LOO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Lanas, Loo, Buguias, Benguet

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS

Lesson 4: JUDAISM
Background Information for Learners
Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion that traces its origin as an organized belief system during the
Bronze Age in West Asia. The religion of the Jewish people, Judaism is one of the Three Abrahamic religions that
also include Christianity and Islam. It is the religion professed by the Jews known also as the “people of the Book”
in reference to their sacred text written covering nearly a thousand years and formalized as a canon of teaching
by the end of the first century C.E. The Jews consider themselves as the people chosen by God to serve as an
exemplar of devotion and purity to humankind.
It is quite difficult to study key events in the historical foundation of Judaism without discussing the
history of the Jewish people from the time of the Hebrews’ mass departure from Egypt or the Exodus. During the
20th century, the growth in their population has remained sluggish for a quite a long time as it grew to only 25%
after the catastrophic event called Holocaust.
According to a 2014 report, there were around 14 million Jewish people representing 0.2% of the entire
world population. The largest concentration of Jews can be found in Israel, North America (United States and
Canada), and Central Europe. Other countries with sizable Jewish population include France, United Kingdom,
Russia, Argentina, Germany, and Australia.

1. Historical background
Judaism is the oldest of the monotheistic religions, whose origin dated back 1500BCE. Jewish tradition
traces its development to the ancient patriarch Abraham, and his descendants Isaac and Jacob. It is believed that
Judaism was instituted with the covenant
between God and the Israelites in Mt. Sinai.
The origin of the Jewish people and the
beginning of Judaism are recorded in the first
five books of the Hebrew Bible, the
Pentateuch. As a religion and culture, Judaism
has three notable founding figures or
patriarchs, namely, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The First Five Book of the Old Testament also known as the Pentateuch (Photo source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/slideplayer.com)

According to tradition, Abraham’s original name was “Abram” who was born in the city of Ur of the
Chaldeas around 1800 B.C.E. While Abram and his wife Sarai were initially childless, Abram bore a son to Sarai’s
Egyptian handmaid Hagar. He was named Ishmael who is considered as the ancestor of the Arabs. However,
Ishmael was not the heir to God’s promise. God changed Sarai’s name to “Sarah,” meaning “princess” or
“noblewoman.” Later in life, the old Abram and Sarah had a son named Isaac, the heir to God’s covenant and the
ancestor of the Jewish people. Abram’s name was changed to “Abraham” or the “the father of many nations.”
The prophet Moses, who led the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt, guided, taught and interpreted
God’s will, and his divinely inspired teachings laid the foundation of Judaism. Moses’ mother, Jochebed, put him
into a basket when he was a baby to save him from the pharaoh’s decree. He was then found and rescued by the
pharaoh’s daughter Bithia and raised him like her own son.
Moses fled to Sinai upon killing an Egyptian. On Mount Horeb, Abraham’s God revealed himself to Moses
as he spoke through a burning bush that was not consumed. Revealing God’s name as “Yahweh,” he commanded
Moses to return to Egypt and demand the release of Israelites from slavery. While the firstborn sons of every
Egyptian household would die, sons of Israelites would be saved if they marked their door posts with the blood of
lamb killed in sacrifice. In that fated night, the lamb must be cooked and eaten with bitter herbs and unleavened
bread. This is known as the Passover, an important Jewish festival .
The Israelites were banished from Egypt with Moses leading them across the Red Sea (Yam Suph or “Sea
of Reeds” in some accounts). This event called Exodus became part of Jewish history that manifested Yahweh’s
intervention to deliver his chosen people (Hopfe 1983).
Another significant event in Jewish history was the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
These supreme laws, which are basic to the Jewish people, were communicated to the Israelites through Moses
during their time in the wilderness. Moses eventually united the different tribes into one group and consecrated

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to the worship of the one living god (Brown 1975). Forty years after the Exodus, Moses died in the desert within
reach of the “Promised Land.”

2. Socio-political Dynamics of Judaism

The Old Testament gives us ideas on socio-political dynamics of Judaism. Understanding the Jewish
concepts on politics and society would help us understand the historical development of Judaism as one of the
world’s religions and see its relevance in contemporary times.
The Jewish concept of leadership based on the Old testament directs us to certain types of leaderships,
one of which is kingship as the ideal form of government. This can be deduced from the chronicles of the Kings of
Israel and Judah, as well as in the Book of Deuteronomy, which stated, “Let me put a king over me like all the
nations that are around me” (Deut. 17: 14-15). In relation to the idea of kingship, the concept of “covenant”
between the ruler and the ruled is equally important as well in Judaism. Just as God the Father entered into a
covenant with His people (such as the covenant between God and Abraham), the same should also be true for
the King and his subjects. Thus, socio-political dynamics can also be described as following the model of tribal
federation in which various tribes and institutions shared political power. Although they practice communal
living, there were certain people such as the rabbi who functions as a teacher and interpreter of the Jewish law
and customs. Thus, it can be deduced that for the Jews, politics, society, culture, and religion are all
interconnected, thus Judaism is not only considered as a religion but as a way of life as well.

3. Beliefs and Doctrines in Judaism

SACRED SCRIPTURES
The sacred text of the Hebrews is called the Tanakh (Written Torah), a collection of 24 books which is
divided into 3 parts: The Torah (Teaching) which contains the early history of Judaism and is composed of the first
five books called the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Nev’im (Prophets)
wherein prophets served as spokespersons who criticize the hypocritical practices of Jewish rituals. And the last
one, Ketuvim (writings) that contains works on poetry, temple ritual, private prayer, and philosophical
explorations.
On the other hand, Judaism also have their Oral Torah which is known as the Talmud that means
“study”. It contains the materials of law and moral code, thus it is considered as a fountain of religious thoughts
and inspirations for the Jews.
The Pentateuch is the single most important scripture of the Jewish people that became the source of
their inspiration and direction for centuries. It became the foundation of other essential Jewish writings, such as
the Talmud and Mishnah. With all these codified laws and legal materials, Judaism has become a religion of the
law and the Jews as the chosen people have shown obedience to God’s covenant throughout their long and
tumultuous history (Hopfe 1983).
BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES
Jews believe that there is only one god who created everything and that God can communicate to the human
beings through revelation while as for the humans, they can communicate to Him through prayers and
meditation. Jews also have their creeds as well as set of rules to follow. God appeared to Moses in Mt. Sinai,
introduced Himself as Yahweh and gave the commandments to Moses. These are set of absolute law which shall
govern every Israelite.
Jewish Principles of Faith
1. God exists.
2. God is one and unique.
3. God is incorporeal.
4. God is eternal.
5. Prayer is to be directed to God alone and to no other.
6. The words of the prophets are true.
7. Moses’ prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets.
8. The Written Torah and the Oral Torah were given to Moses.
9. There will be no other Torah.
10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
11. God will reward the good and punish the wicked.
12. The Messiah will come.
13. The dead will be resurrected
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 The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17)
1. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall
have no other gods before Me.
2. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in
the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.
3. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes
His name in vain.
4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day
is the Sabbath of the LORD your God.
5. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is
giving you.
6. “You shall not murder.
7. “You shall not commit adultery.
8. “You shall not steal.
9. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

Apart from the Ten Commandments that form the theological basis of other commandments, there are also
613 mitzvot or laws found within the Torah that guide the Jewish people in their daily living. Traditionally, there
are 248 positive and 365 negative commandments within the Torah (Parrinder 1971). These include laws about
the family, personal hygiene, diet, as well as duties and responsibilities to the community.

WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES

The Jewish community utilizes a lunar calendar with twelve months, each beginning at the new moon of
29 or 30 days. Every festival and Sabbath commences and terminates at dusk (or sunset) rather than midnight in
adherence to the biblical pattern. The Jewish calendar is followed in observance of festivities, holidays, and
community and family celebrations (Brasswell 1994). Jewish holidays are special days observed to commemorate
key events in Jewish history and other events that depict the special connections with the world, such as
creation, revelation, and redemption.
Sabbath
The most important day in the Jewish calendar is the Sabbath (or Shabbat) which commemorates God’s
completion of the creation of the universe and his rest after six-day toil (Parrinder 1971). Tis is the fourth law
within the Ten Commandments. It begins a few minutes before sunset on Friday and runs until an hour after
sunset on Saturday or almost 25 hours to be precise. At Friday sundown, Sabbath candles are lighted and kiddush
(“sanctification”) is recited over wine or grape juice. Children are then blessed by their parents. Jews must abstain
from work and must study the Torah. Some work prohibitions include lighting fires, using money, and writing. The
Sabbath ends through the symbolic ritual of Havdalah (“division”) done by dousing wine on candles and smelling
sweet spices.
Jewish Months and Festivals
Nisan (March 14 – Passover Eve Passover or Pesach is an eight-day festival that originally marked the beginning of
or April) 15-21 - Passover the barley harvest. Its principal purpose is to commemorate and recreate the
Exodus of the Jews from Egypt.
Iyyar (April 5 – Israel’s
or May) Independence Day

Sivan (May 6,7 - Shavuot -It is a two-day festival that was originally a celebration of the wheat harvest.
or June) Presently, it is now being held to commemorate the revelation of the Torah to
Moses at Mount Sinai.
Tishri 1- Rosh Hashanah -“New Year”
(September -It marks the the start of the ten-day of penitence leading to the Yom Kippur.
or October) -It is also a day of judgment wherein God assesses one’s deeds and decides what
lies ahead of him/her in the following year.
10- Yom Kippur - “Day of Atonement”
-It is the most sacred and solemn day in the Jewish calendar that brings the
period of repentance to its conclusion.
15- Sukkot -It is a nine-day festival commemorating the autumn harvest and the forty years
of the Israelites’ stay in the desert wilderness subsisting solely on the bounty of
God.

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 21- Hashanah
Rabbah
22- Shemini
Atzeret
23- Simchat Torah
Kislev 25- Hannukah -“Festival of Lights” or “Feast of Dedication”
(November begins up to the -It is a celebration to commemorate the victory of Jewish fighters against the
or second of Tebet Seleucid Empire in 165 B.C.E.
December) (December or
January)
Adar 14 - Purim -“Feast of Esther”
(February or -It celebrates the deliverance of the Jews during the Persian Empire, specifically
March) from the vizier Haman who wanted to annihilate all Persian Jews as recorded in
the Book of Esther.
Halakha
Because Judaism is also a comprehensive way of life, Jewish people follow a set of rules and practices
that govern their everyday living. Collectively called halakha which translates as “the path that one walks,” and
“Oral Torah” including the 613 mitzvot. Jewish laws contain directions on how to revere God and treat other
people and animals. Halakha instructs Jews what to do as they marry, and how to observe Sabbath and holy
days. When properly observed, Halakha increases one’s spirituality as even mundane acts become essential to
his or her existence.
Synagogues
Synagogues are Jewish temples of worship, instruction, and community fellowship that contain separate
rooms designed for specific activities, such as praying and studying. In Orthodox Judaism, men and women sit
separately at the synagogues; in Reform Judaism, they sit altogether in temples.
Similar to a Christian church, synagogues have seats facing an elevated platform with one or two lecterns
or chair. The central feature at the platform (bimah or tebah) and the holiest spot inside a synagogue is the are
where the Torch scrolls are kept. Reminiscent of the original Ark of the Covenant an ark inside a temple is
normally placed in a manner that when people face the ark, they are facing in the direction of Jerusalem. An
ornate curtain (parochet) veils the ark while a lamp or lantern (ner tamid) burns before it symbolizing the
constantly lit six-branched lampstand (menorah) in the Temple of Jerusalem (Braswell 1994).
While a Jewish layman may lead a prayer service during Sabbath if there are 10 adult males present
(minyan), the religious leader is oftentimes a trained rabbi. He delivers sermon and interprets the Torah. The
rabbi serves as a pastor, administrator, and counselor.
The Temple
Around 1003 B.C.E., David conquered Jerusalem and made it his capital. Bringing with him the “Ark of
the Covenant,” David intended to build a temple to become the first and fixed place of worship for the Jews.
However, God told David that it would be one of his sons who will have the privilege of accomplishing this task.
The Hebrew Bible acknowledged Solomon, David’s son, as the builder of the First temple in Jerusalem
around 1000 B.C.E. which was also known as Solomon’s Temple. Within the temple, the most important room
was the “Holy of Holies” where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The ark contained the tablets of the Ten
Commandments and the Pentateuch. The First Temple became the focus of Jewish worship for four hundred
years until Nebuchadnezzar II and the Babylonians completely destroyed the structure in 587 B.C.E. during the
siege of Jerusalem. Allegedly located in Temple Mount or Mount Zion, the remains of the First Temple have
never been found and the “Ark of the Covenant” has continually been shrouded in mystery.
In 353 B.C.E., the Jews began to rebuild their temple under the Persian king Darius who ratifies their
effort. The Second Temple was completed in 349 B.C.E. and was substantially altered under Herod around 20
B.C.E. (Douglas 2007). This Second Temple lasted for about 420 years until the Romans razed Jerusalem in 70 C.E.
All but a portion in the western section was completely destroyed. Presently, this is the famous “Western Wall”
(“Wailing Wall” or Kotel) that has been a popular site of prayer and pilgrimage for the Jews throughout many
centuries.
For Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, a Third Temple will be established before the coming of the
messiah. Prophesized in the Book of Ezekiel, it will be known as “Ezekiel’s Temple” that will become a lasting
structure and serve as permanent abode of the God of Israel. The concept of messiah or mashiach (“anointed
one”) in Judaism pertains to a great political human leader descended from David who shall accomplish
prearranged things in the coming future, such as bringing of Jews to Israel, rebuilding a new temple in Jerusalem,
and establishing Jewish law as the law of the land (Jurji 1946).

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4. Subdivisions
Being the oldest religions in the world, Judaism has undergone various changes in response to changing
times and cultures brought about by key historical events or philosophical upheavals. While there are certain
beliefs shared by most adherents, differences and diversity in faith also abound among Jewish denominations
and sects.
Judaism cannot only be considered as a singular religion but a number of religions which are
differentiated in their culture. These different Judaism can be classified according to their observances.

Jewish denominations by percentage (Photo source: http://judaism4beginners.weebly.com/believers.html)

1. Orthodox Judaism – is the most traditional of modern Judaism that adheres to the authority of the entire
Torah as given to Moses by God at Mount Sinai. For them, observance and following the Torah is very
important as it serves as the sole authority. As it considers itself the sole and genuine heir to the Jewish
tradition, it rejects all other Jewish movements as undesirable deviations from the original Jewish religion.
2. Reform Judaism (Liberal or Progressive Judaism) – is considered the most liberal expression of Judaism that
subjects religious laws and customs to human judgment. Members of this denomination sought to adhere to
the original teachings of Judaism while allowing some changes in their traditions. They believe that the
practices found in Torah can be changed to respond to new conditions, thus they do not practice much of its
teachings. Example of change brought by this denomination is that women can already worship along with
the men in one synagogue.
3. Conservative Judaism - this denomination tries to reconcile the practices of both Orthodox and Reform
Judaism. They follow the teachings of Torah but they are open to accommodate changes.
Judaism is also divided into smaller sects which include Hasidism and Kabbalah. Under Hasidism, they give
value of asceticism and experience while for Kabbalah, they give importance of having knowledge of the
teachings of Torah as it brings them closer to God.
RELATED ISSUES
1. Women in Judaism - Women in Judaism were given privileges but are the same time they experience
discrimination. Privileges in a way that they can be consulted on matter of marriage as they perform their roles
as mothers and wives. But at some point, they have been discriminated in a way that they cannot perform most
of the duties in synagogues unlike that of the men because of their given traditional domestic roles. However,
the different denominations of Judaism have their own ways on treating the women, in which most of the
women are given equal rights with that of the men.
2. Jewish Diaspora and Zionist Movement - Zionism is a movement of the Jewish people that espouses the
reestablishment of and support for a Jewish state in the territory defined as the historic Land of Israel. Zionists
believed that the Jews are the chosen people of God thus they have to go back to their homeland. The dispersion
of the Jewish communities outside Israel is called diaspora
3. Holocaust - A lot of Jews were killed and was considered as one of the major events of World War II during the
reign of Adolf Hitler. The term ‘holocaust’ refers to death by fire in reference to the way that people were
executed during the event. It was believed that the Jews are the major threat to the German community that
lead to their extermination.
4. Anti-Semitism - It is one of the causes that lead to the event of holocaust. Anti- Semitism pertains to the
discrimination of the Jewish people. The Jewish people were often blame as the cause of societal problems in
Europe. Anti-Semitism also led to the persecution and massacre of lot of Jews.

Learning Competency
1. Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of Judaism.

Directions/Instructions
Read the specific instruction for each of the activities below. Put your answers in the answer sheet and/or use
separate sheets of paper (intermediate pad or coupon bond) if the space provided is not enough.
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Assessment
A. Identification. Identify what/who is being described in the following statements. Choose the letter of your
answer from the list below.
a. Moses c. Monotheism e. Passover g. Sabbath i. Torah
b. Jews d.Yom Kippur f. Ketuvim h. “Wailing Wall (Kotel) j. The Ten Commandments
__1. It pertains to the supreme laws which are basic to the Jewish people communicated to the Israelites
through Moses during their time in the wilderness.
__2. He is the prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt.
__3. They are called the followers of Judaism.
__4. It is considered as the main sacred text of Judaism.
__5. Judaism is an example of which kind of a belief system?
__6. It is the most sacred and solemn day in the Jewish calendar that brings the period of repentance to its
conclusion.
__7. It is considered as the most important day in the Jewish calendar.
__8. It is the most popular site of prayer and pilgrimage for the Jews.
__9. It is the third section of the Tanakh that contains works on poetry, temple ritual, private prayer,
philosophical explorations, and other canonical works.
__10. It is the festival that marks the beginning of the barley harvest and its primary purpose is to commemorate
and recreate the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt.

B. True or False. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is not.
_____.1. The Orthodox Judaism believe that Torah is the sole authority that must be strictly followed until the
present time.
_____2. Conservative Judaism seeks to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism while at the same time
allowing for modernization that is less radical than Reform Judaism.
_____3. Orthodox Judaism allows women to sit together with men in synagogues and also allows them to
become rabbis.
_____4. Reform Judaism affirms that men and women should be equal in terms of performing their duties within
the Jewish community.
_____5. The term anti-Semitism pertains to hostility towards and discrimination against the Jewish people.

C. One-page reflection paper. Choose one of the three situations given below as your basis in writing your
reflection paper.
1. In this module, you have learned how Judaism started. Judaism as a religion is anchored upon God’s revelation
to Abraham that he is the creator and ruler of the universe, and that he loves his creatures and demands
righteousness. It also showed how this religion’s founding figures gave importance on God’s instructions rather
than their own belief. Write a journal on how Judaism expresses the importance of actions over beliefs.
2. When Moses received the Ten Commandments from Yahweh, if served as guides and gives directions to
Israelites. In your own belief, what is the impact of these commandments in your daily life?
3. During the World War II, the Jewish refugees were welcomed by President Manuel L. Quezon in our country,
aside from his good acts, how will you show respect to the Jews despite our differences of beliefs and practices?
Write your answer through a reflective journal.
Rubric for Reflection Paper
Criteria Description Points
Content Question in the activity was clearly answered by the student 10
Organization The paper was well-written with ideas easily conveyed to readers 5
Analysis Analysis was clear and concise based on the data presented 5
References
1. Ong, Jerome & Mary Dorothy Jose, 2016, World Religions and Belief Systems Textbook, First Edition. Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc.
2. Paragas, Maribeth & Helen Grade Gutierrez, 2020, Quarter 1 – Module 10: Judaism: Historical Background, First Edition. Pasig City: DepEd –
Schools Division of Pasig City.
3. Paragas, Maribeth & Helen Grade Gutierrez, 2020, Quarter 1 – Module 11: Beliefs and Doctrines in Judaism, First Edition. Pasig City:
DepEd – Schools Division of Pasig City.
4. Paragas, Maribeth & Helen Grade Gutierrez, 2020, Quarter 1 – Module 12: Subdivisions and Related Issues in Judaism, First Edition.
Pasig City: DepEd – Schools Division of Pasig City.

Prepared by: Charles Mark M. Palaroan

Subject Teacher
Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all time.
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 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS
Answer Sheet for Lesson 4: JUDAISM

Name: _____________________________________ Grade and Section: ___________

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems class! Your determination to push
through with your studies is highly commendable. Please find time to study our fourth lesson: Judaism and
accomplish the required tasks within the given period. Output # 1 (Assessment A & B) will be recorded as
your written works (40%) while output #2 (Assessment C) will be recorded as your performance task (60%).
You are to submit only your answer sheet. Keep the module for future reference.

OUTPUT #1. Activity A (Identification) & B (True or False)

Assessment A Assessment B
1. 6. 1.
2. 7. 2.
3. 8. 3.
4. 9. 4.
5. 10. 5.

OUTPUT # 2. Assessment C
C. One-page reflection paper. Choose one of the three situations given in the module as your basis in
writing your reflection paper. Write your reflection on the other side (back page) of the answer sheet or
use a separate sheet of paper if needed.

“In this life, we cannot always do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
-St. Teresa-

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