(WRB) Lesson 4 Judaism

• Hebrews


  Groups of Semites who were the ancestors of the Jews
• Pentateuch


  The first five books of the Hebrew Bible
• Judaism


  • A religion and culture with three notable founding figures or patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
• Judaism is anchored upon God's revelation to Abraham that He is the creator and ruler of the universe, and that He loves His creatures and demands righteousness from them
• God chose Abraham and his family from all the people living on earth as recorded in Genesis 12
• Succession of patriarchs


  1. Abraham

  2. Isaac

  3. Jacob and his twelve sons
• Abraham


  His original name was "Abram" who was born in the city of Ur of the Chaldeas around 1800 B.C.E.
• A covenant has been established between God and Abram


  Abram must prove his worth to this agreement by way of tests of faith throughout his lifetime
• Abraham's name was changed to "Abraham" or the "the father of many nations"
• The most difficult trial given to Abraham

  1. God commanded that he sacrifice his own son Isaac at an altar in Mount Moriah

  2. Abraham obeyed by building a fire and tying up Isaac

  3. An angel stopped him and a ram was sacrificed in place of Isaac
• God had referred to Isaac as Abraham's "only son, whom you love"
• Isaac married Rebecca who bore him twin sons, Jacob and Esau
• Jacob's name was changed to "Israel" which means "the one who wrestled with God"
• Jacob fathered twelve sons and one daughter who became the ancestors of the tribes in Israel
• Joseph was able to see and interpret visions
• Moses and the Exodus

  1. God revealed himself to Moses through a burning bush

  2. Moses commanded to return to Egypt and demand the release of Israelites from slavery

  3. Ten miraculous plagues inflicted on Egypt

  4. Israelites banished from Egypt and cross the Red Sea

  5. Moses received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai
• Moses eventually united the different tribes into one group and consecrated to the worship of the one living god
• Rabbi


  Teacher and interpreter of the Jewish laws and customs
• Torah


  The first "Five Books" of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally believed to have been authored by Moses through divine instruction in Sinai
• Sections of the Hebrew Bible

  • Torah (Pentateuch)
  • Nevi'im (Prophets)
  • Ketuvim (Writings)
• Talmud


  Another sacred writing of Judaism containing all studies and interpretations done by Jewish rabbis or teachers of the Torah
• Mishnah


  Restatement of the law by a respected opinion
• Gemara


  Includes legends, folklores, and sayings
• The Pentateuch is the single most important scripture for the Jewish people that became the source of their inspiration and direction for centuries
• In Judaism, actions are more significant than beliefs
• There is one everlasting god who created the universe in its entirety and remains the master of it
• Human beings were created by God who provided them the capacity to decide what is right and wrong, for Jews, all human beings are created equal
• God can communicate with humans through revelations, and humans can also commune to him by means of prayers and meditations
• Articles of Faith


  Minimum requirements of Jewish belief proposed by Jewish philosopher Moshe ben Maimon
• Ten Commandments


  Absolute laws given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai that shall govern the life of every Israelite
• The Jewish community utilizes a lunar calendar with twelve months, each beginning at the new moon of 29 or 30 days
• Sabbath


  The most important day in the Jewish calendar, observed every Saturday (7th day of the week) to commemorate God's completion of the creation of the universe and his rest after the six-day toil
• Synagogue


  Jewish temples of worship, instruction, and community fellowship
• Brit Milah


  Also known as a bris or circumcision, a ritual that happens eight days after a baby boy is born and welcomes him into the covenant of Judaism
• Brit milah is first mentioned in the Torah when God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his offspring