Judaism Judaism began about 4000 years ago making

Judaism • Judaism began about 4000 years ago, making it the oldest religion we are studying. • Abraham, a Hebrew man, is considered the founder of the Jewish faith because he promoted the central idea of the Jewish faith: that there is one God.

Judaism • People who follow Judaism are called Jews. • There are 3 main types of Jews: – Orthodox (traditional) – Conservative – Reform (least traditional)

Judaism • The Holy Book, the Torah, is written on scrolls and kept in a special cabinet called the aron hakodish, the holy ark, in synagogues. • The Torah is read with a pointer called a yad to keep it from being spoiled. • Each week, one section is read until the entire Torah is completed and the reading begins again.

Judaism • The place of worship for Judaism is called a Synagogue. • Judaism is a monotheistic religion, meaning that Jews believe in only one God. • Judaism is the least common of the three religions we are studying.

Judaism • Jewish holidays include: – Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year, occurs between Labor Day and Columbus Day. It is a happy festive holiday, during which people make new years resolutions. – Hanukkah: The festival of lights, celebrating the rededication of a temple in Jerusalem.

Christianity • Christianity began over 2000 years ago. • Christianity traces its beginning to the miraculous birth, adult ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is considered the founder of Christianity.

Christianity • People who follow Christianity are called Christians. • There are 3 main types of Christians: – Orthodox – Roman Catholic – Protestant (Methodist, Baptist, Anglican)

Christianity • The Holy Book of Christianity is the Bible. • The Christian Bible has two parts: • the Old Testament which is essentially the Hebrew scriptures of Jesus' time. • the New Testament which contains writings about Jesus Christ and about the early church.

Christianity • The place of worship for Christianity is called a Church. • Christianity is a monotheistic religion, meaning that Christians believe in only one God. • Christianity is the most common of the religions we are studying.

Christianity • Christian holidays include: – Easter: Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Eggs are a major symbol of Easter since they symbolize new life. – Christmas: A celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Islam • Islam is the newest of the three religions we are studying. • Muhammad was the last of the prophets, which included both Abraham and Jesus. Muhammad is considered the founder of Islam.

Islam • People who follow Islam are called Muslims. • There are two main types of muslims: • Sunnis - 90% of the worlds muslims. • Shiites – 10% of the worlds muslims

Islam • Muslims believe that the last revealed scripture sent by God is the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the holy book for Islam. • Many Muslims try to learn to read the Qur’an in its original language, Arabic. • It is common for Muslims to memorize whole chapters of it. They read part of it every day.

Islam • The place of worship is at the Mosque. • Islam is a monotheistic religion, meaning that Muslims believe in only one God. • Islam is second most common of the three religions we are studying.

Islam • Islamic holidays include: – Al-Hijra: The islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the month in which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE (the Hijra). – 'Id Al-Fitr or Festival of the Breaking of the Fast: A celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.