MODULE 1 NOTES: WORLDVIEW, RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY

Each person perceives and understands the world in a different way. In general, this perspective is called
worldview which is a collection of beliefs about life and the universe being held by people (The Free Dictionary, 2020).
This collection of beliefs eventually will influence how a person looks at the world and connects with it.

The belief in god or gods is found in almost all religions. The next paragraphs tackle the different kinds of belief
systems or worldviews concerning religions.

Theism is defined as a belief in the existence of one god viewed as the creative source of human race and the
world who transcends yet is immanent in the world (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2020). Monotheistic religions claim
that there is only one God who could have designed and created the universe or may have directed all events that led to
the creation of everything (Hick, 1983). Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are modern day examples of monotheistic
religions (Ong, 2016). Polytheistic religions that recognize many principal gods are common among early people (Hick,
1983).

In addition, the belief that asserts that there is no genuine distinction between God and the universe is called
Monism. This implies that God is dwelling in the universe as part of it thus the universe does not exist at all as a reality
but only a manifestation of God. Moreover, while atheists deny the existence of God, agnostics deny the possibility for
man to acquire knowledge of the existence of God (Ong, 2016).

What is then religion? Religion is defined as an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to
worship a god or a group of gods (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2020). Also it was used to designate formal beliefs and
tenets. While religion may be universal in all stages of human history, it does not follow that all individuals are religious
or even religious to some degree (Ong, 2016).

A common characteristic of the belief system of major religions in the world is on the longing for the value of life
. As a result, people have been searching and yearning to understand the mystery of life and the universe for thousands
of years. This led to the concept of spirituality. Spirituality is derived from the Latin word spiritus whose verb root is
spirare which means to breathe literally (Ong, 2016).

While religions are frequently viewed as set of ideals practiced and followed by organized groups, spirituality is
something an individual can have without being implicated in the ambivalent complexity of human societies and
institutions . Although traditional spirituality is frequently associated with religiosity, many people assert that personal
spirituality can grow separately from religions. On may find inner peace, satisfaction, and contentment in life
independent from religions. Thus, spirituality can be described as one’s integrative view of life that involves a quest for
the meaning and ultimate value of life Ong, 2016).

In the study of religion, there are basic concepts that need to be understood such as theology and philosophy of
religion. While religion refers to any set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices concerning the supernatural power, theology
involves the systematic study for the existence and nature of the divine. On the other hand, philosophy of religion deals
with issues concerning religion which includes analysis on the existence of a divine being or on sacred texts. Philosophy
of religion is not a branch of theology but a branch of philosophy (Ong, 2016).
MODULE 2: GEOGRAPHY, CULTURE, AND RELIGION

Geography is a field of science devoted to the study of the lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of the
Earth and planets.

Culture is a term which encompasses the social behavior and norms found in human societies, knowledge,
beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals.

On the other hand, religion is a system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, worldviews, texts,
sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, or spiritual
elements.

Technically, geography talks about places, locations, and areas. Culture covers human behaviors and attitudes,
norms, and values. Religion touches the faith and spirituality of the human beings.

Laws and social norms vary by region and localities. The study about geography of religion may reveal some
fascinating truths why certain country is predominated by one religion or why a specific region became homeland of
great religions (Ong 2016).

West Asia is the home of three great religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These three religions are
considered monotheistic in nature. They worship in one God alone. Comprising the area bordered on the west by the
fertile coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and on the east by the arid deserts of Arabia. The history of these religions is
closely

linked with this region. Although these religions are called Abrahamic religions, conflict was not an excuse. There
were conflicts between Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Thousands of lives were lost during the conflict between
Christians and Muslims. Nevertheless, thousands of lives were devastated also during the conflict between Jews and
Muslims. Israel remains only in the world with a Jewish majority population. The Arabian Peninsula consists of countries
that are predominantly Islamic in character. West Asia contains some of the world’s most desolate environments. It is
almost completely a baking hot desert where no plants can thrive. The topography of west Asia is characterized by vast
areas of mountainous terrains. Mountains play significant roles in many religious beliefs. In the JudeoChristian region of
West Asia and Egypt, there are four sacred mountains (Ong 2016).

Holy Mountains Location Significance

Mount Ararat Eastern Turkey Noah’s Ark landed
Mount Sinai Egypt Ten Commandments/Moses
Mount Zion/Mount Moriah Jerusalem City of David/Temple Mount
Mount Tabor Israel Transfiguration of Jesus

The Temple Mount is one of the most sacred sites in the world venerated by the Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
At present, the followers of Abrahamic religions place high regard on the city of Jerusalem in Israel. There are more than
a thousand synagogues (Jews), more than a hundred churches (Christians), and more than seventy mosques (Muslims).
Thus, geography, culture, and religions play a vital role in the conflicts as well as the unity of these three Abrahamic
religions (Ong 2016).
 In South Asia, India is a very significant country as far as religion is concerned. More than 4000 years ago, a
civilization emerged along the Indus River that developed a unique and exceptional culture long before the dawn of
Christian era. The invasions from people originating in Macedonia and Central Asia added diversity to India’s population
and complexity to its culture. The sweltering heat is one major feature of India’s ecological setting, it is no wonder that
Hindus worship the sun (Surya) and fire (Agra). Likewise, water also plays a major role in the Indian mind as evidenced by
Hindus venerating a god of water and celestial oceans (Varuna). Ganga (Ganges) is the holiest river for the Hindus. Here,
Siddhartha Gautama gave his first sermon about the principles of Buddhism. India is the home of two great polytheistic
religions namely, Hinduism and Buddhism. They worship many gods/goddesses (Ong 2016).

In the Eastern Asia, China and Japan are the most renowned countries as far as religion and culture are the
topics. China influenced other countries in terms of culture and innovations. The innovative psyche of the Chinese
people led them to invent powerful tools and weapons. It was on this development that the different dynasties started
to control and invade one another. Public officials and bureaucrats who were also scholars, philosophers, and teachers
gained prominence because of their interest in politics and government. It was in this context that the great philosopher
and teacher Confucius became fascinated with the ethical questions and morality in government affairs especially in the
chaotic atmosphere brought about by the warring state of the different dynasties. Confucius started to promote his
social philosophy in trying to solve the social chaos. He promoted the perfection of social relationships as the solutions of
the arising problems. It was during the second millennium after the death of Confucius that his teachings spread in
China. By the time of Han Dynasty, Confucian teaching had become the state religion. Meanwhile, Daoism emerged in
response to the widespread warfare and social turmoil that besieged Zhou Dynasty.

Humans are social beings. We interact and socialize with other beings around us. As we socialize, we bring our
own culture and practices. In the process, we influence others and most of the times, we are influenced by the other
people. Geographically speaking, we aligned our values and culture to the community where we belong. We become one
with them physically, mentally, and spiritually. Geography, culture, and religion are interconnected with each other. As
we live in one community, we shared the same culture, and sometimes shared the same belief. We only differ in the
internalization and application of these practices and beliefs.
MODULE 3: RELIGION, CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Religion has served purposes beneficial to society. Some of the positive influences of religion given by Ong
(2016) are discussed below.

1.Religion promotes social harmony

Religion practices a set of rituals and rites of passage and rites of strengthening. It also regards religious leaders
such as priest, priestesses, and shamans in high esteem. These characteristics help advance social harmony by
assimilating and stabilizing cultures and nations. Religion provides divine authority to ethical and moral principles which
also help

promote unity among people. Common participation in rituals together with basic uniformity of beliefs help
promote social cohesiveness. Xiao or filial piety in Confucianism and ahimsa or the concept of non-violence in Jainism
both help promote solidarity.

2.Religion provides moral values

Through religion, one is able to distinguish right from wrong or good from evil. It also provides a system of
reward and punishment that administers and standardizes peoples’ behavior in society. Some people believe that it is
sometimes more effective that the laws implemented by the state since most people give more importance to the
reward and punishment in the afterlife.

3.Religion provides social change

Religion can be very effective in lobbying and campaigning for certain social issues using its own moral teachings
as the basis of argument. Examples are the antislavery movement in the US, People Power Revolution in the Philippines,
Gandhi’s satyagraha ( passive resistance) which paved the way for India’s independence from the British.

4.Religion reduces fear of the unknown

Explanations provided by religion about the unknown like the origin of life and the concept of afterlife have
reduced the fears and anxieties among individuals.

5. Religion gives positive goals in life

The life stories of different prophets like Moses, Siddharta Gautama and Mohammad that are perpetuated
through religion may give people a sense of meaning in life, that they are not placed in this world without a purpose;
that everyone has a mission to fulfill in life.

6.Religion gives a people a sense of belonging

Belonging to a particular religion-whose members share the same beliefs, practice the same rituals, and worship
the same gods –gives individuals a sense of being in the right place with the right people. It also provides them with a
sense of security because other people who belong to the same religious group will tend to support and help each in
times of crisis.

However, there is also a belief that religion can be dangerous to society when used to advance the interest of a
group of people at the expense of other people especially those with religious beliefs.
Some of the negative effects of religion given by Ong (2016) are discussed below.

1.Religion affirms social hierarchy

Some religions affirm social hierarchy by favoring men that perpetuates the notions of class and gender
discrimination and oppression. In addition, Confucianism emphasizes on t he relations between the ruler and the
subject, with the former exercising authority over the other. The caste system of Hinduism reflects how religion reflects
political and social structures since it propagated the idea that people had to be subdivided into certain classes with
particular social roles and the attainment of moksha (union of universal soul and individual soul) would depend on how
they performed their duties based on their designated class.

2.Religion causes discrimination

Religion can be a source of discrimination or the prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things,
especially on the basis of race, religion, age or sex. In Islam, the practice of wearing hijab ( a head covering worn in public
by Muslim women) is considered by many critics that it perpetuates the notion that women are temptations that men
should avoid. There are also religions that claim that they the “right religion and that only their followers will be saved in
the afterlife. Still, there are other religions which discriminate against people of the lower class who are considered dirty
and sinful, just like the pariahs in India.

3. Religion triggers conflicts and fights

Religion also has some aspects which make it susceptible to be a source of conflict and war. Wars have been
fought in the name of religion even up to this time. Some examples are the Jews in conflict with the Muslims in Palestine;
Muslims against Hindus in Kashmir; Muslims against Christians and animist in Sudan; Sinhalese Buddhist against the
Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka; Muslims against Timorese Christians in Indonesia and so many other wars being fought in the
name of religion.

4. Religion as an economic tool for exploiting the masses

According to Karl Marx, religion maintains social inequality by propagating a worldview that justifies oppression.
Whether one is Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, religious teachings justifying one’s acceptance of oppression as a normal
part of life on earth and as a means to get an everlasting reward in the afterlife can be seen as a tactic used by the ruling
class to maintain the status quo where they more resources and power in the society.

5. Religion impedes scientific success and development

Religion has proven to impede scientific development. For example, Catholic Church used to teach that the
world is flat and warned people against going to faraway places because they might fall off at the edge of the earth. In
addition, some of the moral teachings of other religions are deemed by secular communities to be detrimental to
development. An example is some religions express their disapproval against reproductive health programs that aim to
empower couples in responsible family planning. Religion based mortuary practices can also be detrimental to public
health like the cholera outbreak in the Philippines in the 19th century and the Ebola outbreak in Africa.

6. Religion obstructs the use of reason

Many question the suitability of religious doctrines to the needs of the present and future generations. Ancient
religious beliefs and practices which have proven to be inhuman should be replaced with sensible ones. Take the case of
the trepanning or the ancient practice of boring holes in the human skull, a surgical procedure performed on epileptics
and the mentally ill, with the belief that through the hole the evil spirit will leave the person.
MODULE 4: JUDAISM

Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion that traces its origin as an organized belief system during the Bronze
Age in West Asia. The religion of the Jewish people, Judaism is one of the three Abrahamic religions that include
Christianity and Islam. It is the religion professed by the Jews known as the “people of the Book” in reference to their
sacred text (Tanakh/Mikra). The Jews considered themselves as the chosen people by God (Ong 2016).

To understand the history of Judaism, we need to understand the history of the Jewish people from the time of
Abraham to the time of Moses. Judaism is the exclusive religion for the Jewish people. Therefore, we cannot separate
Judaism from the Jewish culture and tradition. If we talk about Judaism, we are talking about Jewish people.

During the 20th century, the growth in their population has remained sluggish for a quite a long time as it grew
to only 25% after the catastrophic even called Holocaust in the 1940’s. In 2014, it was reported that there were around
14 million Jewish people representing 0.2% of the whole population of the whole world. The largest concentration of
Jews can be found in Israel, North America, United States, Canada, and Central Europe (Ong, 2016). In this module, you
will learn the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of Judaism.

BRIEF HISTORY OF JUDAISM

The origin of Jewish people and the beginning of Judaism are recorded in the Pentateuch. As a religion and
culture, Judaism has three notable founding figures or patriarchs, namely, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Judaism is
anchored upon God’s revelation to Abraham. God chose Abraham and entered into a covenant promising him that he
would become the father of a great nation and would possess vast tracts of land. Abraham, who was “Abram” then left
Ur, his native land and obeyed God’s call to move to Canaan with his wife Sarai. The Jewish people believe that they
descended from a tribe of Canaan located on the western side of fertile crescent, the eastern part of Mediterranean
presently occupied by Israel, Jordan, and Syria (Ong 2016).

While Abram and Sarai were initially childless, Abram bore a son named Ismael to Sarai’s Egyptian handmaid
Hagar. He was not the heir to God’s promise because he was not the legitimate son of Abram. Ismael was considered as
the ancestor of the Arabs. Later in life, the old Abram and Sarai had a son named Isaac, the heir of God’s covenant and
the ancestor of the Jewish people. Abram was changed to Abraham, which means “father of many nations”, and Sarai to
Sarah, which means “noble woman/princess”.(Gen.11-25). Abraham was put to a great trial when God asked him to offer
his only son Isaac at an altar to Mount Moriah. Full of trust, Abraham obeyed God’s command. God saw the faithfulness
of Abraham and sent an angel to stop him from offering Isaac. A ram was instead sacrificed in place of Isaac (Ong 2016).

Later, Isaac married to Rebecca and bore twin sons, Esau and Jacob. In collaboration with his mother Rebecca,
Jacob stole the birthright and tricked the blinded Isaac into giving him Esau’s blessing as the eldest son. Jacob fled to his
uncle Laban to escape Esau’s anger. Jacob returned home and reconciled with Esau. A close encounter with an angel
merited him a change of name from Jacob to “Israel” which means “the one who wrestled with God”. The Jewish people
are referred to as the “children of Israel”. Among four women, Jacob fathered twelve (12) sons and one (1) daughter. The
twelve sons who became the ancestors of the tribes of Israel were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan,
Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin. Among the 12 sons of Jacob/Israel, Joseph played a great role. After being
 sold to slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph was brought to Egypt where his ability to see and interpret
dreams earned him a position next only to Pharaoh. As famine struck Canaan, the brothers of Joseph reached Egypt for
food. A dramatic reconciliation between the powerful Joseph and his brothers took place and enabled the whole family
of Jacob/Israel to settle in Egypt (Ong 2016).

After the death of Joseph, the Israelites became slaves under the leadership of the new cruel Pharaoh. As
centuries passed, the descendants of Israel grew in number, the alarmed Pharaoh decided to kill all the male born
children of the Israelites to stop the population. A woman from Levi’s tribe, Jochebed, secretly placed her young son in a
woven basket and sent him to the Nile River. The Pharaoh’ daughter, Bithia, found the child, and named him Moses.
Moses was raised within the Egyptian royal family (Ong 2016).

At the age of forty Moses killed an Egyptian and fled to Sinai desert where he spent the next forty years as a
shepherd. On the Mount Horeb, God revealed to Moses through the burning bush. God commanded Moses to go back
to Egypt and demand the release of the Israelites from slavery. Moses and his brother Aaron went back to Egypt and
asked the Pharaoh to release the Israelites. After the Pharaoh’s refusal to release the Israelites, the Egyptians suffered
the ten (10) plaques.

The 10th plague was a horrible one. While the first sons of every Egyptian would die, sons of Israelites would be
saved it they marked their door posts with the blood of lamb killed in sacrifice. In that fated night, the lamb must be
cooked and eaten with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. This is known as the Passover, an important Jewish festival
(Ong 2016).

After the 10th plague, the Israelites banished from Egypt with Moses leading them across the Red Sea. Moses
parted the Red Sea allowing the Israelites to cross the dry lands of Sinai. Meanwhile, the pursuing Egyptians were
drowned after the water receded. This event called Exodus became part of Jewish history that manifested Yahweh’s
intervention to deliver his chosen people. Another significant event in Jewish history was the giving of the Ten
Commandments at Mount Sinai to Moses. Moses united the different tribes into one group and consecrated to the
worship of the one living god. Forty years after the Exodus, Moses died in the desert within the reach of the promised
land (Canaan).(Ong 2016).

THE CORE TEACHINGS, FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS, AND PRACTICES OF JUDAISM

The Jewish were the people narrated from the book of Genesis to Malachi in the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew
Bible is divided into three principal sections, namely Torah (teachings), Nevi’im (prophets), and Ketuvim (writings). Torah
refers to the first five books of Moses or the Pentateuch, namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Nevi’im is divided into Earlier prophets, Later prophets, and twelve minor prophets. Prophets served as spokespersons
who criticize the hypocritical practices of the Jewish people. They are chosen by God to preach his message to the
Israelites. Ketuvim contains works on poetry, temple rituals, private prayer, philosophical explorations and other
canonical books. Another sacred writing of Judaism is the Talmud (Oral Torah) which means “study”. The Jewish teachers
of the law (Rabbi) study and interpret the Torah. Talmud is the authoritative collection of rabbinic interpretations of the
Hebrew Bible (Ong 2016).

The Jewish people followed everything in the Written and Oral Torah. They focus on worshipping one god,
practice good deeds, and love for learning. For the Jews, there is one everlasting god who created the universe including
the human beings. All human beings are created equal. God can communicate with humans through revelations, humans
can also commune to him by means of prayers and meditations. Judaism is an exclusive religion for the Jews. A Jew is
someone whose mother or a father is Jew.
 A person may also convert to Judaism, but he/she has to undergo numerous rituals. The Jewish faith can be
summarized in the following:

Aside from the 13 principles of faith and the 10 Commandments that form the theological basis of other
commandments, there are also 613 mizvot or laws found within Torah that guide the Jewish people in their religious,
family, personal hygiene, diet, and the duties and responsibilities in the community. Out of 613 laws, there are 248
positive and 365 negative commandments (Ong 2016).

The Jewish religious worship and observances are anchored with all the commandments above. Their holidays
and festivals are commemorations of their past experiences. The Jewish holidays are special days observed to
commemorate key events in Jewish history and other events that depict the special connections with the world, such as
creation, revelation, and redemption.

1. Sabbath- is the most important day in the Jewish calendar which commemorates God’s completion of creation
of the universe and his rest after the six-day toil. This is the 4th law within the Ten Commandments. It begins a few
minutes before the sunset on Friday and runs until an hour after the sunset on Saturday. At Friday sundown, the Sabbath
candles are lighted and kiddush (sanctification) is recited over wine/grape juice. Children are then blessed by their
parents. The Jews abstain from work, like lighting fires, using money, and writing. They are only allowed to read and
study the Torah during the Sabbat day. The Sabbath ends through the symbolic ritual of Havdalah (division) done by
dousing wine on candles and smelling sweet spices.

2. The Days of Awe- are the first 10 days of Tishri (7 th month of the Jewish calendar). The first two days
comprise the New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the 10th day of it is called Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). These are
the days of repentance and penitence. All Jews must undergo self-reflection and make amends for all their sins
committed. Yom Kippur is the most sacred and solemn day, a day of fasting and praying for absolution of one’s sins. They
must refrain from eating and drinking even water, washing, bathing, using perfumes, wearing leather shoes. The wear
white and stayed at the Synagogue for the whole day reciting prayers.

3. Pilgrimage Festivals-are the seasonal celebrations of the Jewish people. During the olden days, Torah
commanded the ancient Israelites to go to Jerusalem on three pilgrimage festivals namely, Pesach (Passover), Shavuot
(Weks or Pentecost), Sukkot (Tabernacles). Pesach is an eight-day festival that commemorates the suffering and
liberation of the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians. A festive meal (seder) is celebrated as the symbolism of the
Exodus event. Shavuot is a two-day that commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai.
Sukkot is a nine-day festival commemorating the forty years stay of the Israelites in the wilderness/desert. The Jews also
Hanukkah (festival of lights) commemorates the victory of the Jews over the Seleucid Empire, Purim (Feast of Esther)
remembers the deliverance of the Israelites from the Persian Empire, and Independence Day of the State of Israel.

4. Halakha which translates as “the path that one walks” are the religious laws derived from the Written and
Oral Torah including the 613 Mizvot. Halakha instructs the Jews what to do as they wake up in the morning, what food to
eat, what clothes to wear, who to marry, and how to observe Sabbath and other holidays.

5. Synagogues are the Jewish places of worship, instructions, community fellowship that contain separate rooms
for praying and studying. Synagogue is similar to Christian churches. The holiest part of the synagogue is the Ark where
 the Torah scrolls are kept. The religious leader a trained rabbi interprets the Torah and delivers a sermon. 6.
Temple was the center of Jewish worship for four hundred years after it was built by King Solomon, the son of King David
in Jerusalem. The most important part of the temple is the “Holy of Holies” where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The
three Pilgrimage Festivals i.e., Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot were celebrated in the Temple of Jerusalem even during the
time of Jesus Christ (Ong 2016).

C.DIVISION OF JUDAISM

Judaism is divided into three groups namely Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative. Orthodox Judaism is the most
tradition of modern Judaism that adheres to the authority of the entire Torah as given to Moses at Mount Sinai. It
considers itself as the sole and genuine heir to the Jewish tradition. Reform Judaism is considered the most liberal
expression of Judaism that subjects religious laws and customs to human judgment. Members of this group sought to
adhere to the original teachings of Judaism but allowing some changes in their traditions. Services were allowed to be
conducted in mixed Hebrew and English language unlike Orthodox group. Women were accorded equally in terms of
sitting together with men In synagogue and allowing them to become rabbis. In Orthodox group, women stayed
separately from men in the synagogue and excluded women in rabbinic training. Conservative Judaism developed around
in the 20th century. It seeks to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism while at the same time allowing for
modernization that is less radical than Reform Judaism. Gradual change in law and practice is allowed only if such
occurrence is in harmony with Jewish traditions. It falls halfway between the two other major groups (Ong 2016).

SELECTED ISSUES OF JUDAISM

Women’s role in Judaism is determined by the Tanakh, Talmud, and Jewish customs. Women are viewed
differently in the three denominations of Judaism. In Orthodox Judaism, the knowledge about the nature of Torah is
sufficient and she is not obliged for further study. Men and women sit separately in the synagogues. In Orthodox
Judaism, only the husbands are given the privilege to divorce their wives. Conservative Judaism has acted upon several
areas that enable women to actively participate in Jewish rituals minimizing legal disparity between men and women. In
Conservative group, women can now read the Torah in public. However, in Reform Judaism men and women should be
equal in terms of performing their duties within the Jewish community. Women can sit together with men in the
synagogues (Ong 2016).

Diaspora is the historical term for the different Jewish communities living and scattering outside Israel. In the
16th to 17th century there had been calls to persuade the Jews to return to Palestine. Many Jewish communities heeded
the call but there were also communities which failed to comeback because of different factors especially the pogrom (a
movement against the Jews in Ukraine and even reached in Russia in 1881-1884. As a result, Russian Jews emigrated to
the US and Western Europe. At the end of the nineteenth century, Theodor Herzl-the Hungarian journalist and political
activist founded the Zionist movement. Zionist movement advocated the return of Jews to the land of Israel. The term
zion also a Jewish synonym for Jerusalem. The Zionist movement that the Jews are the chosen people of God will be
reunited from dispersion or exile back to their rightful homeland. Eventually, Zionist activities in the US became
influential in garnering American congressional and presidential support that led to the creation of the state of Israel in
1948 (Ong 2016).
 Anti-Semitism pertains to hostility towards and discrimination against the Jewish people especially in France,
Germany, Poland, and Russia in the end of the nineteenth to twentieth centuries. The most common manifestation of
anti-Semitism were the riots or pogroms against the Jews. Political parties that were anti-Semitic in character were
founded in

Germany, France, and Austria. Quite notable was the Nazi party formed in 1919. Adolf Hitler called for the
removal of Jews from Germany. The Nazi called for economic boycotts against the Jews, burned Jewish books, and
enacted laws that were anti-Jew. In November 8, 1938, the Nazi led the destruction of synagogues, shop windows of
Jewish-owned stores throughout Germany and Austria. More than a thousand synagogues were burned and over seven
thousand Jewish businesses were destroyed. The event was called, “Night of Broken Glass” referring to the shards of
broken glass that littered the streets (Ong 2016).

Holocaust is highest form of anti-Semitism. The term Holocaust is a Greek origin that means “sacrifice by fire”. In
history, Holocaust pertains to the methodical and state-sponsored persecution and execution of around six million Jews
by the Nazi regime and its collaborators from 1939-1945. For the Hitler-led Nazis, the Germans were racially superior and
master race as compared to the Jews. Hitler’s police chief, Heinrich Himmler, also believed in “Aryan” superiority leading
to the enslavement and extermination of “non-Aryans”. He was one of the German’s officials directly responsible for the
Holocaust. Jews were perceived as the major threat to the German racial community. There were more than nine million
Jews in 1933 in Europe. They had to be exterminated to eradicate the threat in Nazi’s mind (Ong 2016).

Judaism is the first monotheistic religion. Christianity and Islam traced their roots from Judaism. Unconsciously,
our present religious and cultural practices are influenced by this religion. Religions came out for one and the same
purpose, i.e. to lead the people closer to God. Religions are just like the different vehicles that serve as our mode of
transportations towards heaven. We are asked to be vigilant in choosing our vehicle towards heaven. Choose the best,
durable, and legal vehicle that would surely bring you to the right path. Therefore, it is appropriate to recognize,
appreciate, and respect all types of religions in the whole world, especially in Judaism.