that was formerly designated for Palestine.