World-Rel Final Exam Reviewer PDF

WORLD-REL FINAL EXAM REVIEWER COVERAGE I. Introduction to Judaism A. 2 Tenets of Judaism B. 3 Significant Covenants C. Excerpts from the Torah D. 13 Principles of Jewish Faith E. The Israel-Palestine War F. Zionism G. Population...

WORLD-REL FINAL EXAM REVIEWER COVERAGE I. Introduction to Judaism A. 2 Tenets of Judaism B. 3 Significant Covenants C. Excerpts from the Torah D. 13 Principles of Jewish Faith E. The Israel-Palestine War F. Zionism G. Population H. Geography I. Main Denominations J. Sacred Figures K. Sacred Beings L. Sacred Texts M. Sacred Symbols N. Sacred Practices O. Sacred Festivals P. Sacred Places Q. Issues & Challenges II. Introduction to Christianity A. Population B. Geography C. Main Denominations D. Sacred Figures E. Sacred Beings F. Sacred Texts G. Sacred Symbols H. Sacred Practices I. Sacred Festivals J. Sacred Places K. Issues & Challenges III. Introduction to Islam A. Population B. Geography C. Main Denominations D. Sacred Figures E. Sacred Beings F. Sacred Texts G. Sacred Symbols  H. Sacred Practices I. Sacred Festivals J. Sacred Places K. Issues & Challenges IV. The Abrahamic Religions A. Nature of God B. Relationship with God C. Relationship with Others D. Purpose of Life INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM IMPORTANT FILES Introduction to Judaism Judaism Group (Slides) (Slides) 2 TENETS OF JUDAISM One Universal God The first tenet of Judaism is that there is only one universal God. This God is the God not only of the Jews, but the God of all peoples and nations. This God is Yahweh. Covenantal The second tenet of Judaism is that the Jews were specially chosen Relationship by God to receive his Law, expressed in a relationship called a covenant. 3 SIGNIFICANT COVENANTS Abraham’s Covenant The first covenant was God's selection of Abraham to be the father of a great nation that would live in the Promised Land of Canaan. Moses’ Covenant Another important covenant was announced later by God through Moses at Mount Sinai. There the Law, including the 10 Commandments, was delivered to the Israelites. The Peoples’ Covenant The Mosaic covenant accentuated the obligation of God's chosen people to live according to the laws God revealed through Moses.  Aside from the 10 Commandments, there are 613 laws that Jews must follow. EXCERPTS FROM THE TORAH Genesis 12: 1-3; 15 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make [ The Call of Abraham ] your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.” Exodus 19-20 Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the [ Moses & the Ten mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and Commandments ] tell the Israelites: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. Deuteronomy 6: 4–9 HEAR, O ISRAEL: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You [ The Pact Between God shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your and Israel ] soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 13 PRINCIPLES OF JEWISH FAITH 1. God exists. 2. God is one—He is an absolute and unparalleled unity. 3. God is incorporeal—He has no body. 4. God is eternal—He existed prior to the world. 5. God is the only proper object of worship. 6. God communicates through Prophecy. 7. The prophecy of Moses is superior to that of all other prophets who came in the past or will come in the future. 8. The Torah was revealed from heaven. 9. The Torah will never be abolished or altered. 10. God knows the actions of human beings. 11. God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. 12. A Messiah will come in the future. 13. The dead will be resurrected. 613 COMMANDMENTS (MITZVOT) Jews see their relationship with God as a covenant, which is a solemn agreement between two or more parties. The belief is that God asks the Jewish people to do certain things, and in return he will take special care of them. This is why Jewish scriptures contains 613 Commandments called mitzvot (mitzvah [s]) that Jews are bound to follow and which can be summed up in two basic precepts: "Love God above all things" and "Love thy neighbor as thyself." THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE WAR ZIONISM POPULATION Of the 5 major world religions, Judaism is the least populous, accounting for just 0.19% of the world's population. As of 2024, Judaism comprises 15.8 million adherents worldwide, with Israel (7.3 million), the United States (6.3 million), and France (438.5 thousand), constituting majority of its demographic. GEOGRAPHY Judaism originated in the ancient region east of Canaan (which now constitutes the Israel and Palestinian territories), around 3500 years ago. Historically, Judaism was a religion practiced in and around that area up until 70 CE, where exile resulted in the forced dispersal of Jews around the globe. MAIN DENOMINATIONS Orthodox “Orthodox” → (Implies the) Submission to the Law Dates back to 500 CE—the time of the Talmud. Key difference/s: ○ Considered as the most traditional form of modern Judaism; it regards both the Written Law (Written Torah) and the Oral Law (Legal Commentary on the Torah) as of divine origin, and holds that the information derived from such are in the exact word of God, and does NOT represent any human creativity, influence, or adulteration whatsoever. Reform “Reform” → (Implies the) Response to Change Emerged in late 18th century, Germany Key difference/s: ○ Considered as the most liberal form of Judaism; it rejects the divine revelation of the Oral Law, and refrains from halacha or the binding nature of the  Jewish Law. People were free to dress as they liked, settle where they pleased, and pursue the occupations they wanted. Conservative “Conservative” → (Implies the) Preservation of the People Emerged in 19th century, Germany Key difference/s: ○ Considered as the central position between Orthodox and Reform Judaism; it follows the belief that the Torah should be interpreted for modern life, and that Judaism is constantly evolving in order to meet the needs of the people. SACRED FIGURES Patriarchs Abraham Regarded as “The first Patriarch of the Jewish People”; [ Avraham ] the one whom all Jews are descended from. Husband of Sarah (Sarai), and Father to Isaac and Ishmael. At 75 years old, Abraham left Ur with his barren wife, Sarah, to found a new nation in Canaan. There, God made a covenant with him, promising that his descendants would multiply, inherit the land, and become a great nation. This covenant, or rather Abraham’s obedience and commitment to God, was tested when God ordered him to sacrifice Isaac atop Mount Moriah. Isaac Regarded as “The Second Patriarch” and called Yitzchak [ Yitzchak ] Avinu or “Isaac our Forefather”. Husband of Rebecca (Rebekah), and Father to twin brothers Jacob and Esau. He was thought to be the child of a miracle, for at the time of his birth, his mother was 90 years old, and his father, a 100. As aforementioned, Isaac was almost offered up as a sacrifice to God. Abraham made all the preparations for the ritual sacrifice, but God spared Isaac at the very last moment; this was then called Akedah or “The Binding of Isaac”. Jacob Renamed by God as Yisrael or “Israel”, which means [ Ya’acov ] “Wrestle with God” or “He Struggles with God”, after he had (actually) wrestled with God as he refused to receive His blessing, and was struggling to understand His will and the nature of suffering. Husband of Leah and Rachel, and paramour of maidservants Zilpah and Bilhah. Father to 12 sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin, who would later found the shevatim or the “Twelve Tribes of Israel”. Prophets Moses A prophet of Yaweh who was bestowed with the Ten [ Moshe ] Commandments when God made a pact between Him and Israel on Mount Sinai. This is now known as the Sinai Covenant. Isaiah A Messianic prophet whose sons’ names describe parts of his [ Yesha’yah ] prophetic message: Shear-Jashub (which means “the remnant  shall return”) and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (which translates to “spoil quickly, plunder speedily”). He predicts the coming of the Messiah, who would redeem His people from their sins, and presupposes warnings of judgment over the people. Ezekiel A prophet whose visions of the Divine Chariot, the Valley of the [ Yechezkel ] Dry Bones, and the Third Temple, are compiled in the Book of Ezekiel. Here, he explains why famine, desolation, war, and plague will sweep the land of Israel. Monarchs King David Most prominent and most powerful Jewish King [ King Dawid ] Same David from “David and Goliath”; slayed the Philistine giant The Star of David - from the 6 pointed shield used by King David Inspired the writing of psalms SACRED BEINGS God or Yahweh Judaism is a monotheistic religion, meaning it comprises a system of beliefs centered around one God and one God alone, hence Yahweh is regarded as the sole deity who brought the universe into being and directs all life within it, ultimately serving as the unifying factor in all Jewish texts and teachings.  The Jewish describes Yaweh as an all-knowing, all-powerful creator with no children, no rivals, and no equals—as a being who has faculties of omnipotence and omniscience. ○ In Judaism, He is not depicted in any shape or form whatsoever, as “idolatry” (the worship of an image or a created object) is considered as a major sin. Yahweh communicates to believers through prophets, personal prayer, and the rewarding of good deeds while also punishing evil. SACRED TEXTS Tanakh Talmud (Written; The Hebrew Bible) (Oral; Commentary on The Hebrew Bible) The Tanakh is an acronym which is The Talmud (or the Oral Torah) is derived from the three divisions or composed of the Mishnah and the books that it is composed of. Gemara. Originally written in Hebrew, ○ These are the first five books it “provides a vast literature that of the Hebrew Bible or the translates scriptural sources into a Torah (Genesis, Exodus, guide for daily Jewish living.” It also Leviticus, Numbers, and contains thousands of commentaries of Deuteronomy), the Book of rabbis who have lived throughout Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Jewish history (My Jewish Learning, Writings (Ketuvim). n.d.). Additionally, there are two Talmuds: the Babylonian Talmud (Bavli) and the Jerusalem Talmud (Yerushalmi). Composed in the 5th Century CE, the Babylonian Talmud was written in the  Eastern Aramaic dialect and it served as the constitution and bylaws of Rabbinic Judaism. On the other hand, the Jerusalem Talmud was composed in the Western Aramaic dialect and in terms of content, it mirrors notable similarities to the original Mishnah. Shema The Shema is the Jewish confession of faith or creed. It underscores two important benedictions, namely ○ 1.) “The relation of God to the world as that of creator to creation (Divine Providence)”, and ○ 2.) “the divine activity within the realm of history and human life.” SACRED SYMBOLS Menorah (Temple) Seven stick candelabra (recognized as the oldest symbol of the Jews) In Hanukkah, it’s a nine stick candelabra (the 8 branches represent the 8 days where the miracle of the oil happened. The last branch, shamash, is used to light the others. Symbolism: the burning bush witnessed by Moses on Mt. Sinai ○ End of each branch is a lamp lit by olive oil Uses: in the Temple in Jerusalem as well as in many synagogues Star of David Hebrew name/term: Magen David (named after King David of ancient Israel) Six-pointed star “composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles” (Britannica, n.d.) ○ “In Jewish liturgy, it signifies God as the protector (shield) of David.” (Britannica, n.d.) Symbolism: represents the Jewish community, symbol on the Israeli flag Uses: seen in synagogues and the Israeli flag Mezuzah A scroll which the Jewish people keep in a case and fix it on  the right side of their door frames In the event that a Jew moves houses, he must bring the Mezuzah with him ○ Leaving it is considered disrespectful to God Symbolism: a reminder of God’s presence Praying garments Yarmulke (headcap) Tallit (praying shawl) Tefillin (black ribbons with small boxes attached to it – worn on the arms and on the forehead) SACRED PRACTICES Shabbat The Hebrew word ‘Shabbat’ refers to the day of rest and holiness observed by many Jewish people, abstaining from any secular activities or work.  On this day, Jews focus on two key commands: to remember (zachor) and observe (shamor) Shabbat (Scroope, 2022). Shabbat is observed weekly, and is typically considered to last for a single day starting sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday (the seventh day of the week). (Judaism Religious Practices, n.d.). Acc. to biblical tradition, it commemorates the original seventh day on which God rested after completing the creation. (Britannica, 2019). The only Jewish holiday mandated by the Ten Commandments. Jews often gather at their local synagogue or at home for worship services, which vary in structure. (Scroope, 2022) Kashrut Adherents are required to consume only kosher (“fitting” or (Jewish dietary laws) “proper”) food. Kosher rules (BBC, 2022): 1. Kosher meat must come from animals that both chew their cud and have cloven hooves. 2. Only fish possessing gills and scales are permitted. Eating shellfish is not allowed. 3. Forbidden to eat birds of prey. Only clean birds (meaning birds that do not eat other animals) can be eaten. Poultry is allowed. 4. Dairy and meat products cannot be eaten together in the same meal (as it says in the Torah, Exodus 23:19 - “do not boil a kid in its mother’s milk” ). Food that is forbidden is referred to as Treif. ○ This includes shellfish, pork products, and any meat not slaughtered according to the proper method known as shechita. Shechita requires a trained individual called a shochet to cut the animal’s throat with a sharp knife. The blood must be drained, as the Book of Deuteronomy (12:23) prohibits Jews from consuming blood. ○ Animals that have died naturally are also not permissible for consumption. Foods that are considered neutral and can be eaten with  either meat or dairy are known as parev. ○ Ex. vegetables, pasta, and rice. ○ As long as these items are washed thoroughly before consumption, they do not violate kosher dietary laws. Brit Milah For Jews, circumcision of male offspring is not a medical (Circumcision) exercise; it is a religious covenant which welcomes an infant into the Jewish community and renews the covenant made with Abraham, making the child part of God’s covenant people. Traditionally, it is performed in the synagogue on the eighth day after birth, even if that day falls on a Sabbath or a fast day like Yom Kippur. In the ritual, the baby boy sits on the lap of the person chosen to act as the sandek (a ‘companion of the child’, usually the grandfather or the family rabbi) while a mohel (the person performing the circumcision) circumcises the child. The ceremony typically occurs in the morning to reflect Abraham’s eagerness to fulfill God’s command. Following the ceremony, the family usually celebrates with a festive meal.|| In some branches of Judaism, not completing the circumcision can lead to karet, or being cut off from the Jewish community. (Scroope, 2022). A common alternative to circumcision is bris shalom, a naming ceremony that allows newborn baby girls to partake in initiation. (Scroope, 2022). Bar Mitzvah and Bat Bar Mitzvah Mitzvah ○ A bar mitzvah is a Jewish ritual celebrating a boy’s religious maturity wherein he is officially acclaimed “son of the commandment”, on his 13th birthday. ○ Typically held in a synagogue, the boy reads from the Torah and participates actively in the service. Following this, a festive meal is often celebrated. Bat Mitzvah ○ Reform Judaism introduced this parallel ceremony for girls in the 1940’s celebrated on their 12th or 13th birthday without a Torah reading. Both  ceremonies signify the individual's new responsibilities within the Jewish community. Mikveh In Jewish tradition, a mikveh is a pool of natural water used (Ritual Bath) for ritual bathing to restore ritual purity. Primarily observed by more traditional Jews Men typically bathe each Friday and before major festivals, while women usually do so before their wedding and after childbirth. Orthodox women may also bathe monthly after menstruation to regain ritual purity. Tefillah Jewish prayers (tefillah) involve recitations and (Prayer) contemplations, with many individuals praying three times a day during specific time periods (z’manim): shacharit (morning), mincha (afternoon), and ma’ariv (evening). Traditionally, men pray three times daily, while women pray one to two times, depending on their Jewish denomination. A Jewish prayer book (siddur) is often used for guidance. Morning prayers are typically the longest and may involve wearing special attire, such as a tallit (prayer shawl) and kippah (skullcap). Additionally, there is a distinction between personal and communal prayers, with the latter requiring a minyan (quorum). Torah study Torah study is a fundamental commandment in Judaism, requiring daily engagement with sacred texts. The instruction to “meditate on it day and night” highlights the importance of setting aside time for this practice, known as mitzvah (“learning”), which is vital for Jewish life and viewed as a form of worship essential for the community’s survival. Jewish tradition treats books with great reverence, akin to living scholars, and they are disposed of only through burial. Add., if a sacred book falls to the ground, Jewish people pick it up tenderly and kiss it. Overall, Torah study is crucial for moral guidance and spiritual connection. SACRED FESTIVALS Rosh Hashanah Jews attend synagogue services, beginning with the (Jewish New Year) sounding of the shofar (ram's horn), and partake in festive meals featuring symbolic foods like apples and honey. Introspection continues for ten days (the Days of Awe) and ends with Yom Kippur. Significance ○ Marks the beginning of the Jewish spiritual new year and is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal of the covenant with God. ○ It celebrates the creation of the universe and the divine judgment of mankind. (Judaism Religious Practices, n.d.) Yom Kippur Marks the end of the Days of Awe that follow Rosh (Day of Atonement, in Hashana. Hebrew) A 25-hour fast is observed, along with intensive prayer and reflection in synagogue services. Rituals include seeking forgiveness from others and concluding with the blowing of the shofar. Significance ○ The holiest day in Judaism, dedicated to atonement and reconciliation with God Hanukkah Over eight nights, candles are lit on a menorah (an (Festival of Lights) eight-branched candelabra with a ninth branch for the shammash (“servant”) candle that is used to light the others.). A spinning top called a dreidel (a game of change for Jewish children) and traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are associated with Hanukkah. Significance: ○ Celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple after the Maccabean victory over the Greeks. Pesach A 7-8 day Festival of Passover (Pesach) where Jews (Passover) remove leavened products from their homes, hold a seder meal that retells the Exodus story, and eat matzah (unleavened bread). Significance  ○ Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation from slavery Sukkot Families build sukkahs (temporary shelters) where they eat (Feast of Tabernacles) meals and sometimes sleep. The festival lasts seven days, during which special prayers and rituals are performed, including waving the lulav (palm frond) and etrog (citron) during services Significance: ○ Commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their 40 years in the desert. Shavuot Shavuot means “weeks”; it is derived from its observance (Pentecost - Feast of seven weeks after the 2nd day of Passover. Weeks) Customs include reading the Book of Ruth, decorating homes with greenery, and consuming dairy foods. One of the pilgrimage festivals when newly harvested grain and fruit were offered at the Temple Significance: ○ Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Purim Celebrated with costumes, feasting, reading the Megillah (Book of Esther), and giving gifts to friends. It is a festive holiday marked by joy and community celebration. Significance: ○ Commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot in Ancient Persia SACRED PLACES Synagogues The heart of Jewish communal life is the synagogue (in Hebrew: “beit knesset” (“house of assembly") or “bet ha-tefillah” (“house of prayer”) ). Synagogues serve as a house of prayer, for study, and community gatherings. Observances: ○ Regular attendance for prayers, especially on Shabbat and holidays. ○ The Torah scrolls are kept in the Ark, which is the holiest place of prayer in the synagogue and is treated with great reverence as it symbolizes the Ark  where the tablets God gave to Moses were kept. Temple mount Holiest site in Judaism as it is believed that direct communication took place between God and the High Priest on this sanctified site. It is associated with key biblical events, including the Binding of Isaac and the creation of Adam. Observances: ○ Pilgrimages to this site are often made during significant Jewish holidays, although prayer on the mount is limited due to its current status as a Muslim holy site. Kotel Located in Jerusalem’s Old City is the last remaining (The Western Wall) structure of the Second Temple, symbolizing Jewish resilience, unity, and connection to God and the land of Israel (bec although Jerusalem has been destroyed and then rebuilt 9 times, the wall has remained intact). The site is considered holy because it is connected to the Temple Mount. The wall is also famously known as the wailing wall. Observances: ○ Jews from around the world visit the Kotel to pray, often placing written prayers in its cracks. ○ Visitors typically bow and kiss the wall as a sign of respect. (Sacred-Spaces, 2023). Mount Sinai The site where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, (or Mt. Horeb) marking a foundational moment in Jewish law. Observances: ○ Although less common today, some Jews visit Mount Sinai during Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah. The Mount of Olives A site of historical importance mentioned in Biblical texts, first mentioned in the 2nd book of Samuel 15:30 in  reference to a fight between David and Absalom; it has been a Jewish cemetery for centuries, with graves of prominent Jews lying there. It is believed to be the location where key events happened in the life of Jesus Christ and where Christ ascended to heaven. The Mountain is not only a pilgrimage site for followers of Judaism but also for Catholics and Protestants. Observances: ○ Visitors often come to pray at graves of prominent figures and reflect on its historical significance. Rachel’s Tomb The burial site of matriarch Rachel, revered for her role in Jewish tradition and as a symbol of motherhood. Observances: ○ Many visit Rachel’s Tomb to pray for fertility and family well-being, especially during significant life events. ISSUES & CHALLENGES The Challenge of Mixed Marriages: In North America and due to the Jewish Diaspora, intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews is becoming more common. In the United States, it is currently estimated that over 50 percent of Jews marry non-Jews. There is increasing concern with respect to loss of Jewish identity that may occur as a result of interfaith marriages. As Jews are a small minority in North America and in countries other than Israel, if Jews keep marrying non-Jews, future generations will consist of a smaller number of Jews. Antisemitism: Antisemitism takes different forms such as bomb threats against Jewish community centers and schools, or vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and synagogues. It can also take the form of Holocaust denial, antisemitic rock groups and websites, and organizations such as the Klu Klux Klan, and Neo-Nazi and Anti-immigration/diversity groups. Israel Conflict: It is also true that the Arab-Israeli wars and continued conflicts in the Middle East and in many Muslim dominated countries have created a complex situation. →  Israeli-Palestine War: Some Jews side with Palestine, Some with Israel causing a rift. There is also widespread belief of media bias among all sides of the issues; Pro-Palestinians often see Western mainstream media to be biased and pro-Israel, while pro-Israeli see Arab media to be biased and pro-Palestinian. Laws on Recognizing a Jew: Israel changed its laws concerning recognition of Jewish status for immigration purposes under the Law of Return after a challenge in the Israeli courts concerning recognition of only matrilineal descent. Furthermore, Israel recognizes non-Orthodox conversions done outside Israel. However, within Israel, only Orthodox conversions are accepted by the government and the rabbinate. This was especially true after the arrival of 800,000 Russian immigrants in the late 1980’s. While they were allowed to immigrate under the Law of Return, about 200,000 to 300,000 were not considered to be Jews according to Jewish religious law, or Halakhah. INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIANITY IMPORTANT FILES Introduction to Christianity Christianity Group (Slides) (Slides) SUB-TOPIC POPULATION GEOGRAPHY MAIN DENOMINATIONS SACRED FIGURES SACRED BEINGS SACRED TEXTS SACRED SYMBOLS ISSUES & CHALLENGES INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM IMPORTANT FILES Introduction to Islam Islam Group (Slides) (Slides) SUB-TOPIC POPULATION GEOGRAPHY MAIN DENOMINATIONS SACRED FIGURES SACRED BEINGS SACRED TEXTS SACRED SYMBOLS ISSUES & CHALLENGES THE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS IMPORTANT FILES Abrahamic Faiths (Slides) Abrahamic Faiths (Docs) COMPARATIVE TABLE Check-Up Question: Given such context, do you believe the Abrahamic Religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), can coexist in harmony with one another? Why or why not? text — YOU MADE IT TILL THE END! CONGRATULATIONS! ♡ Ink: Red, Blue, Green