Pd4+Judaism+A

H **ow did Judaism begin?**
Many regard the founder of Judaism to be Abraham, whom they consider to have lived before 2000 BCE. Others may regard the true founder of Judaism to be Moses, who is traditionally considered to have lived around 1400 BCE. However, many scholars regard the stories of Abraham and Moses as creations of the first millennium BCE. They point out that the Bible also tells us that the people of Israel (the northern kingdom) were, throughout its history, polytheistic in their religious beliefs. Even in the south, in Judah, the people worshiped many gods until at least the time of King Hezekia (729-686 BCE), who made the first real attempt, in historic times, to impose a monotheistic religion. However, Hezekiah's son allowed Judah to revert to polytheism. On this evidence, Judaism, as we know it, did not yet exist in Judah. We now know that much of what we know as the Hebrew Bible was written by the 'Deuteronomist' source during the reign of King Josiah ( about 640-609 BCE), although of course the books written by the Deuteronomist contain a great deal of material that had been written down by authors several centuries earlier. Today, we see that earlier material, recorded by the 'Yahwist' and 'Elohist' sources, as essential to the very concept of Judaism, but much of it is also compatible with Hebrew polytheistic worship and was no doubt used in that context. From the time of Josiah, a monotheistic religion seems to have become dominant among the Jews. The role of Josiah in finally enforcing a monotheistic religion with its own canon of literature, make his reign arguably the real starting point of Judaism as we know it.

Who are the leaders?
=Jewish leaders tended to be warriors and prophets in ancient Israel. Then, when the Jewish People were in exile and without a homeland, scholars, teachers, and rabbis became leaders. In the twentieth century, the Jewish People survived Hitler's plans of annihilation and gained their own nation. Soldiers, political leaders, rabbis, academics, and philanthropists are today's Jewish leaders.. =

They have syagouges where jews pray.

Where did this religion begin?
judaism began in early israel.

Where is this religion practiced?
Everywhere it is practiced in America and Israel are where it is the most. **What are the main beliefs of this religion?**

Monotheism for one they only belive in one god. Also they belive in the Ten Commandments.

 * Do not worship any other gods
 * Do not make any idols
 * Do not misuse the name of god
 * Keep the sabbath holy
 * Honor thy father and mother
 * Do not murder
 * Do not commit adultery
 * Do not steal
 * Do not lie
 * Do not covet

Who are the gods?
There is only one god Elloheem. He is the creator and he is almighty.

What are the scriptures?
They have the torah a very large scroll. It contains 613 commandments but the ten are the most important.

What are their practices?
Some jews wear Yamulkes (yah-muh-kahz) or a kippa they are little hats that reminds them that god is with them.

What are the festivals?
They have Hannakuh the festival of lights. they light a menorah for 9 days, they exchange gifts every night of Hannakuh.

What are the symbols of this religion?
Jews have the star of David.