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A Basic Guide To Judaism

Brief History of Judaism
During the third millennium BC, a monotheistic religion was developed by Near Eastern Hebrews. This religion, Judaism, is practiced by modern Jews and is one of the oldest religions still practiced today. Traditionally, Judaism is said to have been founded by Abraham. It is said that Abraham was selected by God to be given special treatment in exchange for worship and obedience. After Abraham relocated to Canaan, his descendants migrated to Egypt and became slaves. God made it where the Hebrew's could escape from Egypt and reinstated the covenant with Moses, the Hebrew leader. The Hebrew people were given a set of very strict laws from God. These laws came to be the Torah, the basis of Jewish scripture. All variations of Judaism are still firmly rooted in a multitude of religious principles. However, Judaism today is separated into four major groups: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Liberal. ("Judaism", 1998)

The Synagogue
A synagogue is the place where worship takes place. The synagogue is typically comprised of several rooms, one large sanctuary for prayer and several smaller rooms including studies, social halls and offices. Each separate group of Jews has slightly different setups of synagogues. ("Synagogue", 2007)

Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism is practiced by a majority of the Jews in the world. Orthodox Jews state the authority of the Torah and stick closely to the traditions upheld in their community such as the separation of men and women in the synagogue. ("Judaism", 1998) Orthodox synagogues typically contain a representative ark, a bimah (raised platform where readings take place), the ner tamid (an ever burning lamp that reminds the Jews of the menorah of Jerusalem that stayed lit by miracle), a ceremonial candelabrum, and a pulpit (where the rabbit stands to face the congregation.) The artwork within the synagogue must be kept parallel to the Orthodox tradition with no 3D human images. There are typically twelve...