Judaism is a religion with more than 18 million Jews throughout the world. There are approximately 9 million in the Americas, 5 million in Europe, and 4 million in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Judaism was one of the first major religions to teach the existence of only one god. Their god is known as God (Yahweh). The founder Judaism was Abraham. He discovered Judaism in 2000 B.C.
Jews celebrate a number of holidays that honor their history and God. For example, the holiday of Purim is a festival honoring the survival of the Jews who were marked for death by their Persian rulers. One of the most known Jewish holidays is Hanukkah. Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights. It is an eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The most important holiday of the Jewish year is Yom Kippur. No work can be performed on this day. It is well known that you are supposed to refrain from eating and drinking (even water). They celebrate many holidays by sending food and gifts to friends, family, neighbors, and also the poor. Jews also dress in costumes and attend special dances and carnivals.
Jews follow laws based on passages from the Hebrew Bible and the Torah. The word Torah means "Fives Books of Moses". It can also be known as the Jewish Bible. Jews also use Torah Scrolls. At a synagogue service, the Torah Scroll is lifted while the congregation says, "This is the Law which Moses set before the children of Israel. The most commonly known and recognized piece of Jewish garb is the Yarmulke. Out of respect for God, Jewish men are not supposed to leave their head uncovered. Therefore, at Orthodox, the men will wear yarmulke, kippah, and skullcaps. Married women also should wear a head covering too. The most commonly symbol is The Star of David, also known as The Magen David, and Shield of David. In the middle ages, Jews were required to wear a badge of The Star of David to identify them as Jews.
