Founder

Abraham founed Judaism. This is the person that the term Hebrew came from. He was named from his ancestor Eber. His name came from Eyver meaning the otherside. This gave the impression that abraham came from the otherside and was spiritually special.

Nationality and History

The nationality of Judaism followers are Jews or Jewish people. The first recording of this religion was in the bible. the Preexile Isreal, celebrated Judaism during bondage in Egypt. After many wars and conquests they stated Judaism as Jews didn't call their religion Judaism. they only talked about the Torah, their instruction to life and properity. Currently the total world Jewish population was 12.8 million, in the Soviet Union. Those are the three most populated countries with Judaism. Also 1.2 million live in the rest of North America , and 32,700 in Asia exto a journeycluding Isreal. About6 433,400 Jews live in Central and South America. Finally 433,400 Jews live in Africa. Judaism was never monotheistic, it is henotheistic. Although they worship one God, they belive that their are more gods. this is one major difrence between Judaism and Christianity.

Rituals

The Jewish year has seven main rituals. Three of the main festivities were based on agricultural blessings and are related to the seasons. Pesach (Passover) occuring in the spring marks the beginning of harvest. Passover celebrates the exodus from Egypt. 50 days later Shabouth (Pentecoast) occurs, it marks the conclusion of harvest. Shabouth is known as the time of giving of the Torah on Siani. Sokkot (Tabernacles) celebrates the fall harvest and follows a 10 day period of communal purification. It is still observed as a harvest festival, but related to a journey to the Promised Land. The ten day period is begun Rosh Hashanah (The New Year) and ends with Yom Kippur (The day of Atonement). Hannukah (Dedication), celebrates the Meccabees over Antiochius the Fourth (Syrian King) in 165BC and the rededication of the Second temple. Purium (Lots) celebrates the story of Persian Jewry's deliverance by Ester and Mordecai. it occurs a mouth before Passover. Four fasting days commemerating the destruction of two in 586 BC and 70 AD. The main one is Tishaha b' Ab (The Ninth of Ab) is the day the two temples were destroyed.

Books and Places of Worship

The place of worship for Judaism is the Synagogue also known as a temple. The oldest and standard book for Judaism is the Torah.

Gods and Symbols

Their god was first known as Yahew (Jenovah), the god of the Patriarchs. The Tefillin is translated as phylacteries. The Tefillin is a leather pouch that Jews bind their arms and foreheads to. These pouches contained scriptures from the Torah to read. the tefillin is looked at to remind the Jews of Gods 10 commandments. The 8-armed Menorah is one of the oldest symbols in Jewish faith. it is said to be used to "Light the Nations of Isreal". The Maged of David is commonly known as the Shield of David and the Star of David. The Magen of David is actually a relatively new symbol. It is suppose to symbolize King David's Shield and the Balance of the Universe. Chai is most known as the Hebrew word for living. this is also a sign for Charity. Chai comes from the two words Chet and Yod. The Hamesh Hand is popular in Jewish jewelry. Arab cultures eefer to it as Hand of Fatima. This hand represents the hand of God.