A page about the basic beliefs in Judaism ...

Adam named his wife Eve because she would become the mother of all the living.  Genesis 3:20

• Abraham is the founder of Judaism

• he lived about 4000 years ago in a town called Ur

• Moses is the great prophet of the Jews

• Jews worship in a synagogue

• the complete Jewish scriptures are called the Tenakh - they are divided into three sections: Torah (the books of Teaching); Nevi'im (the books of the Prophets); Ketuvim (the 'writings')

• the Jewish day of worship/rest is the Sabbath. This begins at sunset on Friday evenings and lasts until dusk on Saturdays

• the Jewish symbol is the Star of David

• Jews believe there is only one God

• they believe that God created the world and humans

• they believe that God made special covenants (promises) with the Jews through Abraham and Moses

• Jews believe that if they try to keep all of God's commandments then their names will be recorded in the book of life

• the Jewish New Year falls in late September or early October and is known as Rosh Hashanah

• Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights.  It usually falls in December and lasts for eight days

 

Looking for the meaning of words?  Click here for a dictionary of key Jewish words

• www.ohr.org.il/ask/page/askrabbi.htm A fabulously detailed site answering many questions about the Jewish faith.  You can even "Ask the Rabbi"!

• www.torahtots.com A site created for Jewish children.  Contains relevant and useful information for those studying Judaism in KS3.

• www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/people/features/world_religions/judaism.shtml An introduction to Judaism from the BBC.

• http://members.lycos.co.uk/fitzwimarc/GCSE/regloss1.htm Glossary of Jewish words.

• www.jewfaq.org/ An online encyclopaedia of Judaism. You have a question about Judaism?  Search for an answer here!

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