Religion+-+Judaism

= =

**__Judaism[[image:Capture1.JPG width="270" height="279" align="right"]]__**

 * Judaism**

There are two major religions that are rooted from Judaism (**//Ju·da·ism//)** such as Christianity and Islam. Judaism is the oldest major religion. There are about 15 million Jews and it was the first to teach the belief in God. Judaism preaches that its followers are servants of God. The holy book that preaches Judaism is called the Torah.

The Covenant with God is a special agreement the Jews believe that God made Abraham. Jews sometimes called themselves the chosen people as it means they have special duties and responsibilities. The word messiah comes from the Hebrew word, Mashiah meaning anointed one. Like Jesus and Christianity, Judaism has also a messiah who is yet to come. However, some Jews believe that the Messianic age (period of justice) would come through cooperation of all and God. When the messiah comes, the Jews believe that the messiah will unite them and lead them in God’s way. They also speak that he or she would defeat all enemies of the Jews.

The Star of David is a symbol of Judaism and Israel. The Star of David design has two triangles, one on top of another. It symbolizes the six directions of space, the divine union of male, top point, and female, bottom point energy. Both, bottom and top points creates harmony. It also symbolizes the four elements Earth, wind, water and fire. The Hebrew word is Magen David, meaning Shield of David. Legend has it that a Hebrew King, named David went to battle with the hexagram on his shield. It was used to keep him safe when he was in trouble.

The practice of Judaism is scattered all over Europe. In ancient times, when Rome conquered Jerusalem, they accepted Judaism to be practiced as most of the population was Jews. There were also synagogues in Rome, the temple in which they worshiped in. The Jews were either brought to Rome as slaves or were merchants. In pre Rome, Jews were active in converting others to practice Judaism. However, some only practiced the religion laws and festivals but weren’t officially Jews. The revolt against Rome rule occurred during 66 B.C. At the end, King Titus crushed the rebellion. He destroyed Jerusalem and Jews were forbidden in Rome and were not allowed to enter the city of Jerusalem.
 * Judaism in Ancient** **Rome****.**

A synagogue (**//syn·a·gogue//)** is the term for the house of which the people of the Judaism religion worship God. There are several synagogues in Rome, but most of the famous ones are in Egypt and Masada. Though the designs vary a lot, there are of course similar features. These include: The mechizah, which divides the seating of women and men, the Ark, where the Torah scrolls are kept, (All of them are pointed to the direction of Jerusalem.) The Ark of the Covenant is the holiest spot and the bimah, which is a large raised reading platform. The high priest is addressed as, Kohen Gadol.
 * Synagogues**
 * Hanukkah**

Hanukkah (//**Ha·nuk·kah**//) is one of the many favorite Jewish festivals. It celebrates the triumph of few over many and the weak over strong. The history starts as Mattathias, a high priest was forced to make animal sacrifices and pay homage to pagan god idols by rule of Antiochus Epiphanes IV (Ruled form 175 to 163 B.C.) Angered, by Mattathias’s refusal he threatened all who refused to abandon Judaism with a death penalty. He also trashed the Temple in Jerusalem. The small army lead by Mattahias and his son fought for seven years and finally won access to the Temple. In 165 B.C., the Temple was purified again and thus Hanukkah arose from the Hebrew word for dedication.

Hanukkah is celebrated by fasting and praying, though most of it is done in homes rather than in synagogues. One candle is lighted for each of the eight nights of the festival. Hanukkah still is and has been celebrated for many years.