Judaism

Judaism began in the Middle East over 3500 years ago. People who follow Judaism are called Jews. According to the 2001 census there are approximately 2, 343 Jews living in Birmingham and approximately 50 Jews live in the Balsall Heath area.

Jews believe in one God, the creator and ruler of the universe. Jews believe that God chose a man called Abraham to be his messenger and spread the word of God. Jews believe that God made a covenant with Abraham promising to look after the Jewish people in return for Abraham’s work. In respect of this promise Jews aim to keep Gods laws and seek to bring holiness into every part of their lives.

When Abraham died, God chose other messengers to do his work. The prophet Moses is perhaps the best well known. Moses led the Jews out of slavery in Egypt and led them to the holy land that God had promised them. It is believed that God sent Moses the Torah. The Torah is a scroll, it lists the set of rules by which God believed Jews should live. These rules are also known as the Ten Commandments and are also present in the Christian Bible.

Jews believe that God exists everywhere and it is possible for each individual to have a relationship with God.

Jews worship in synagogues. The synagogue is used as a place to study and meet with other Jews. Synagogues are governed by the congregation and usually led by a spiritual leader called a Rabbi. People who follow the Jewish faith are required to pray three times a day – in the morning, the afternoon and the evening. Jews are also required to join together in prayer on the Jewish Sabbath, which is a Saturday, and during festivals.

Jews celebrate many festivals but the most important are the Feast of the Passover and Hanukkah. The Feast of the Passover celebrates the liberation of the Jews by Moses from slavery in Egypt. Friends and Families gather together to pray and eat celebratory meals with each other. Hanukah is the Jewish festival of lights. Jews light candles in their homes and give each other gifts to celebrate the struggle for religious freedom.

The Star of David appears on Synagogues and on the flag of Israel. It is believed that the Star represents the hope and trust that the Jewish people have put in God throughout their difficult history. The six points represent Gods presence and rule over the universe, these are north; south; east; west; up and down.

As with other religions there are different forms of Judaism. The largest forms of Judaism are known as Orthodox, Reform and Progressive, each having its own traditions.