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[[Image:StarofDavid.gif|right|thumb|The Star of David, a symbol of Judaism]]

[[Image:StarofDavid.gif|right|thumb|The Star of David, a symbol of Judaism]]

'''Judaism''' was one of the first [[monotheistic religions]], dating back to around 2000 B.C. Judaism is the first [[Abrahamic faith]], tracing its origins to [[Abraham]], as can the religion of [[Christianity]]. The core of the Judaism as it exists today took shape from a later time period when [[Moses]] led the [[Hebrews]] from [[Egypt]] and climbed [[Mount Sinai]], bringing back the [[Ten Commandments]].  

'''Judaism''' was one of the first [[monotheistic religions]], dating back to around 2000 B.C. Judaism is the first [[Abrahamic faith]], tracing its origins to [[Abraham]], as do the religions of [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]. The core of Judaism as it exists today took shape from a later time period when [[Moses]] led the [[Hebrews]] from [[Egypt]] and climbed [[Mount Sinai]], bringing back the [[Ten Commandments]]. The Kingdom of Judah -- the [[Judean]]s -- became the dominant force for the development of Judaism, beginning after the fall of the northern Kingdom of Israel around 720 B.C. The adoption of the [[Masoretic Text]] as the [[Bible]] of Judaism occurred a millennium later, between the 600s and 900s A.D., and the oldest complete copy is the [[Leningrad Codex]] from 1009 A.D.

The five books of Moses—the [[Torah]]—in which the [[Mosaic Law]] is found, are generally considered to be the core of the Jewish Scripture, and are supplemented by the works of the prophets and other writings. The works of the prophets are grouped under Nevi'im, and the other writings are known as Ketuvim.  The first letters of each part combined were used to create the name of the full Hebrew Bible: the Tanakh, which Christians call the [[Old Testament]]. The [[Talmud]] is another ancient Jewish writing based on the Tanakh (Old Testament) and per Judaism it contains traditions brought down by Moses to [[Joshua]] and from Joshua on. The Talmud also contains discussion by sages involving extensive disagreement and lively discussion over interpretation of certain details [not the basic traditions, concepts]. Due to the destruction of the Temple, sometimes details were remembered differently by disciples, as they heard it.

The five books of Moses—the [[Torah]]—in which the [[Mosaic Law]] is found, are generally considered to be the core of the Jewish Scripture, and are supplemented by the works of the prophets and other writings. The works of the prophets are grouped under Nevi'im, and the other writings are known as Ketuvim.  The first letters of each part combined were used to create the name of the full Hebrew Bible: the Tanakh, which Christians call the [[Old Testament]]. The [[Talmud]] is another ancient Jewish writing based on the Tanakh (Old Testament); pursuant to Judaism, the Talmud contains traditions brought down by Moses to [[Joshua]] and from Joshua on. The Talmud also contains discussion by sages involving extensive disagreement and lively discussion over interpretation of certain details rather than basic traditions and concepts. Due to the destruction of the [[Temple]], sometimes details were remembered differently by disciples, as they heard it.

The classic example where/why Talmud explanation is needed in the Bible, is [Ex. 21:24] 'An Eye for an eye,' which the Talmud explains it means monetary compensation, but not literally.   

The classic example where/why Talmud explanation is needed in the Bible, is [[Exodus, Chapter 21|Exodus 21:24]]: 'An Eye for an eye,' which the Talmud explains it means monetary compensation, but not literally.   

But most Christians, including [[Messianic Jews]], consider the [[Theology|theological]] findings and argumentation of the Talmud to be "invalid" after the advent of the birth of [[Jesus Christ]].

But most Christians, including [[Messianic Jews]], consider the [[Theology|theological]] findings and argumentation of the Talmud to be "invalid" after the advent of the birth of [[Jesus Christ]].

Tikkun Olam—to help "repair the world"—is a Hebrew phrase originated in the early rabbinic period. Many believe the phrase to refer to the commandment of Jews to keep the world in order by following the 10 Commandments.  

Tikkun Olam—to help "repair the world"—is a Hebrew phrase that originated in the early rabbinic period. Many believe the phrase to refer to the commandment of Jews to keep the world in order by following the 10 Commandments.  

The [[Hebrews]], [[Israelites]],<ref>Israel was first the name for the Jewish people (after the children of Jacob Israel).

The [[Hebrews]], [[Israelites]],<ref>Israel was first the name for the Jewish people (after the children of Jacob Israel).

*Dt. 21:8

*Dt. 21:8

*2 Samual 7:23

*2 Samual 7:23

*1 kings 8:38

*1 Kings 8:38

*1 kings 8:52

*1 Kings 8:52

*1 Chronicles 17, 21

*1 Chronicles 17, 21

*2 Chronicles 6:24 , 29

*2 Chronicles 6:24, 29

*2 Chronicles 20, 7.</ref> also called and known as [[Jews]]. In Jeremiah [34:9] the Jewish people are referred in both terms, Hebrew and Jew. At least since the time of [[Esther]] the term Jews has been the term used in general.<ref>Book of Esther.</ref><ref>[http://www.chabad.org.il/Articles/Article.asp?ArticleID=529&CategoryID=342 (Jewish calendar - 3,404-405. 355-356 BCE)]</ref><ref>[https://www.kosher.com/lifestyle/what-is-the-miracle-of-purim-625 What Is the Miracle of Purim?], Kosher.com, March 19, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/645309/jewish/What-Is-Purim.htm What Is Purim?]</ref>

*2 Chronicles 20, 7.</ref> also called and known as [[Jews]]. In Jeremiah [34:9] the Jewish people are referred in both terms, Hebrew and Jew. At least since the time of [[Esther]] the term Jews has been the term used in general.<ref>Book of Esther.</ref><ref>[http://www.chabad.org.il/Articles/Article.asp?ArticleID=529&CategoryID=342 (Jewish calendar - 3,404-405. 355-356 BCE)]</ref><ref>[https://www.kosher.com/lifestyle/what-is-the-miracle-of-purim-625 What Is the Miracle of Purim?], Kosher.com, March 19, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/645309/jewish/What-Is-Purim.htm What Is Purim?]</ref>

==Sabbath==

==Sabbath==

[[Image:Menora exb HSTR7337.jpg|right|thumb|Yarmulke and Menorah]]

[[Image:Menora exb HSTR7337.jpg|right|thumb|Yarmulke and Menorah]]

Many Jews observe a weekly day of rest (the [[Sabbath]]) that begins shortly before sundown on Friday and ends after sunset on Saturday. During this time no work may be done, business transactions are forbidden, and light switches are not to be turned on or off. Jews celebrate the Sabbath by lighting candles before the Sabbath, singing songs, going to synagogue, commonly referred to as shul, and learning. This is based on the fourth commandment of the old testament, although the rules have been expanded upon beyond what is commanded.<ref>Exodus 20:8-11</ref>

Many Jews observe a weekly day of rest (the [[Sabbath]]) that begins shortly before sundown on Friday and ends after sunset on Saturday. During this time no work may be done, business transactions are forbidden, and light switches are not to be turned on or off. Jews celebrate the Sabbath by lighting candles before the Sabbath, singing songs, going to synagogue, commonly referred to as shul, and learning. This is based on the fourth commandment of the Old Testament, although the rules have been expanded upon beyond what is commanded.<ref>Exodus 20:8-11</ref>

==Judaism & movements==

==Judaism & movements==

*The Galut of the Jews by the Roman [[Titus]] after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. They were triumphantly displayed in Rome and dispersed in the lands along the Rhine Valley known in the Hebrew tongue as Ashkenaz - which is known now as Germany. There they learned the language of the land which developed into Modern German. The Jews called their language, the early stage of German, Yiddish. From the Rhine, many of the "''Ashkenazis''" moved (were moved) to Eastern Europe, many fleeing from there, to America, to Israel, to Latin America, etc. learning new languages, but also speaking their old language, not Hebrew, but Yiddish. This, with the common religion, enabled the fostering of unity and brotherhood.

*The Galut of the Jews by the Roman [[Titus]] after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. They were triumphantly displayed in Rome and dispersed in the lands along the Rhine Valley known in the Hebrew tongue as Ashkenaz - which is known now as Germany. There they learned the language of the land which developed into Modern German. The Jews called their language, the early stage of German, Yiddish. From the Rhine, many of the "''Ashkenazis''" moved (were moved) to Eastern Europe, many fleeing from there, to America, to Israel, to Latin America, etc. learning new languages, but also speaking their old language, not Hebrew, but Yiddish. This, with the common religion, enabled the fostering of unity and brotherhood.

*the 1492 A.D. exile from [[Spain]], where the Jews had previously settled in the time of the [[Moors]] and some attaining to high positions and appointments as physicians, prime ministers, and poets under the Islamic conquest. This was the Golden Age of Jewry in Spain. At their expulsion ("gerush") from Spain they settled mainly around the Mediterranean basin - North Africa, Greece, Turkey, and also many going to Holland and from there to the American Colonies. The first synagogue in America was created due to this dispersion. These Jews soon were speaking the language of the their host countries - Arabic, Turkish etc. but also speaking the language of Old Spain. "Spain" in Hebrew is Sefarad, so the language is Sephardic and the dispersion is of the ''Sephardim'' (sometimes spelled Sepharadim).

*the 1492 A.D. exile from [[Spain]], where the Jews had previously settled in the time of the [[Moors]] and some attained high positions and appointments as physicians, prime ministers, and poets under the Islamic conquest. This was the Golden Age of Jewry in Spain. At their expulsion ("gerush") from Spain they settled mainly around the Mediterranean basin - North Africa, Greece, Turkey, and also many going to Holland and from there to the American Colonies. The first synagogue in America was created due to this dispersion. These Jews soon were speaking the language of the their host countries - Arabic, Turkish etc. but also speaking the language of Old Spain. "Spain" in Hebrew is Sefarad, so the language is Sephardic and the dispersion is of the ''Sephardim'' (sometimes spelled Sepharadim).

*the Yemenites (''Temanim''). Yemen means "right (direction)" in Semitic languages. When facing the temple from the west, the "right" points south. Therefore, "Teiman" also means "south". This dispersion is the southerly dispersion to what is now Yemen, gaining momentum during the Himyaritic Kindom in Yemen which had adopted Judaism. With the founding of the Modern State of Israel, most Yemenite Jews have immigrated to Israel and speak Arabic as well as Hebrew.  

*the Yemenites (''Temanim''). Yemen means "right (direction)" in Semitic languages. When facing the temple from the west, the "right" points south. Therefore, "Teiman" also means "south". This dispersion is the southerly dispersion to what is now Yemen, gaining momentum during the Himyaritic Kindom in Yemen which had adopted Judaism. With the founding of the Modern State of Israel, most Yemenite Jews have immigrated to Israel and speak Arabic as well as Hebrew.  

*'''Tisha B'Av'''&mdash;also known as the Ninth of Av, 9th of Av, is a fast day that mourns the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

*'''Tisha B'Av'''&mdash;also known as the Ninth of Av, 9th of Av, is a fast day that mourns the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

*'''[[Chanukah]]''' (there are several English spellings)&mdash;celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after the revolt against the Greeks recorded in the Talmud and other non-Biblical texts. Jews light candles each night for eight nights, adding one candle each night. Chanukah is not a holiday recorded in the Bible and is considered a minor holiday from a religious standpoint, however from a secular Jewish perspective it has taken on a position of great prominence in modern times passing all other holidays as far as degree to which it is celebrated.

*'''[[Chanukah]]''' (there are several English spellings)&mdash;celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after the revolt against the Greeks recorded in the Talmud and other non-Biblical texts. Jews light candles each night for eight nights, adding one candle each night. Chanukah is not a holiday recorded in the Bible and is considered a minor holiday from a religious standpoint; however, from a secular Jewish perspective, it has taken on a position of great prominence in modern times passing all other holidays as far as the degree to which it is celebrated.

==Calendar==

==Calendar==

The Jewish calendar combines lunar and solar features. During Temple times, months began when the new moon was sighted in Jerusalem. An extra month was added when needed to keep the Pesach festival in the spring. Today a complex algorithm, over a thousand years old, is used to determine when months begin. As a result, the dates of the Jewish holidays in the civil calendar vary from year to year. A day on the Hebrew calendar lasts from one sundown to the next, so for purposes of religious observances a day begins at sundown of the preceding civil day.

The Jewish calendar combines lunar and solar features. During Temple times, months began when the new moon was sighted in Jerusalem. An extra month was added when needed to keep the Pesach festival in the spring. Today, a complex algorithm, over a thousand years old, is used to determine when months begin. As a result, the dates of the Jewish holidays in the civil calendar vary from year to year. A day on the Hebrew calendar lasts from one sundown to the next, so for purposes of religious observances a day begins at sundown of the preceding civil day.

==Jewish Scripture==

==Jewish Scripture==

Each tribe was composed of a group of families, united by blood ties and constituting a social and political unit. As time went on, the stronger tribes tended to absorb the weaker ones.<ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=762510356&vv=450 Twelve Tribes of Israel] MSN Encarta</ref>  

Each tribe was composed of a group of families, united by blood ties and constituting a social and political unit. As time went on, the stronger tribes tended to absorb the weaker ones.<ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=762510356&vv=450 Twelve Tribes of Israel] MSN Encarta</ref>  

After the death of King Solomon, and in the time of his son, Rehoboam, the twelve tribes divided into two camps. The south was known as [[Judah]] with Jerusalem as their capital, while the ten northern tribes made up the kingdom of Israel whose capital was [[Samaria]]. In 721/2 B.C. , the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered and the elite and powerful taken away by the Assyrians (leaving the weak and powerless) and resettled among various client kingdoms of their empire. The Assyrians, in like manner, settled other conquered peoples in various places of conquered Israel in order to dilute and weaken the population causing them to be compliant to the Assyrian overlords. This is how the "Samarians" were to arise, present in the time of Jesus and present to this day - a mixed semi-Judaized population with their religious center on Mt. Gerizim in Samaria rivaling Jerusalem. The northern dispersion came to be called popularly "the Lost 10 Tribes of Israel". But some of the "10 Lost Tribes" were not lost. At the time of Assyrian conquest of Israel, archaeology reveals, the city walls of the capitol city of the Southern Kingdom, Jerusalem, were suddenly and greatly expanded. This is because, it is thought, of the sudden influx to the southern brothers of the fleeing northerners. See also in the Diaspora section above, the Bnei Menashe, and see [https://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/973487.html]

After the death of King Solomon, and in the time of his son, Rehoboam, the twelve tribes divided into two camps. The south was known as [[Judah]] with Jerusalem as their capital, while the ten northern tribes made up the kingdom of Israel whose capital was [[Samaria]]. In 721/2 B.C., the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered and the elite and powerful taken away by the Assyrians (leaving the weak and powerless) and resettled among various client kingdoms of their empire. The Assyrians, in like manner, settled other conquered peoples in various places of conquered Israel in order to dilute and weaken the population causing them to be compliant to the Assyrian overlords. This is how the "Samarians" were to arise, present in the time of Jesus and present to this day - a mixed semi-Judaized population with their religious center on Mt. Gerizim in Samaria rivaling Jerusalem. The northern dispersion came to be called popularly "the Lost 10 Tribes of Israel". But some of the "10 Lost Tribes" were not lost. At the time of Assyrian conquest of Israel, archaeology reveals, the city walls of the capitol city of the Southern Kingdom, Jerusalem, were suddenly and greatly expanded. This is because, it is thought, of the sudden influx to the southern brothers of the fleeing northerners. See also in the Diaspora section above, the Bnei Menashe, and see [https://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/973487.html]

The Southern Kingdom was conquered by Babylonians in 586/7 B.C. with much population taken to Babylon, which was to become a center for Judaism (and the Babylonian Talmud) rivaling Jerusalem itself. Cyrus, Emperor of Persia was to allow the Jews to return to their ancestral homeland, but many Jews preferred to remain in Babylon (most of these "Iraqis" would return to Israel with the erection of the modern State of Israel).

The Southern Kingdom was conquered by Babylonians in 586/7 B.C. with much population taken to Babylon, which was to become a center for Judaism (and the Babylonian Talmud) rivaling Jerusalem itself. Cyrus, Emperor of Persia was to allow the Jews to return to their ancestral homeland, but many Jews preferred to remain in Babylon (most of these "Iraqis" would return to Israel with the erection of the modern State of Israel).