Judaism

In this lesson:

• Students will be able to explain the religious ideas philosophy, and culture of Judaism.
• Students will be able to explain the significance of certain religious holidays of Judaism.
• TEKS 6.19 A, 6.19B
• 40-45 minute lesson

Judaism Facts

• Judaism has about 13 million followers mostly in the U.S. and Israel.
• It originated in the Middle East about 3,500 years ago.
• Moses was its main founder, but Jews can trace their history back to Abraham.
• Six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust in an attempt to wipe out Judaism.

Judaism Beliefs

• Jewish people believe there is only one GOD.
• The believe that they have a special agreement 'covenant' with GOD. In exchange for GOD's mercy they keep HIS laws and try to be holy people.
• Judaism believes that people should not be judged on what they believe but on the way they live their beliefs - by how they contribute to the holiness of the world.

Judaism Holy Book

• The most holy Jewish book is the Torah, revealed to Moses by GOD over 3,000 years ago.
• The Torah and the Talmud (a commentary on the Torah) give the Jewish people the rules for life.
• Keeping these rules is essential to the Jewish faith.

Judaism Worship

• Jewish people worship at Synagogues.
• Jewish Religious leaders are called Rabbi (teacher).
• Jewish people celebrate the Sabbath (Shabbat) and they meet for worship on that day, it is the most important day.
• The Sabbath begins Friday evening and ends at sunset on Saturday.
• Family & community are very important, they share a big family meal.

Judaism Celebrations

• Pesach (Passover)
• Rosh Hashanah (the New Year)
• Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
• Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)

Judaism Symbol

• The symbol of the Jewsih people is the Magen Star (Shield of David) or also commonly referred to as the Star of David.

Explore the following websites to learn more about Jewish holidays.

Test Your Knowledge!

Credits Links

• BBC Religions hhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/judaism/

Credits Images

• http://photopin.com/
• goisrael.com
• cc: steve higgs - https://www.flickr.com/photos/7488549@N03
• cc: beggs - https://www.flickr.com/photos/94509941@N00
• cc: deep_schismic - https://www.flickr.com/photos/94982604@N00
• cc: dlisbona - https://www.flickr.com/photos/72356975@N00
• cc: MTSOfan - https://www.flickr.com/photos/8628862@N05
• cc: Leo Reynolds - https://www.flickr.com/photos/49968232@N00
• cc: israeltourism - https://www.flickr.com/photos/59838910@N06
• cc: bgolub - https://www.flickr.com/photos/8246716@N04
• cc: pslachevsky - https://www.flickr.com/photos/99233418@N08

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