Origin: |
Judaism originated in Canaan, the Promised Land (now largely corresponding to the present Israel), in approximately 2000 B.C. It is practised right across the world. |
What do they believe? |
Followers of Judaism are known as Jews. They believe in one God, who revealed the Law to his people. Their symbol is the Star of David. |
Name of Founder: |
ABRAHAM Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch, was born round about 2000 B.C. In Ur in the country now known as Iraq. He settled in Canaan after God had commanded him to do so. |
Truths: |
RULES AND RITUALS The following are some of the traditions upheld in the Jewish way of life:
- Baby boys are circumcised eight days after birth.
- The Sabbath (Saturday) is the holy day of rest.
- Eating pork and shellfish is forbidden.
- A Jewish boy celebrates his
Bar Mitzvah (as a fully responsible member of the Jewish community) when he is thirteen years old.
|
Key Points: |
- God created the world and controls history.
- The Jews descended from the Hebrews.
- The Jews are God's chosen people, “a light for the nations.”
|
Holy Scriptures: |
TENAKH The Jewish Holy Scripture is known as the
Tenakh . It tells the history of the Jewish people. The most important part of it is the
Torah , the five books of Moses. They contain the laws, among which are the Ten Commandments that God had revealed to Moses. |