...History of Judaism Brinita Manning November 23, 2015 REL/134 John Warnshuis Introduction This paper will discuss the significant presence of Moses within the Jewish religion history. In addition, the paper will depict an important event in the history of Judaism that is directly connected to Moses. Lastly, the paper will point out sacred text within Judaism that is associated with Moses. A summary of the life and importance of Moses The Talmud states that the Divine Presence spoke from Moses throat ("Moses (1393-1273 Bce", n.d.). The Torah corroborates that Moses was the most humble man on the face of the earth ("Moses (1393-1273 Bce", n.d.). Moses was born in Egypt during a time when the Israelites were slaves to the rulers of the land and had to endure cruel treatment ("Moses (1393-1273 Bce", n.d.). In order to reduce the population of the Israelites, the Pharaoh ruled that all newborn male Hebrew children be killed. To protect her son from this, Moses mother placed him in a basket and sent the basket floating down the Nile River. Hence, Pharaoh’s daughter, Batyah who raised him in the royal palace, found Moses. When Moses was 20 years of age, he fled from Egypt following the murder of Egyptian man at his hands. Moses killed the man because he watched him beating a Jew ("Moses (1393-1273 Bce", n.d.). As a result, Moses ended up in Midian ("Moses (1393-1273 Bce", n.d.). It was here that he found and married his wife Zipporah and fathered two sons with her. ...
Words: 777 - Pages: 4
...Contents Introduction 1 History 1 Evolution of Judaism and Christianity 2 Practices of Judaism and Christian 2 Similarities between Judaism and Christianity 4 Differences between Judaism and Christianity 4 Conclusion 5 References 6 Introduction Religion is a sacred entity in many cultures. Throughout the history and even today we see the practice of religion in all the places of the world. Religion is defined as an organized system of belief, ceremonies, practices and worship that centers on one or more gods. Religion continues to be a dominant force around the world, affecting everything from what people wear to how they behave. There are thousands of religions in the world and from that Judaism is the religion of more than fourteen million Jews throughout the world and it was first major religion to teach the existence of only one god. The basic laws and teachings of Judaism come from Torah, the first five books of Hebrew Bible. Christianity is the largest religion in the world with about two billion followers. It is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Most of the Christians are member of one of the three groups: Roman Catholic, Protestant or Eastern Orthodox. The following pages concentrate on Judaism and Christianity and their history, practices, similarities and differences. History Judaism began about 4,000 years as the religion of small Middle Eastern group of people called Hebrews or Jews. Hebrew or Jews belief they were protected and...
Words: 1969 - Pages: 8
...History of Judaism Patrick W. Graddick REL/134 February 11, 2015 Professor Mueller History of Judaism In the present day, 14 million people identify themselves as Jews, and nearly 3.5 billion others follow belief systems directly influenced by Judaism, (Jewish Virtual Library, 2014). Judaism is one of the oldest religions existing today. It began as the religion of the small nation of the Hebrews and through thousands of years of pain, oppression, dispersion, and sporadic victory, have continued to be a profoundly influential religion and culture. The purpose of this essay is to carefully examine importance of one key person in Jewish history, enumerate rituals, symbols, or sacred texts in Judaism, and emphasize one key event in the history of Judaism. Judaism Judaism is an involute phenomenon that incorporates both a nation and a religion, and often coalesces stringent adherence to ritual laws with a supplemental liberal posture towards religious credence, (Religion Facts, 2014). Judaism has limited essential beliefs. Divisions within Judaism, well-known as “movements, “have developed in modern times as wavering responses to secularism and modernity, (Religion Facts, 2014). The role of God and the Jewish community in each individual’s life, frequent life cycle trials are witnessed with traditional rituals. Key Person in Jewish History King David is one of the most important figures in Jewish history, (Ken Spiro, R. 2013). Born in 907 BCE, he reigns as king of...
Words: 768 - Pages: 4
...Jewish person here in the United States. One can only imagine the prejudices and discrimination they have gone through, even by their own religious group. Many think a “black” person could not be Jewish and some even consider the practice of Judaism strictly a “white” person’s religion. Some have gone so far to think that being Jewish is a race or nationality and not a religion. First let’s explore what Judaism is and how it is different from other religions. Judaism (n.d.) according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, is a religion developed among ancient Hebrews that believes in one God who revealed himself to Abraham, Moses and the Hebrew prophets, and a religious life according to scriptures and rabbinic traditions. Where Judaism really differs from other religions is that to be Jewish, you can either be born into it through matrilineal lines or you can be converted into Judaism (Rich, 2011). A person who has a Jewish mother, according to Orthodox Jews would be considered Jewish no matter who the father is or whether or not you believe in or practice Judaism. Accordingly, if you do not have a Jewish mother, but a Jewish father, you would not be considered Jewish even if you practice Judaism. One would have to be converted into Judaism in order to be considered Jewish if you do not have the matrilineal lines. Additionally, as opposed to Christians, practicing Jews believe that the Messiah has not yet come. There have been many Jewish people who have contributed to who...
Words: 1054 - Pages: 5
...I have chosen the two groups Judaism and Hispanic/Latino for this paper. I will explore these two groups in their differences and contributions and role in America. I will also explore by their comparison what conclusions might be drawn about prejudice and discrimination. Judaism differs from other religious groups in that Judaism (strictly speaking) is a way of life and has a ritualism to it. Strict Judaism has dietary rules and other laws. Judaism dates back thousands of years, to the time before Jesus, which is where many other religions today are different, as they recognize Jesus as the Savior sent by God, and Judaism sees Jesus as a prophet or respected leader. Judaism believes in one God, which differs from some other religious groups in the list provided. For those who do not share in the beliefs and practices of Judaism, persons of Judaism are generally treated well in America today. There may be some stereotyping or disregard for the rituals or practices of Judaism but they are generally not from hate, but rather lack of knowledge. However, in history, there are periods of horrific experiences of persons who do not share Judaism commonly torturing those who are of Judaism. Judaism has contributed to American Culture in attempting to keep the Sabbath holy and providing religious cultural centers in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. One specific example of discrimination and prejudice that Judaism has faced is the Holocaust where Adolf Hitler gathered...
Words: 821 - Pages: 4
...Judaism It is interesting to note that the three major religions of the World, even in contemporary times, are all religions that have Abrahamic traditions, and that they remain at the forefront of social, political, and cultural events worldwide: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All are called Abrahamic religions because each utilizes the teaches of Abraham in its central historical view of the world. Each of the three Abrahamic faiths are monotheistic, and actually account for over 50% of the world’s population, or almost 4 billion people (Christian Science Monitor, 8/4/98). Note, too, that besides the three major traditions, other religions cite their traditions from Abraham: Mandaenism, Rastafairnism, Bahai, Samaritan, and the Druze (“Why Abrahamic?”) It is also interesting to note that within these three religious teachings, there are considerable areas of commonality, yet the three are often at odds with one another over political and social issues, even in the contemporary world. The name Judaism comes from the Hebrew word Yehuda, meaning celebrated or praised. This set of beliefs originated from the ancient tribes of the Middle Eastern deserts, the Israelites, and told within the Talmud, or the ancient Hebrew Bible. In essence, Judaism is the special relationship that the Children of Israel have with God, and that special relationship derived from promises and covenants of law, tradition, and civil rights. Many scholars, in fact, see Judaism...
Words: 1770 - Pages: 8
...in Western Religions. The main objective is to elaborate on Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The other key focus is to uncover the struggles within its historical and modern times. Islam is an interesting subject because it has plenty history surrounding Islamic cultures, and the contrast between Judaism, and Christianity. Nevertheless, revealing how time has change from than to now also captivate some attention. Exploring the foundation surrounding Islam such as Abraham, and the other forefathers is rewarding when searching the history of these three religions. Historical connections Islam and Judaism share connections starting very early in history with the patriarch Abraham. Abraham had two sons, Ishmael, and Isaac, who eventually went on to lead two different groups of people. Ishmael led the Arabs who later became known as the Muslims and Isaac led the Israelites who later became Jews. These two different groups of religions grew and traditions known today in modern religion. Each religion shares a monotheistic belief and has similar belief in prophets. The Tanakh tells the story of Exodus that God chose Moses to lead the Jews out of slavery into freedom (Molly, 2010). Muslims also believe that Moses and several other historical figures, including Isaac, and Ishmael were prophets of God. Judaism connection to Christianity is through Jesus, and the Old Testament. Christianity developed from Judaism; the Tanakh...
Words: 2215 - Pages: 9
...Israel to God. The last book, Ketuvim, contains poetry, theology and drama. The Hebrew Bible is thought of by Christians as the Old Testament. This is because all of the teachings found in it are before Jesus Christ. You can find the prophecy of Jesus’ birth in Isaiah 7:14 2. Describe the major similarities and differences between the four branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist). How are these four groups distinct from one another? The similarity between all four is very simple. They are all very proud of their faith and view it not only as religion but as a life style that they identify themselves as Jewish before anything else. Each one does have strong values and want to better their religion. The differences seem to be more in where they interact with the world outside their communities. In Orthodox Judaism, you will find the traditionalists. They do not believe in altering the Torah in anyway. The other side of that is Reform Judaism. They want to adapt the rituals and laws to fit into the modern world. In between those two you have Conservative Judaism. Here there is an understanding that there is importance in both areas, upholding the...
Words: 778 - Pages: 4
...What are the beliefs of Judaism? When is their holidays? Where is it located? When did it star? What are the religion symbol? How old is Judaism? Who found Judaism? What does kosher mean? The history of Judaism? Important people such as moses? How many people are jewish? Jewish beliefs on death? What is shivas? What does meinnor mean? Candle What are the beliefs of Judaism? Judaism is a monotheistic faith, which means that Jews believe there is only one God. Is beyond our ability to know the God to the full extend however, God is present in our everyday lives. Each and every Jew follows different method to understand the image of the divine. Some would talk to God through prayers, while others see him through nature. But, at the end each individual's focus is to know him and have a unique relationship with him. When is their holidays? There are many holidays that make up Judaism calendar. Jewish High Holidays which is also called the High Holy Days consist of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that includes the ten days from the beginning of Rosh Hashanah through the completion of Yom Kippur. Other major holidays includes Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Chanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Pesach, Lag B’Omer, Shavu’ot, and Tisha B’Av. What are the religion symbol? The Menorah is the ancient symbol of Jewish faith and “ner tamid”, which is a lamp or torch that represents the Menorah in the modern times. Menorah is a seven-branched...
Words: 769 - Pages: 4
...different colors, separate beliefs and values that makes the essence of one’s life. Throughout our day to day life it is impossible to not come in contact with someone that does not believe and share the same practice and religion base as you do. There are several different religion but the main three are Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. In the beginning Christianity, Judaism, and Islam was somehow connected, unfortunately due to disobedience what was first one end up becoming three, in which caused different beliefs followed by different gods. Along with these beliefs came may struggles to obtain and carry out the very thing that they were proven to be right, pure and true. The Islamic religion believes that Allah “was the creator and sustainer of life” (Molly, M., 1999, Page 425.) Christianity believes that God is the creator and sustainer of life. Judaism also believes that God is the creator and sustainer of life. All three religion believes there is a higher power. Islam describes Jesus as a prophet as described here, “He encountered angels and the great prophets of the past, including Abraham and Jesus,” (Molly, M., 1999, Page 428) Judaism also describes Jesus as a prophet as well because Jesus, in their opinion, did not save the Jews. They believed that the real Messiah was going to become their military leader on earth and create an Eden in Jerusalem. They had expected the real Messiah to expel the Romans and rule the new world. (Molly, M., 1999, Page 346) Both the...
Words: 2300 - Pages: 10
...Laura Flatt December 18, 2014 Mrs. Urowitz Jewish History Major Assignment Leopold Zunz Contribution to Judaism Judaism is the way it is today because of Leopold Zunz. Leopold was born in Detmold, Germany in 1794. Throughout his life, Zunz critically investigated Judaism. Through his interesting and intriguing points of views, he influenced the modern days of Judaism. Leopold Zunz is shown as a contributing figure to the evolution of Jewish culture in the 19th Century, as seen through his writings that stressed the importance of reform in Jewish customs, the modernization of Jewish texts and his involvement in the study of the Science of Judaism (Wissenschaft des Judentums) movement. Leopold Zunz produced many pieces of writings throughout...
Words: 813 - Pages: 4
...Western Religions One of the ways to understand people of a diverse society is to understand their religious beliefs and practices. In the western world there are three major religions. These religions are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Each of these religions is monotheistic and is practiced by more than half the people in the world. Monotheistic religion is the belief in one God. Although Judaism, Christianity and Islam religious practices are each monotheistic, some of the religious traditions are different. Judaism believes there is one God who cannot be made up of parts; Islam embraces an immaterial, invisible God, one to be intensely feared in His omnipotence; Christians hold fast to the trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The differences mentioned are but a few of the differences between the three religions that could very well be reasons for some of the struggles believers faced during the early biblical days. To better the religious traditions of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, one must study the early traditions and struggles of each religion. The writers of this paper will discuss the similarities, differences, theological and historical connections between the three religions. Historical Connections Judaism is historically connected to Christianity through Jesus and the Old Testament. Jesus is considered the Messiah in Christianity and the Son of God. Jesus was actually born and raised Jewish in ancient Palestine. His birth...
Words: 2554 - Pages: 11
...History of Judaism Eric Sessoms REL/134 November 10, 2014 Mrs.Perry History of Judaism Jewish history goes back two thousand years and longer. There a historical event that has everyone theory and opinion revolving over and over. The destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE brought about the end of the temple-based ceremonial religion of that region. Following the calamity of the temple’s destruction, the earlier religion had to develop in new ways to survive. This is why there is distinction made between biblical Judaism and rabbinical Judaism. A lot of the Jewish laws practice and structure comes from the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew Bible sets a foundation for development in the Jewish way of life. Moses and the Law Moses is one of the most important and key characters in Jewish history. Let us start off with the fact that since the Hebrew population grow so large the Egyptians saw them as threats to be. The pharaoh in command at this time was so scared he ordered all baby boy Hebrew to be killed at birth. Moses was spared because he was hidden. After three months is mother afraid for his life and send him up the Nile River in and watertight basket. Story tells us that an Egyptian princess discovers him and raised him as her own. Also Moses are era occurred during the polytheistic culture of Egypt. This is the era when God showed he is “the one true God”. In Moses era this is when the story of the ten great plaques...
Words: 733 - Pages: 3
...History of Judaism until 164 BCE The Old Testament The history of Judaism is inseparable from the history of Jews themselves. The early part of the story is told in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It describes how God chose the Jews to be an example to the world, and how God and his chosen people worked out their relationship. It was a stormy relationship much of the time, and one of the fascinating things about Jewish history is to watch God changing and developing alongside his people. The Bronze Age Jewish history begins during the Bronze age in the Middle East. The birth of the Jewish people and the start of Judaism is told in the first 5 books of the Bible. God chose Abraham to be the father of a people who would be special to God, and who would be an example of good behaviour and holiness to the rest of the world. God guided the Jewish people through many troubles, and at the time of Moses he gave them a set of rules by which they should live, including the Ten Commandments. The birth of Judaism This was the beginning of Judaism as a structured religion The Jews, under God’s guidance became a powerful people with kings such as Saul, David, and Solomon, who built the first great temple. From then on Jewish worship was focussed on the Temple, as it contained the Ark of the Covenant, and was the only place where certain rites could be carried out. Rebuilding a Jewish kingdom The Jews grew in strength throughout the next 300 years BCE, despite their lands...
Words: 1697 - Pages: 7
...Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: Can One Exist Without the Other? “Human beings must be known to be loved; but Divine beings must be loved to be known. One will find religions have similarities despite individual practices.” Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all relate to each other, yet all have distinct differences. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are three monotheistic religions that share many beliefs. Jews and Muslims stress the singularity and unity of God, addressing one all-powerful God and through him all things are made. Christians share this belief, however, difficulty arises when identifying Christianity as monotheistic when trying to understand or decipher God as the Holy Trinity and Jesus as the Son of God. According to all three religions, God is the origin of existence and He alone provides basic rules for guidance. Universally, God is merciful and through God one is given strength to be more like what one ought to be (Christ, Muhammad, etc.). All three religions believe humans are superior creatures on Earth and were made in God’s vision, created with mystery, allowing for growth and discovery. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam claim to have received the final revelation; through a scholarly standpoint one can see the three are intertwined; sharing origins, history, beliefs, and future. Judaism and Christianity both acknowledge the Bible, Prophets, and Jesus; despite the conflicting views of Jesus as the Son of God and Jesus being a “false Prophet...
Words: 357 - Pages: 2
