NATIJudaism-Nick+Harlos

**H **ow did Judaism begin?** **
Many regard the founder of Judaism to be Abraham, whom they consider to have lived before 2000 BCE. Others may regard the true founder of Judaism to be Moses, who is traditionally considered to have lived around 1400 BCE. However, many scholars regard the stories of Abraham and Moses as creations of the first millennium BCE. They point out that the Bible also tells us that the people of Israel (the northern kingdom) were, throughout its history, polytheistic in their religious beliefs. Even in the south, in Judah, the people worshiped many gods until at least the time of King Hezekia (729-686 BCE), who made the first real attempt, in historic times, to impose a monotheistic religion. However, Hezekiah's son allowed Judah to revert to polytheism. On this evidence, Judaism, as we know it, did not yet exist in Judah. We now know that much of what we know as the Hebrew Bible was written by the 'Deuteronomist' source during the reign of King Josiah ( about 640-609 BCE), although of course the books written by the Deuteronomist contain a great deal of material that had been written down by authors several centuries earlier. Today, we see that earlier material, recorded by the 'Yahwist' and 'Elohist' sources, as essential to the very concept of Judaism, but much of it is also compatible with Hebrew polytheistic worship and was no doubt used in that context. From the time of Josiah, a monotheistic religion seems to have become dominant among the Jews. The role of Josiah in finally enforcing a monotheistic religion with its own canon of literature, make his reign arguably the real starting point of Judaism as we know it.

**Who are the leaders?**
=**Jewish leaders tended to be warriors and prophets in ancient Israel. Then, when the Jewish People were in exile and without a homeland, scholars, teachers, and rabbis became leaders. In the twentieth century, the Jewish People survived Hitler's plans of annihilation and gained their own nation. Soldiers, political leaders, rabbis, academics, and philanthropists are today's Jewish leaders.. **= ==**Where do Jews worship?**==

They have syagouges,Although sources (Josephus, Philo, the New Testament, the Talmud, and archaeology) confirm the existence of the synagogue as an established institution already in the first century CE, its origin is unclear. A number of relatively late sources, e.g., the Midrash (//Yad//. Ex. 408), the New Testament (Acts 15:21), and Josephus (//Contra Apionem//2:175), ascribed its establishment to Moses. However, this was a homiletical attempt to predate its actual origin. Many authorities feel that the events culminating in the emergence of the synagogue are to be dated to the Babylonian Exile (after 586 BCE). Scholarly speculation is that the exiles met from time to time, perhaps every Sabbath, to seek consolation over the loss of their land, to study Scripture, and perhaps to pray. Some prayers may even have been written at this time. As evidence, passages in Ezekiel, prophet of the exiles, are cited to indicate meetings of elders (Ezek. 8:1, 14:1, 20:1). The Talmud (//Meg//. 29a) finds a direct reference to the synagogues of Babylonia in Ezekiel 11:16: "Thus said the Lord God: I have indeed removed them far among the nations, and I have scattered them among the countries, and I have become to them a small sanctuary in the countries to which they have gone." The phrase "small sanctuary" was in the course of time often applied to a synagogue. Other theories have dated the origin of the synagogue to First Temple times, to the Hellenistic age, and to the Hasmonean period. ==**Where did this religion begin?**== Judaism began in early israel.In the Middle East, in areas similar to where Christianity began. However, Judaism started much longer ago, Judaism began in Canaan with the advent of Abraham to that region. This region is commonly known as Israel today "Judaism was founded in the promised land of Canaan (Palestine, also known as Israel)" ==**Where is this religion practiced?**== Everywhere it is practiced in America and Israel are where it is the most.it is practiced in the mid-east, babylon,egypt and kanaan **What are the main beliefs of this religion?** ==** Monotheism for one they only belive in one god. Also they belive in the Ten Commandments. **== ==**Who are the gods?**==  In Judaism, ultimate reality is a single, all-powerful God. It is this belief that made the Jews unique among other ancient Semitic peoples and that became the legacy Judaism has passed on to the entire Western world.The sacred name of God, as revealed to Moses in the book of Exodus, is **YHWH**. Since ancient Hebrew was written without vowels, we do not know the original pronunciation of this word. The common pronunciation "Jehovah," however, is incorrect. It is derived from combining the vowels for Adonai ("Lord") with the four consonants of YHWH.A more "correct" pronunciation, and that which is used among scholars, is "Yahweh." The discussion is irrelevant to observant Jews, however, as they do not pronounce this holiest of names. When the Torah is read aloud, Adonai ("Lord") is read in its place. This practice is reflected in most English translations, in which YHWH is rendered "LORD." Jews also refer to God as **Hashem**, "the Name." ==**What are the scriptures?**== The Hebrew names of the books of the Torah reflect not the subject, but the first major word of each book: Bereisheet ("In the beginning")Sh'mot ("Names")Vayikra ("And he called")BaMidbar ("In the wilderness")D'varim ("Words")Among other things, the Torah contains an account of the creation of the world, God's special call to Abraham, the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses, God's rescue of Israel from slavery in Egypt, the wandering in the wilderness, and the conquering of Canaan, the Promised Land. The Torah is by far the most important part of the Tanakh because, in addition to including these important stories, it also details the commandments (mitzvot) God gave the Jewish people through Moses. Accordingly, the Torah scroll (Sefer Torah) is the most important object in a synagogue. The text is carefully handwritten in Hebrew calligraphy on a parchment made of animal skins, and the scroll is kept in an ark (short for aron kodesh, "holy cabinet"). The Torah has been read publically since the time of Ezra (c. 450 BCE). Today, a portion of the Torah (parashiyot) is read in the synagogue on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and holidays. (See Practices: The Synagogue.) ==**What are their practices?**==  Jewish rituals and religious observances are grounded in Jewish law (halakhah, lit. "the path one walks." An elaborate framework of divine mitzvot, or commandments, combined with rabbinic laws and traditions, this law is central to Judaism. Halakhah governs not just religious life, but daily life, from how to dress to what to eat to how to help the poor. Observance of halakhah shows gratitude to God, provides a sense of Jewish identity and brings the sacred into everyday life. The Mitzvot The Hebrew word mitzvot means "commandments" (mitzvah is its singular form). Although the word is sometimes used more broadly to refer to rabbinic (Talmudic) law or general good deeds ("It would be a mitzvah to visit your mother"), in its strictest sense it refers to the divine commandments given by God in the Torah. The 613 Commandments The important Jewish philosopher Maimonides made a list of the 613 commandments he found in the Jewish Bible. Rabbinic Law In addition to the 613 mitzvot, Jewish law incorporates a large body of rabbinical rules and laws. These are considered just as binding as the mitzvot, although the punishments for violating them are less severe. Another difference is that it is possible, though unlikely, for the rabbinical laws to be changed, but no rabbi can change the Torah mitzvot. The rabbinical portion of halakhah falls into three groups: a gezeirah, takkanah, and minhag. The Synagogue The Jewish house of worship is a synagogue. The synagogue predates the destruction of the Second Temple, but it became central to religious life after the Temple was lost. The synagogue replaces ritual sacrifice with Torah readings, prayer and teaching. Jewish Worship and PrayerGuide to characteristics of Jewish worship and prayer, the weekday and Sabbath prayer services and etiquette for visitors. Keeping Kosher: Jewish Dietary Laws  One of the most well-known Jewish religious practices is that of eating kosher foods. The laws of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) may be puzzling or meaningless to the outsider, but they have held great meaning for the Jewish people throughout their history. Not only are they an opportunity for obedience to God, they also strongly contribute to Jewish unity and identity. also some jews wear Yamulkes (yah-muh-kahz) or a kippa they are little hats that reminds them that god is with them.
 * Do not worship any other gods
 * Do not make any idols
 * Do not misuse the name of god
 * Keep the sabbath holy
 * Honor thy father and mother
 * Do not murder
 * Do not commit adultery
 * Do not steal
 * Do not lie
 * Do not covet

==**What are the festivals?**== Jewish Holiday Calendar 2007-2011 Table of dates of Jewish holidays for five years. Shabbat: The Sabbath Many people know that the Sabbath is Saturday, the day of the week on which Jews are forbidden to work. From the Jewish perspective, the Sabbath is not about rules but about joyful celebration and rest. Full article » Days of Awe The Days of Awe are the 10 days from the beginning of Rosh Hashanah to the end of Yom Kippur. This important period, which occurs in the autumn, is devoted to introspection, repentance, and atonement for sin. Full article » Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is probably the Jewish holiday that non-Jews are most familiar with, due to its coincidental proximity to Christmas. It is not, however, the "Jewish Christmas" - it historically predates Christmas and is an entirely different celebration. Full article » Pesach: Passover Passover is a spring holiday commemorating the Exodus - the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt in the time of Moses (circa 13th century BCE). Its observances, most of which are instituted in chapters 12 to 15 of the book of Exodus, include special dietary restrictions ("Kosher of Passover") and a special meal. Full article » Purim Purim is a joyful spring holiday that features a festive meal, gift-giving, costumes, noisemakers in the synagogue, and required drunkenness. It is sometimes known to non-Jews as "the Jewish Mardi Gras" or "the Jewish Halloween." Full article » Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah means "head of the year" and is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. It is the day on which the year number changes, but unlike secular New Year celebrations, Rosh Hashanah is a solemn and holy time. It occurs on the first and second days of Tishri, which falls in September or October. Full article » Sukkot: Festival of Booths Sukkoth is known by several names: the "Festival of the Ingathering" (Khag ha-Asif), the "Festival of Booths" (Khag ha-Sukkot); "The Festival" (Khag), and the "Season of Rejoicing" (Zeman Simkhateinu). Full article » Tu B'Shevat Tu B'Shevat, or the "15th of Shevat," is the New Year for Trees. It is the day chosen to count the age of a newly-planted tree for the purposes of obeying a Levitical law. Over the years, the holiday has also developed into a day for celebrating (and enjoying) the fruit of the earth and focusing on care of the environment. Full article » Yom Kippur: The Days of Awe Yom Kippur, celebrated on the 10th day of Tishri, is the most important and solemn of Jewish holidays. Yom Kippur is the occasion on which otherwise nonobservant Jews are most likely to attend synagogue, refrain from work, or fast.