Judaism: Origins and Founder Abraham

Origins of Judaism

• The Torah details the origins of the Jewish faith.
• God revealed himself to Abraham, regarded as the founder of Judaism.
• A special covenant was made with Abraham, marking him and his descendants as the chosen people.
• Isaac and Jacob (later named Israel) are significant figures in Jewish history, with Jacob's children becoming known as Israelites.
• Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, where they had been enslaved, and received the Ten Commandments from God at Mt. Sinai.

Varieties of Judaism

• Contemporary Judaism comprises various denominations, reflecting the cultural and historical diversity of Jewish communities.
• Sephardic Jews originate from West Israel and Spain; Ashkenazic Jews from Central Europe; Beta Israel (Falashas) from Ethiopia.
• Orthodox Judaism emphasizes strict observance of traditional Jewish law, with many prohibiting work on Shabbat.
• Hasidic Jews within Orthodoxy focus on mysticism and a personal connection with God through prayer.
• Reform Judaism prioritizes ethical traditions over strict adherence to laws, promoting progressive ideas.
• Conservative Judaism balances tradition with some modernization.
• Reconstructionist Judaism views Judaism as a constantly evolving civilization, founded by Mordecai Kaplan in 1992.
• Humanistic Judaism celebrates Jewish culture without a focus on God.

Sacred Writings of Judaism

• The oldest Abrahamic religion, Judaism's primary text is the Tanakh, or Jewish Bible: includes the Pentateuch (Torah), Prophets (Nevi'im), and Writings (Ketuvim).
• The Tanakh covers the Israelites' history and their covenant with God, concluding with the building of the Second Temple around 535 BCE.
• The Torah is also known as the Chumash, written over 3,000 years ago, containing 613 mitzvahs (divine commandments).

Key Religious Texts

• The Mishnah, compiled by Rabbi Judah the Prince, is a foundational text of rabbinic law, central to Jewish religious life.
• The Talmud expands upon the Mishnah, featuring the written Oral Torah and discussions on various subjects.
• The Zohar, attributed to Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai, explores Kabbalistic teachings and is organized by weekly Torah portions.
• The Mishneh Torah, created by Maimonides, serves as an encyclopedia of Jewish law for practical guidance.
• The Shulchan Aruch, authored by Rabbi Yosef Caro, collates Jewish law and includes Ashkenazic variations by Rabbi Moshe Isserles.

Jewish Prayer Structure

• The Siddur, organized by the Anshe Knesset Hagedolah (“Men of the Great Assembly”), provides structure to Jewish prayers and liturgy.