St.Mark's Adult Education
Judaism - Walter Dunnett
Walter explained that, traditionally, the roots of Judaism begin with Abraham's convenant with God, circa 2000 BC. There are three aspects of the tradition that are central to Judaism: the history of Israel, the sacred writings (the Torah), and the sacred place of worship (the Temple). We can follow these three threads through the ages.
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The History of Israel |
The Torah |
The Temple |
| 2000 - 1900 BC |
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
The 12 Tribes go to Egypt because of famine |
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| 1300 BC |
Moses |
5 Books of the Old Testament - accepted as the word of God told to Moses |
Ark of the Covenant was carried with the Israelites during the Exodus |
| 1200 - 1000 BC |
Judges |
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| 1000 BC |
David
Solomon |
Psalms, Proverbs, Book of Solomon |
Solomon builds first temple |
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Prophets and Kings |
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| 600 BC |
Exile |
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Temple Destroyed |
| 550 - 300 BC |
Persia ruled Israel; allowed Israelites to practice their own religion
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Ezra
Scribes |
Second Temple Created |
| 300 BC |
Greeks (Alexander the Great) ruled over Palestine |
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| 200 BC |
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Old Testament books collected |
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| 63 BC |
Roman Occupation |
Old Testament books translated into Greek and read widely |
synagogues as a place of worship and learning |
| 70 AD |
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Destruction of the second Temple |
| 70 - 600 AD |
Pharisees - lay people but influential
Sadducees - conservatives; harsh |
Mishnah (200 AD)
Talmud (400 AD) |
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Today, there are three main types of Judaism. The Reform Jews are the most liberal. They call their houses of worship "temples." Some more conservative Jews find this term offensive becaue they think it trivializes the true Temple in Jerusalem. Orthodox Jews are strict and follow the Kosher rules. Conservatives fit in the middle.
Religious ideas of Judaism:
1) Doctrine of God - Judaism is monotheistic and the Jews have a covenant with God
2) Humankind is basically good
3) Sin - Jews don't believe in original sin. "Sin" is basically an act or deed (commited in opposition to revealed law)
4) The Kingdom - God is in charge
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