Download Talmud

Oldest monotheistic religionbelieving in GOD
Founder-Abraham (2000-1400 BC)
Basic Belief
Covenant- Jews believe that God
made a special agreement with
Abraham to bless his descendants
and give them land if they
worshipped and remained faithful to
God. Jews are called the “Chosen
People.”
Texts- the Hebrew Bible (the Tanakh) & the Talmud
The Tanakh (Old Testament) has 3 parts
a. the Torah- (the Law) 5 books
Genesis- Deuteronomy, covenant with the
people
b. the Prophets
c. the Writings
The Talmud- interpretations
and commentaries of
the Torah
Branches
Hasidism- extreme observance of Jewish laws
Orthodox- Jewish law strictly followed
Conservative- started in 1800s, Talmud is a human creation not
the revelation of God, moral and ethical teachings are the most
important
Reform- started mid 1800s, scriptures should be interpreted with
modern knowledge and culture in mind
Zionism- emphasis on Jewish nationhood, Israel
Place of Worship- synagogue
Rabbi- spiritual leader who teaches & interprets Jewish law
Cantor- chants prayers in Hebrew
Yarmulka- the skull cap
Unique Dietary laws
(Kosher)
•Orthodox & Hasidic
•only eat from animals that
graze & have split hoofs
•only eat fish with scales and
fins, no shellfish
•birds but not birds of prey
•meat and dairy products kept
and eaten separate
Festivals and Holidays
Rosh Hoshanah- Jewish New Year
Yom Kippur- Day of Atonement
Hanukkah- Feast of Lights
Passover- commemorating the Exodus from Egypt