The Three Monotheistic Religions of the Middle East Judaism Islam Christianity Judaism- Ethnic Religion Began 1750 B.C.E Founders- Abraham Origin- Adam, Abraham, Isaac Number of members- 14,500,000, this number is declining Region practiced- Israel, U.S., Russia Judaism Religious leaders- Rabbi Holy Book-Torah (1st 5 books of the Old Testament) Language of Holy Book- Hebrew Holy Book- Torah ( the 1st 5 books of the old testament) Genesis - Creation, the Fall, the Flood, spread of the nations, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Enslavement in Egypt. Exodus - Enslavement, Moses, 10 plagues, Passover, Leave Egypt, Red Sea Crossing, Mt. Sinai and the 10 Commandments Leviticus - Instructions on sacrificial system and the priesthood. Instructions on moral purity. Numbers - Still at Mt. Sinai, people make false idol, punishment, 40 years wandering begins. Deuteronomy - Moses' discourses on God's Acts for Israel the Decalogue, the ceremonial, civil, and social Laws, and covenant ratification. Judaism House of Worship- Synagogue or Temple Judaism Branches- Orthodox, Reformed, Conservative, Hasidic Judaism Holy City- Jerusalem Symbol- Star of David and Menorah Judaism Dietary Law- no pork or shell fish Monotheistic- yes- Yahweh/ God Holy day of the week- Friday & Saturday sun down Judaism Rosh Hashanah- Hanukkah, the "Festival Jewish New Year of Lights," starts on the Yom Kippur- Day of 25th day of the Jewish Atonement, is the most calendar month of Kislev solemn and important and lasts for eight days and of the Jewish Holidays. nights. In 2008, Hanukkah Its central themes are begins at sundown on atonement and December 21. With repentance. blessings, games, and Passover- Passover festive foods, Hanukkah begins on the 15th day celebrates the triumphs-- of the month both religious and military--of ancient Jewish heroes. Islam Islam Began- 620 C.E. Founder- Muhammad Origin- Adam, Abraham, Ishmael/ Hagar Members- 1,226,000,000 Region- North Africa & Central Asia Islam Islam Religious Leaders- Imam Holy Book- Qur’an (Koran) Language of Holy Book: Arabic House of Worship- Mosque Islam Islam Branches- Sunni 83% and Shiite 16% Holy City- Jerusalem, Mecca (Kabba), Medina Symbol- Quarter Moon and Star Islam Holidays- Dietary Law- No Pork or th Ramadan- fast during the 9 Alcohol month of Lunar Calendar Bijram- Celebrating friend of Monotheistic- yes- Allah Muhammad’s fight for freedom. Holy day of the week- Friday Celebrated 4 times a year. 5 Pillars of faith: 1. Ramadan, 2. Hajj, 3. Give alms or Charity 4. Pray 5 times a day facing holy city (Mecca) 5. Profession of faith Christianity Began- 50 C.E. Founder- Peter & Paul found the church Origin- Adam, Abraham, Isaac Members- 2,039,000,000 Region- E/W Europe, North America, Latin and South America Christianity Religious leaders- Pope, Priest, Preacher, Father, Minister, Reverend, Cardinal, Bishop, etc. Holy book- Bible- Old and New Testament Language of Holy Book- Hebrew/ Greek Christianity Branches- Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant Holy City- Jerusalem Symbol- cross, fish, infinity Christianity Dietary law- moderation Monotheistic- yes/ God Holy Day of the Week- Sunday Christianity Holidays Christmas Easter Good Friday- the Friday of Holy Week (commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus) Palm Sunday- last day of lent.