Jews

Judaism

A brick synagogue with a large round window and a carved doorway.

Many Jews say, “Shalom.” It means peace.

What many people call it

Many people call this faith Judaism. People who follow it are called Jews.

A belief many people hold

Jews worship one God.

The Torah

The Torah is sacred teaching at the heart of Jewish life. It is often written on a scroll. Many Jews also read the Hebrew Bible. The scroll is kept with care. It is not put on the floor.

A synagogue

A synagogue is a Jewish place of worship. Some people say shul. Some say temple. Practices differ from community to community.

Shabbat and Hanukkah

Shabbat is a weekly rest. It begins on Friday evening and ends on Saturday evening. Many Jews light candles, share a meal, and stop everyday work. Some families eat a special bread. Hanukkah is a festival of lights in late autumn or winter. It lasts eight nights. Many families light a hanukkiah, a special lamp. People tell a story of a small amount of oil that burned for eight days. Some children play a small spinning game.

A kind act

Many Jews give tzedakah. That is help for people in need. It is part of doing what is right.

Food, dress, or another rule

Kosher is a food rule. Many Jews do not eat pork or shellfish. Many do not mix meat and milk. Some families keep kosher. Some do not. Both can be Jewish. Some Jews cover their heads with a kippah. Some do this in the synagogue. Some do this all day. Some do not. A kippah is not a costume.

Pictures

Many Jews do not make pictures of God.