Online Class: Judaism 101 — An Introduction

Welcome to our online introduction class on Judaism 101. In this course, students will experience the beginnings of Judaism and become familiar with some of the basic beliefs and tenants of one of the largest religions in the world. You'll be introduced to the Synagogue and life customs and traditions such as bris and bar mitzvah. Jewish celebrations and Holy Days are also briefly introduced in order to offer greater understanding of the origination and importance of traditions found within Judaism.

During this course, you'll also be introduced into home life in a Jewish family, as well as the types of foods considered kosher. You'll gain a glimpse into the written and oral laws of Judaism and understand why they're so important to the Jewish people, from rules regarding marriage to how Jewish families grieve the loss of a loved one. Concepts regarding Jewish prayer, beliefs regarding mysticism, and the existence of angels and demons, heaven and hell are also covered.

We'll offer students a brief history of the leaders, prophets and kings of the Jewish people from the time of Abraham to the destruction of the second temple, followed by a review of one of the most tragic periods in human history - the Holocaust. Our basic course into Judaism will conclude with the literal rebirth of the Jewish nation and their continued struggle to maintain a land they can call their home - the modern state of Israel.

We hope this course will interest students into continuing their learning and research of Judaism, in order to encourage tolerance, knowledge and acceptance of religions around the world.

What is Judaism?

Judaism is a way of life. It's a religion, but it's also a heritage developed through thousands of years of beliefs, rituals, and practices. It's a concept that intertwines generations of customs, thousands of years of history, and sacred and mysterious rituals.

The Jewish faith is one of the most well-known and practiced in the world, originating from a dedication to continue the teachings, language, and rituals of its origins to generations of descendants. While Judaism originated in the deserts of the Middle East, it is today practiced across oceans in the Americans, Eastern Europe, the Orient, and the depths of South America.

Judaism dates back 4,000 years to the time of Abraham. Using a very simplistic definition, Judaism combines belief in one supreme God, the acceptance of the Torah as a divine life plan, and a belief that they are God's chosen people.

There are different movements or divisions within Judaism itself. To date, you might find an Orthodox or Hasidic Jew (Hasidic Jews are distinguished from others through their dress and sidelocks and lifestyle, much as the Amish in the U.S.), an Ashkenazic Jew from Eastern Europe, and a Sephardic Jew from Spain seated at the same table discussing the Torah in discussion and friendship. Depending on geographic location, Judaism has developed over the centuries into different divisions with extremely similar belief systems, but nevertheless with differences that identify and personify themselves through different culture and traditions.

For example, those descended from Jews in Western and Eastern Europe may belong to the Ashkenazic movement (known as Ashkenazi Jews). Descendants of Jews from North Africa and Middle Eastern regions, as well as Spain and Portugal may be defined as Sephardic Jews. Those descended from North African, Middle Eastern, and other surrounding areas and cultures are known as Mizrachi Jews. There are also Oriental, Ethiopian, and Yemenite Jews.

According to Biblical teachings in the Old Testament, the Jewish people were divided into 12 tribes, one each for the 12 sons of Jacob, known as the father of the children of Israel:

• Reuben
• Simeon
• Levi
• Judah
• Dan
• Naphtali
• Gad
• Asher
• Issachar
• Zebulon
• Joseph
• Benjamin

Many famous Old Testament leaders and prophets are recognized by their tribe. For example, King Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin, and Moses and his brother, Aaron, were of the tribe of Levi. Kings Solomon and David were of the tribe of Judah. 

General Beliefs

The Jewish faith is based on 13 principles that define exactly what Jews believe in. However, not every Jew believes that these fundamentals of faith are set in stone. That's the uniqueness of Judaism. Jewish faith, like many others, is fluid, and interpretations between individuals often differ.

Judaism is a faith that recognizes the existence of God as a unique, eternal, and incorporeal being. Those of the Jewish faith pray only to God. They follow the history and laws carried down from the first five books of the Bible; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, known as the written Torah .

Jews also believe that the Torah and laws, beliefs, rituals, and guidelines for living were handed down to Moses from God. Other oral teachings that are now part of what is called the Torah are the basics of the faith and instruct each individual on how to deal with, and behave,  toward their fellow man.

The Jews follow what is written in the Torah or Holy Scripture writings of the Old Testament, just as Christians follow what is written in the Old and New testaments of the Holy Bible. They believe, like Christians, that God knows and senses the thoughts of man, and knows what they've done with their lives. The Jewish faith also believes that God punishes those who are wicked or evil, and rewards those who are good or strive to live a good, clean, moral life.

Both Christians and Jews believe that the dead will be resurrected, but the one major difference between Judaism and Christianity is that the Jews don't believe that the Messiah has yet arrived. They believe the Messiah is yet to come. Christians believe that the Messiah has already come in the human form of Jesus Christ, crucified on Calvary Hill near Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago.