Introducing Judaism

Introducing Judaism

1. What do Jews Believe?

   • The word Jew can be used in two ways. It means someone who was born a Jew. It also means a Jew who follows the Jewish religion which is called Judaism.
   • Jews believe that there is only one God who is eternal (monotheistic faith).
   • When Jews pray to God they call him Adonai. This means 'Lord'. Jews think that God's name is very important, they never use it carelessly.
   • Jews don't believe that they are the only ones who know God, but they do believe they have a special relationship with God. They also believe that God gave laws which they must obey (there are 613 all together, but only the Orthodox Jews follow them all).
   • Their relationship with God is based on love. One of the prayers which Jews use most often says 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your strength' this is called the Shema.

2. Jewish Symbols

   • Jews use many symbols in their religion, but two are especially important. One is the menorah and the star of David.
   • The menorah is a candlestick which has seven branches. It reminds `jews of the lamps which were used in the Temple in Jerusalem. The temple was destroyed in 70 ce. It was the most important building in the Jewish religion.
   • The star of David is a star with six points. No one really knows where this symbol came from,it it has been used for hundreds of years. It is used as part of the flag of Israel.