Summary of Judaism

Judaism is the World's eleventh largest religion with around fourteen million people. Judaism is also one of the first recorded monotheistic faiths as it laid the groundwork for Christianity and Islam. Judaism is divided into three branches: Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism, and Orthodox Judaism. Judaism is an Abrahamic religion like Christianity and Islam. Judaism has had a great impact on the World even though they are somewhat small compared to many other religions. Around 200 BCE God established a covenant with Abraham and the Israelites. Therefore, Judaism's festivals, worship, sacred writings, and beliefs make Judaism one of the Worlds most prominent religions. Judaism's annual cycle of festivals and worship gives it its structure. There is a major and minor festival in almost every month of the year. The ‘Thirteen Principles of Faith', created by Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, help define Judaism and lie at the heart of the Jewish Prayer Book. The Jewish Prayer Book is the basis of Jewish worship. The three great themes that "underpin" the Jewish religion are creation, revelation, and redemption. The holiest object in Judaism is a scroll of the Law, which is called the Sefer Torah. The synagogue is important as a meeting place, a focus for prayer and a house of study. In Judaism, there is much effort put forth to involve children in the celebration of major festivals. For example, the children are given the best places in front of the lights of the menorah at the festival of Hanukkah. The three ‘pilgrim' festivals in Judaism are the Shavuot, Sukkot, and the Pesach. These recall the three annual occasions when Jews made the journey to worship in Jerusalem. The New Year festival in Judaism is called Rosh Hashanah. This is a time to make resolutions regarding the future. The foods eaten on New Year's Eve symbolize sweetness, blessings, and plenty. There is a morning service following New Year's Eve, which can last up to six hours. The service consists of many