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Jewish Religion
One of the oldest major religions in the world today is Judaism. (World Book 179) Judaism's roots have been traced backto the city of Ur in Sumer, which is present-day Turkey and Iraq. Ancient Hebrew writings have been found on pottery and as part of architecture that dates back to 4000 B.C.E. Abraham, the father of Judaism, si said to have been born in Ur around 2000 B.C.E.. (Corona 14) Today, three branches of Judaim exist; Orthodax Judaism, Conservative Judaism, and Reform Judaism. Orthodox Jews practice the original, traditional beliefs and ways of life, whereas Conservative Jews have changed the practices of Judaism to "fit the times"to be sure the religion stays relevant. Reform Jews began to question how the sacred writings actually came into being. (World Book 180) The basic laws and tenets of Judaism are based on the first five books of the Christian Bible, which are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The first tenet of Judaism states that there is only one universal God of all people and all nations. This Jewish God is called Yaweh and is said to be perfect, eternal, all-knowing, holy, and the controller of nature and history. (Marrison 9) In the biblical book Exodus, Yaweh is described as "merciful and compassionate, but capeable of anger when his rules for moral and ethical behavior are broke"(Marrison 9) Jews also believe that all people are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and ...
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