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8th Grade – World History & Cultures
Ms. Sweeney
Name _____________________________
Date ___________________
Understanding World Religions: Judaism
Almost 4,000 years old, Judaism is among the world’s oldest surviving religions, and it was one of the first
religions to subscribe to monotheism. It is comprised of a complex system of ethical codes and laws that are
transcribed in two major texts, the Torah and Talmud. Judaism provides its followers with a way of life that is
centered around the synagogue and the home where God, family, and community are the focus. Judaism is
a religion of many cultural practices, rituals, and traditions that have survived despite the persecution of its
followers and the absence of a homeland until the 20th century.
Vocabulary
Judaism— A religion practiced by about 14 million Jews worldwide. (5 million in the United States.) Judaism
is considered to be the first major monotheistic religion.
Abraham— Considered to be the father of the Jewish people. He is the first to embrace the concept of one
god, and it is with Abraham that God makes the first covenant.
Monotheism— The belief in one god, as opposed to polytheism, belief in more than one god.
Canaan— The original name of the land promised by God to the followers of Moses when they left Egypt
(called the Exodus) in search of a new land upon which to settle.
Ten Commandments— According to Jewish belief, God’s code of ethics and laws that were given to Moses
and which provide Jews with guidelines for living.
Diaspora— The scattering of Jews all over the world; the Jews who live outside of Israel in other countries
around the world.
anti-Semitism— Persecution and discrimination against Jewish people.
pogroms— a series of attacks against Jews in Russia to keep the Jewish population small and powerless.
Holocaust— Nazi Party’s attempt during WWII to systematically eliminate all Jews of Europe by killing them.
Two thirds of all Jews in Europe (6,000,000) were killed.
Torah— The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which presents the Mosaic law and moral codes. Torah
comes from the Hebrew word for “instruction.”
Talmud— A collection of interpretations of the Torah; includes codes of behavior for both religious and
secular life.
Covenant— an agreement between Abraham and his descendants and God.
synagogue— Jewish place of worship, study, and assembly for the Jewish community; also known as a
temple or shul.
Sabbath— A day observed by Jews from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, reserved for worship and
attention to family and community.
cantor— The person who leads songs and prayers at Jewish worship services.
rabbi— Jewish religious leader who teaches the lessons of the Torah.
Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform— 3 main branches of Judaism in the U.S.
kosher— Very specific dietary laws taken from Hebrew scripture regarding food restrictions as well as
proper animal slaughter.
Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah— Respectively mean “son” and “daughter” of the Commandment and are
religious rites of passage for 13 year-old boys and 12 year-old girls. After the ceremony, they are fully
responsible in the eyes of God and are seen as adult members of the congregation.
Rosh Hashanah— the Jewish New Year when Jews repent and reflect on how they have lived their life.
Yom Kippur— the Jewish day of atonement (to make up for something you’ve done wrong); a day of fasting
Passover— commemorates the time in history when Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt.
Focus Questions
1. What is monotheism? How does it define Judaism?
Worship of only one god. World’s first monotheistic religion.
2. What is the significance of Canaan and where is it today?
About 4,000 years ago in the Middle East, Abraham was promised to be father of a great nation. Canaan is the
land God had promised Jews when they left Egypt led by Moses. Located in present-day Israel, Syria, and
Jordan.
3. What did Moses contribute to Judaism after his meeting with God on Mount Sinai?
Moses received the laws of God, directly from God’s hand, written on stone tablets. It’s the centerpiece of
Jewish law. Known as the Ten Commandments.
4. How did the Muslims in Spain treat Jews during the Middle Ages and what was the result?
The Muslims who ruled Spain tolerated the Jewish religious life, ending up to be a golden age in science and
learning – great developments in medicine, philosophy, and the arts.
5. Why and when did anti-Semitism begin in Europe? What are some examples of anti-Semitism?
Persecution of Jews during Middle Ages was beginning of prejudice known as anti-Semitism. Jews were
believed to be a threat to political power. Jewish communities in Russia 1800s and early 1900s attacked Jews,
burning neighborhoods and killing men, women and children – kept populations small and powerless. Worst
example of anti-Semitism was during Nazi Germany. Rights taken away from Jews. First they were segregated
in separate neighborhoods; later Jews sent to concentration camps. As WWII began, Nazis set out to
systematically eliminate all Jews in Europe. Many nations did not get involved. By end of WWII, at least 6 million
Jews and 6 million others killed (2/3 of Jewish population in Europe). This world tragedy was known as the
Holocaust.
6. What was Abraham’s Covenant with God?
Agreement between God and Abraham and his descendants. Jews will live and act as God’s people. If they
remain faithful to God, God would make the Jewish people “a great nation.”
7. What are the diverse roles of the synagogue today?
Learn Hebrew to study and interpret the Torah and read the Talmud. Torah is kept in the synagogue in the Holy
Ark. Place of study (to learn Torah, Talmud, and Hebrew), worship/prayer in daily services, and a place of
assembly (a community center). Rabbi (means “teacher”) teaches lessons of the Torah. Torah contains the Ten
Commandments. Cantor leads the prayers and chants.
8. What is the importance of the Jewish Sabbath?
A day of rest and observance (sunset Friday to sunset Saturday). Jews believe that God has commanded them
to keep this day holy. Shabbat Shalom (“peace to you on the Sabbath”). Emphasizes how central family life is in
the Jewish tradition.
9. What are the most sacred of the High Holy Days during the Jewish religious year?
Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year a period of reflection on how life was lived in past year and repentance.
High holidays end with Yom Kippur = day of atonement. A day of fasting. Hanukkah victory over tyrants who
tried to destroy Judaism (tradition is to give presents). Passover commemorates the time in history when Jews
were freed from slavery by Pharaoh and led out by Moses. Story of the Exodus is retold.
10. List some of the core theological beliefs of Judaism as described by the video.
God determines right and wrong and expects people to deal justly with each other and to accept moral
responsibility for their actions. Treat others fairly. Help those who need it. God made a covenant with Abraham
providing that his descendants (the Jews) are God’s chosen. Observe Sabbath as a day of rest & observance.
Centerpiece of Jewish law is the Ten Commandments. Keep kosher to follow dietary laws of Torah. Bar and Bat
Mitzvah – when a Jewish child enters the adult stage in life.