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Judaism
Judaism
Israel founded in 1948 was the lad that was said to be ruled by Jewish
monarchs (e.g. King David) in 1000-100BC
It has both geographical and spiritual significance to the Jewish people
King David
David was the second king of Israel- his throne was established
forever
The Messiah is Hebrew for the anointed one, according to
prophecies in the Tanak, a future son of David would be the
Anointed One
King Solomon built the great temple of God in the holy city of
Jerusalem
Within the temple they offered animal sacrifices to God on burning
altars in the heart of the temple
The offerings depended on the ritual used (e.g. expression of thanks
to God- people brought harvest)
Most significant sacrifice takes place on the Day of Atonement, or
Yom Kippur a day of celebrating the mercy of God toward the
whole of Israel
Following this came the 5 different visions of what Israel should be and do, these
are the different Judaisms in the interim period
Sadducees: aristocrats and priests
Conservative Jews who rejected innovations in the faith, especially
ones that might diminish the role of priest and temple
They were seen as religious aristocracy in Jerusalem
Yeshua ben Yosef (Jesus son of Joseph) rejected the aims of the
Zealots, demanded than Jews love their enemies
Some called him the healer and the prophet, but some denounced
him as a magician and deceiver (especially the Sadducees)
Some believed he was the Messiah- this threatened to upset the
good relations between the Sadducees and Romans
He was removed and crucified outside of Jerusalem during Passover
in AD30, but his followers continued his teachings. This became the
basis for Christianity
The 5th type of Judism set the course for the next two millennia (Classical
Judaism)
3. Classical Judaism
The Pharisees
During this time no work is conducted and it is a time for Jews to attend
the synagogue, eat special meals, light candles and study the Torah
2. Bar/bat Mitzvah: Marks a teenagers transition into Jewish adulthood. It
was declared 13 was the age when boys could understand and obey
the dual-Torah. They are called to the front of the Synagogue, where
the Tanak is found and he reads aloud two set passages, one from the
Law and the other from the Prophets
3. Hannukkah: dedication of the temple
Prayers of Classical Judaism
1. The Shema: a three line statement Jews are obligated to say in the
morning and evening- The statement proclaims there is one God, who
has set his affection on one people (Israel)I emphasising the
importance of Gods instruction
2. The Eighteen Prayers (Shmoneh Esrei or Amidah): are meant to be said
every day (on the Sabbath only half are said), it is similar to the Lords
prayer
4. Modern Judaism (1800-present)
3 distinct Judaisms emerged
1. Reform Judaism: the way of integration- Change in the form of Jewish
ceremonies evolved into a desire to change the substance of Jewish
belief
There was a want for change to make Judaism more suitable for
the changing society
Greatest change was the rejection of the oral Torah- the Mishnah
and Talmund are seen as human wisdom which can be disregarded
They also do not look forward to or pray for the revived Jerusalem
temple
The intricate food laws and Sabbath rules are considered too
restrictive and as obsolete
2. Orthodox Judaism: the way of separation- believe in the Tanak, Mishnah
and the Talmund
Adhere to the strict rulings of the ancient rabbis keeping
conservative in the operation of synagogue services etc.
Deep integration into the politics of society is rejected- Jews are
seen as the chosen people and must keep themselves clean
There are two types of Orthodox Judaism, one completely rejects
integration with society, and one which allow some integration
3. Conservative Judaism: the way of compromise- a middle position
created around 1850
Maintain the food laws, Sabbath rules and all major festivals and
believe in the Messiah and the commitment to preserving the
Hebrew language
Also accept the Mishnah and Talmund- believe the Torah must be
analysed, but the teachings of ancient rabbis can be changed
It is conservative in practice, but flexible in thinking
Zionism: the way back to the holy land
The argument than Jews should be allowed to find their own state- become
a political and geographical which they can govern themselves
Following WWII, the UN resolved that the surviving Jews of would be
allowed to move to Palestine- May 1948, the modern State of Israel was
created- returning Jews to the holy land