An Overview of the World

1
An Overview of the Worlds Major Religions

• By R.D. Baker Ryan Cartwright

2

• Acts 1716 - While Paul was waiting in Athens, he
  was greatly distressed to see that the city was
  full of idols. So he reasoned in the Synagogue
  with the Jews God-fearing Greeks as well as in
  the marketplace day by day with those who
  happened to be there.

3

• v.22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the
  Aeropagus and said, Men of Athens, I see that in
  every way, you are very religious. For as I
  walked around looked carefully at your objects
  of worship, I even found an altar with this
  inscription, To an unknown god. Now what you
  worship as something unknown, I am going to
  proclaim to you.

4

• v.24 The God who made the world everything in
  it is the Lord of heaven earth, does not live
  in temples built by hands. And hes not served by
  human hands, as if he needed anything, because he
  himself gives all men life breath everything
  else. From one man, he made every nation of men,
  that they should inhabit the whole earth he
  determined the times set for them the exact
  places where they should live. God did this so
  that men would seek him perhaps reach out for
  him find him, though he is not far from each
  one of us.

5
Major Religions of the WorldRanked by Number of
Adherents

• 1) Christianity 2.1 billion
  
• 2) Islam 1.3 billion
• 3) Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist 1.1 billion
• 4) Hinduism 900 million
• 5) Chinese traditional religion 394 million
• 6) Buddhism 376 million
• Total of the top 6 categories 6.1 billion

6
Major Religions of the WorldRanked by Number of
Adherents

• 9) Sikhism 23 million
• 12) Judaism 15 million
• 13) Baha'i 7 million
• 17) Zoroastrianism 2.6 million
• 20) Unitarian-Universalism 800 thousand
• 21) Rastafarianism 600 thousand
• 22) Scientology 500 thousand

7
America The Great Melting Pot

• It has been said that the U.S. is the great
  melting pot for the people of the world
• The contents of that pot would not be complete
  unless it also included the religions of those
  masses that now make up our countrys population
• As we are increasingly surrounded by other
  religious teachings, it becomes vitally important
  as to what we choose to believe put our faith
  into then pass down to our children

8
Many ReligionsMany Truths?

• There are many religions philosophiesbut which
  ones are true?
• Are all religions valid?
• Will they all get you to heaven?
• Do all roads lead to heaven?
• We will see as we explore some of the major world
  religions.

9
Division Among Religions

• Every major religion has divisions
• Not all the beliefs discussed will apply to all
  adherents to a particular religion just as in
  Christianity there are a many divisions with
  different beliefs

10

• Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are
  really my disciples. Then you will know the
  truth, the truth will set you free." John 831

Truth has become quite subjective but truth can
be discerned by considering the evidence.
11

• "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul
  replied. "What I am saying is true reasonable.
  The king is familiar with these things, I can
  speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of
  this has escaped his notice, because it was not
  done in a corner. Acts 2625-27

We cant do an exhaustive study but well do our
best to present a basic understanding of the
major some minor world religions
12
General Introduction

• In this series well examine different religions
  philosophies, consider their respective
  founding fathers, history, scriptures beliefs.
• While we will make some comments on the various
  religions, the goal is not to prove or discredit
  the various beliefs but simply to present the
  facts.
• It is each individuals task to determine whether
  what they believe is true
• Always remember Belief does not equal truth.

13
Focus

• In addition to this series a study of
  ancient pagan religions is recommended
  to understand the background context
  for both testaments. Unfortunately we dont have
  the time to look at these religions in this
  series.
• Our focus is to present religions that exist in
  our neighborhoods today that we may come
  across.
• It is important to understand the people around
  us and to know what they believe.

14
Warning!

• We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge
  puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks
  he knows something does not yet know as he ought
  to know. 1 Corinthians 81-2

15

• In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always
  be prepared to give an answer to everyone who
  asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
  have. But do this with gentleness respect
• - 1 Peter 315

Our goal is not to win the argument or to just
possess knowledge, but to in love guide people
to the Truth
16
Definitions

• Monotheism Belief in one god
• Polytheism System of many gods
• Pantheism God synonymous with the universe or
  nature. May the Force be with you.
• Animism Animals, plants objects all contain
  individual spirits
• Asceticism Enlightenment obtained through
  extreme self denial (monasteries)
• Mysticism Enlightenment spiritual powers
  through meditation/contemplation

17
Judaism15 Million Devotees
The Star of David The Menorah (Represents the
7-day week the Sabbath)
18
Judaism

• Religious culture of the Jewish People
• One of the world's oldest religions (Year 5,766)
• 12th largest religion in the world today
• Cultural system of Jewish law, custom practice
  of the whole individual community
• Believes that everyone is under God's rule
• Oldest of the 3 main monotheistic (one god)
  religions
• Shares many beliefs with other 2, Islam
  Christianity
• Believes the world was created by a single,
  all-knowing divinity, that all things within
  the world were designed to have meaning purpose
  as part of a divine order

19
Famous Jews for 200, Alex

• Abraham
• Moses
• King David his son King Solomon
• Mary (mother of Jesus)
• John the Baptist
• Jesus
• The Twelve
• The Apostle Paul
• The entire early Christian Church

20
Famous Jews for 400, Alex

• Show Biz Harrison Ford, Cary Grant, Ben
  Stiller, Alicia Silverstone, Gwyneth Paltrow,
  Paul Newman, Michael Douglas, Billy Crystal,
  George Burns, Rodney Dangerfield, Richard
  Dreyfuss, Tony Clark, Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler,
  Jerry Springer, Geraldo Rivera, Joan Rivers,
  Howard Stern
• Musicians Slash, Joey Ramone, Gene Simmons,
  Kenny G, Paul Shaffer, Benny Goodman, Herb
  Alpert,
• Athletes Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Marc
  Spitz, Sasha Cohen, Sandy Koufax, David Beckham,
  Shawn Green, Hank Greenberg

21
Famous Jews for 600, Alex

• Columbus, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein
• Anne Frank, Arthur Miller, Danielle Steele, J.D.
  Salinger, Neil Simon, Norman Mailer
• Milton Hershey, Vidal Sassoon, Michael Dell,
  Steve Balmer, Mark Cuban
• Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Ali G, Marx
  Brothers
• Harry Houdini, David Blaine, David Copperfield
• Mel Blanc, Stan Lee, Matt Parker
• Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, Barbra
  Streisand, Neil Diamond, Simon Garfunkel,
  yes, Elvis Presley

22
Where are they?

• 15 million Jews throughout the world (Mostly in
  the U.S., Israel former USSR)
• Jews makes up 83 of Israels population
• More Jews live in the U.S. than in Israel!
• A higher proportion of American Jews are
  religious (i.e., practice Judaism or profess some
  form of belief in Judaism) than in Israel!

23
Major Branches of Judaism

• Conservative 4.5 million
• Unaffiliated Secular 4.5 million
• Reform 3.75 million
• Orthodox 2 million

• Most Jews today do not strictly hold to the Law
• Many of Israel's Jews are secular - nonobservant
  and
• either nonreligious or even agnostic / atheist
  
• Religious Jews are in the minority in Israel

24
A Brief History of Time Jewish Style

• Judaism dates back to the creation event, but
  essentially starts to advance with Adam and the
  other Patriarchs
• 2100BC God Promises Canaan to Abraham
• 1876-1446BC Patriarchs arrive in Egypt and are
  enslaved for 430 years
• 1446-1406BC Desert Wanderings

25

• 1406-1050BC Conquest/Period of Judges
• 1050-930BC United Monarchy (King David)
• 930-722BC Divided Kingdom to Assyrian Conquest
  Beginning of Diaspora
• 722-587BC Babylonian conquest, Destruction of
  Solomons Temple
• 587-539BC Babylonian Exile
• 539-333BC Persian Period, Cyrus allows Jews to
  return to rebuild Jerusalem Temple

26

• 333-63BC Greek Period Hellenization of Holy
  Land Maccabean Revolt rise of Synagogue
  religious parties (Sadducees, Essenes, Pharisees)
• 63BC-200AD Roman period
• 70AD Jewish War results in the destruction of
  Herods Temple, Sanhedrin sacrificial system
• 132AD Judean revolt sparked by Roman Emperor
  Hadrians building city Aelia Capitolina on top
  of ruins of Jerusalem. Jews banned from
  Jerusalem circumcision of converts forbidden

27

• 200-640AD Period of intense persecution mainly
  from the Christians, especially after
  Christianity became the religion of the Roman
  Empire
• 634-1096AD Age of the Gaons Muslim conquests
  bring many Jews under Islamic domain, improving
  quality of life considerably
• 1096AD Crusades specifically target Jews they
  are looted murdered en masse
• 1096-1348AD Jews expelled from England, not
  returning until 1650

28

• 1348 Jews accused of poisoning wells and
  causing the Black Death. (This resulted in many
  gruesome massacres across Europe.)
• 1348-1517 Jewish Influence After the
  massacres, Jews allowed to return to their
  cities, many becoming moneylenders.
• 1492 Jews in Spain offered choice of converting
  to Christianity or leaving the country.
• Wherever they went the exiles had a powerful
  impact.

29

• 1517-1700 Europe in Ferment Period started
  with a era of tolerance as authorities viewed
  Jews as useful. Massacres in 1648 1649
  devastated the Jews in Poland the Ukraine.
• Numerous men rose up claiming to be the Messiah.
  Most important was Shabbetai Zevi (1628-1716). He
  was imprisoned in Gallipolo then later converted
  to Islam.
• The Paradox of the traitorous Messiah is far
  greater then an executed Messiah. Gershom
  Scholem
• Meaning a Jew claiming to be the Messiah then
  converting to Islam is more insulting than a
  messiah being crucified.

30

• 1700s-Present Large numbers migrated to the
  Americas (period of Jewish tolerance)
• 1880s Strong Aryan, anti-semitic movements
  began in France
• WWII Extermination of 1/3 of worlds Jewish
  population 6 million murdered
• 1948 Zionists pushed for received the State
  of Israel for the Jews to have a country once
  more. Battle for this territory still rages today

31
Divisions Sects

• Shortly after the original temple was built the
  first major rift in Jewish history occurred.
• Under the poor leadership of King Rehoboam,
  Israel divided into the Northern Kingdom of
  Israel the Southern Kingdom of Judea.

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave
him and consulted the young men who had grown up
with him and were serving him. 1 Kings 128
The two kingdoms remained divided, fell
separately
32

• After returning from exile, the Jews formed at
  least 4 parties during the Intertestamental
  period Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes Zealots
• Each party had its own distinct traditions in
  regards to culture, religious beliefs,
  ceremonies, calendar, lifestyle, etc.
• The differences concern activities more than
  theology

33
Pharisees

• Represented more of the common people
• Stressed holiness of life created a body of laws
  to prevent people from breaking laws (hedging)
• Not as strict as the Essenes
• Created the oral law eventually became the
  Talmud
• Unlike the Sadducees, they strongly resisted the
  Hellenistic culture
• Emerged as the dominant group after 70AD

"Woe to youPharisees, you hypocrites! You shut
the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You
yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those
enter who are trying to. Jesus Matthew 2313
34
Sadducees

• Composed of wealthy aristocrats priests
• Held to a very strict interpretation of the
  Scriptures
• Rejected the doctrine of the Resurrection
• Most members of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees
• Disappeared with Jerusalem destruction in 70AD

When John the Baptist saw many of the Pharisees
Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he
said to them You brood of vipers! Who warned
you to flee from the coming wrath? Matthew 37
35
Essenes

• Ascetic, monastic sect removed themselves from
  daily life to prevent being polluted by the
  corrupt world
• No personal possessions, very strict observation
  of community Sabbath rules, incl. no bowel
  movements
• Devoted themselves to study, with a focus on
  moral ethical learning
• Qumran sect is best known of this group the Dead
  Sea Scrolls were widely believed to be their work
• Their website claims almost all main founders of
  what would later be called Christianity were
  Essenes, incl. Joseph Mary, John the Baptist,
  Jesus John

36
Zealots

• Term used to describe Jewish anti-Roman groups
  using both political military tactics
• Covered many different factions was not a party
  name
• Began in 6AD by Judas Maccabees based on
  inspiration of Phinehas (Numbers 2511)
• Sicarii (Dagger-men) most extreme branch
  carried short daggers, stabbing their enemies in
  broad daylight in large crowds, then joined the
  outraged crowd, adding their own cries of
  indignation
• Largely responsible for the beginning of the
  Jewish War, which led to the destruction of the
  Temple

37
Zealots

• One of the 12 apostles was Simon the Zealot
• Barabbas possibly Paul (Acts 223 Galatians
  114)
• Acts 2138 4,000 Assassins 4,000
  Terrorists
• Mark 157 The Insurrectionists
• Last Zealot Stronghold, Masada, fell in May 74AD

38
Orthodox vs. Reformed

• Most obvious division today is between Orthodox
  Progressive Jews
• Orthodox Jews adhere to a very strict biblical
  oral law (Talmud).
• Diligently follow Sabbatical laws Kosher
  regulations. (In their own eyes no other Jews are
  really Jews.)

39
Reformed Judaism

• Began in Germany in the 18th Century
• Followed philosophies of enlightenment, enjoying
  the benefits of the lessening persecution
• Soon many Jews adapted to their culture rather
  than holding to their traditions
• Using scientific inquiry and critical evaluation
  some even taught that man no longer needed to
  accept the revelation of the Torah as factual
  binding
• Changes in ritual law worship were encouraged
  dietary laws were abandoned and a more people
  friendly version of Judaism was born

40
Kabbalah (Mysticism)

• Branch of Judaism meaning Received Tradition
• Claims to be the oldest religion with origins
  dating back to Adam Abraham
• Possesses secret mystic truths
• Claims to hold the long-hidden keys to the
  secrets of the universe mysteries of the human
  heart soul
• Many similarities to Gnostic movements
• Essenes protected their writings, allegedly
  authored by Cain, Noah Jared
• Isaac Newton, Madonna, Britney Spears, Paris
  Hilton, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Mick Jagger,
  Anthony Kiedis

41
Basic Teachings of Kabbalah

• In order to claim the gifts you were created to
  receive, you must 1st earn those gifts. You do
  this undertaking spiritual work the process of
  transforming yourself. By recognizing the sources
  of negativity in your mind heart, youll
  receive the tools for positive change.
• Every human being is a work in progress. Pain,
  disappointment chaos exists not because this is
  how life is meant to be, but because of
  unfinished work that brought the strife. That
  work is the process of freeing yourself from the
  domination of the human ego and creating an
  attraction with God.
• In everyday life, this transformation means
  letting go of anger, jealousy other reactive
  behaviors in favor of patience, empathy
  compassion. It does not mean giving up all
  desires, going to live on a mountaintop. On the
  contrary, it means desiring more of the
  fulfillment that humanity was meant to have.

42
Jewish Culture Beliefs

• To understand any religion we must look at what
  their followers believe how they live. In this
  section well look at a few major Jewish beliefs
  
• The Jewish culture has existed for thousands of
  years so many beliefs changed with time
• Much of what we know of ancient Jewish history is
  found in the writing of Josephus Philo
  (Essenes)
• Lets look at some key terms of Judaism

43
Monotheism

• There is only one God, YHWH
• Originally Judaism was much different than the
  majority of ancient polytheistic religions. (An
  important statement of Jewish Theology.)
• Parented the other two main monotheistic
  religions Islam Christianity

44
Land of Canaan/Promised Land

• God promised Abraham that his descendants would
  inherit this land forever
• When it was lost it was a devastating blow to
  peoples faith
• Many believe that God was behind giving the land
  back to the Jews in this century (1948)

The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country,
your people your father's household and go to
the land I will show you. I will make you into a
great nation I will bless you I will make your
name great, you will be a blessing. I will
bless those who bless you, whoever curses you I
will curse all peoples on earth will be
blessed through you." Genesis 121-3
45

• Israel Gods Chosen People The Jewish nation
  Abraham fathered has always believed themselves
  to be Gods only chosen people. (Jewish vs.
  Gentile perspective.)
• The Law Found predominately in the Pentateuch
  (books of the Law). 613 total commandments the
  Jews were to obey. Today only Orthodox Jews
  attempt to obey them all. (The rest pick choose
  which portions of the law are applicable to them.)

46
The Shema

• Judaism has no formal creed but the essence of
  their faith is summed up in the Shema
• Shema means Hear, as in Hear O Lord
• Read every morning by pious Jews to remind them
  of the Law
• Consists mainly of Deuteronomy 64-9 and affirms
  their monotheistic belief, as well as praises God
  for his creation, revelation redemption

47
The Sabbath

• Begins at sunset each Friday, ends the same time
  the next day
• Considered the most important Jewish festival
• Originally ordained by God to be a holy day of
  rest where work was forbidden
• Few things are specifically forbidden in the
  Bible (Numbers 1532-36 - Gathering kindling is
  forbidden under pain of death.)
• Most of the rules are found in the Mishnah of
  200AD, and are quite detailed restrictive.

48
The Sabbath

• Some rules obeyed by various sects include
• No fires can be lit on the Sabbath, although if
  it is already burning it can remain lit
• No long journeys may be undertaken
• No vehicles may be driven
• Historically some sects even went as far as to
  forbid bowel movements on the Sabbath although
  that was not the common practice

49
Kosher/Dietary Regulations

• Kosher Fit or clean according to Jewish dietary
  laws
• Regulations found in the Torah (Lev 11, Deut 14),
  but many more added through traditions
• Meat dairy products cant be eaten together.
  (Many households have 2 sets of dishes to prevent
  any contact
• Jewish hotels have 2 kitchens to prevent
  contamination
• Animals must be slaughtered prepared by a
  shochet, trained ordained in the kosher
  regulations
• Orthodox Jews follow these regulations
  meticulously average Jews do not

50
The Synagogue

• Place of Jewish communal worship
• Most Jews are members of a Synagogue although
  that does not mean that they regularly attend
• Mainly a place for reading scripture prayer
• Since 70AD (Destruction of the Temple), this has
  been the center of both religious cultural life
• May have originated after 586BC to replace temple
  worship while in exile, but it developed rapidly
  during the Intertestamental period

51
FestivalsJewish religious year has many annual
festivals

• Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Years Day, occurring
  in September or October
• Celebrates both the creation of the world and
  Gods judgment of the world
• Tradition says this was the day God called the
  Universe into existence
• People are called to return to God and set aside
  next 10 days for self examination repentance

52
Yom Kippur Day of Atonement

• Holiest day of the Jewish Year
• Concludes 10-day period begun on New Years
• Day of fasting, prayer public confession of sin
• Commemorates the day when the High Priest made
  sacrifices for people of Israel and entered the
  Holy of Holies
• No sacrifices today, so worshippers fast for 24
  hours and spend the whole day at the synagogue
• At the end of the day they consider themselves to
  be reborn

53
Sukkot Feast of Tabernacles

• 5 days after Day of Atonement
• Lasts for one week
• One of 3 harvest festivals in the Jewish year
  (Passover Pentecost)
• Model for Christian harvest celebrations
• Purpose To remember how God provided for His
  people during the 40 years in the dessert
• Shelters or Tabernacles of branches are built and
  lived in for the week

54
Simchat Torah Rejoicing of the Law

• During the course of every year the entire
  Pentateuch is read in the synagogue
• On this day the reading is completed with the
  last few verses of Deuteronomy the 1st few of
  Genesis
• The scrolls of the law are carried around the
  synagogue in a procession, with much joy, singing
  dancing

55
Hanukkah - Festival of Lights

• Celebrated around Christmas time
• Celebrates the Maccabean victory over Antiochus
  IV Epiphanes in 164BC, when the temple was
  rededicated to God. (Antiochus had set up a idol
  in the temple to Zeus, sacrificed a pig on it.)
• The festival lasts eight days
• On each day a candle on a menorah (9-branched
  candle stick) is lit

56
Purim Lot

• Celebrated in Feb/Mar recalls the story of
  Esther
• Named in reference to the lot (pur) Haman cast
  to decide the day to destroy the Jews in the
  Persian Empire (Esther 37)
• The entire book of Esther read in the synagogues.
  Whenever Hamans name is mentioned, the boys make
  noise stomp their feet
• The festival is a time of parties and a special
  pastry served called Hamantaschen

57
Pesach Passover

• Recalls the deliverance of Israel from slavery in
  Egypt, especially the last plague of the 1st Born
• A special meal is served in the home called Sedar
  (order)
• The youngest child asks, What does this mean?
  the father relates the Exodus story
• Traditionally an extra seat is left for Elijah,
  whos expected to herald in the Messianic age
• On the eve of Passover a thorough search is made
  for leaven in the home

58
PentecostFeast of the First Fruits (Weeks)

• Originally an agricultural celebration occurring
  7-weeks or 50 days after the beginning of
  Passover
• Commemorates the Law given to Moses on Mt. Sinai
• Also associated with failed revolt against the
  Romans in 2nd Century AD
• The Ten Commandments are read
• Some Jews stay up all night mediating on the Law
• The day the Christian Church started!

59
Tishah BAv

• Observed on 9th day of Av around July/August
• Memorializes the Temple destruction of 70 AD
• Some also link it with the 586BC destruction
• All ornaments are removed from the synagogue
• Day of mourning fasting

60
The Three Rites

• In addition to the festivals, modern male Jews
  celebrate 3 rites in the course of their lives
  Circumcision, Bar Mitzvah Marriage
• According to Orthodox Jewish law a Jew is one
  born to a Jewish mother
• Boys are circumcised 8 days after birth and
  receive their Jewish name
• Circumcisions can be done by a doctor or by a
  Mohel, a trained registered professional

61
Circumcision

• According to Orthodox Jewish law, a Jew is one
  born to a Jewish mother
• Boys are circumcised 8 days after birth and then
  receive their Jewish name
• Circumcisions can be done by a doctor or by a
  Mohel, a trained registered professional

62
Bar-Mitzvah

• At age 13, Jewish boys becomes Bar-Mitzvah (son
  of the Commandment)
• On the Sabbath after this birthday, he reads from
  the Torah during the synagogue service for the
  1st time
• From this time on he is expected to fulfill all
  the duties of a Jew
• A girl becomes Bat-Mitzvah (daughter of the
  Commandment) automatically at the age of 12. Some
  synagogues will have a ceremony to celebrate

63
Marriage

• Marriage is considered to be a holy covenant
• Bridegroom signs the marriage document
  (ketubbah) pledges himself to his bride
• During the service the couple stands under an
  embroidered canopy supported by 4 poles, which
  represents their future home
• The ceremony ends with the bridegroom breaking a
  glass. Some think this is symbolic of the
  destruction of the temple, others believe its to
  take moments to reflect even during times of
  great joy

64
The Temple

• Originally built by Solomon approx. 950 BC
• Rebuilt last by King Herod an 83-year project
  completed in 63AD on 35 acres of land
• Two most significant events in Jewish history are
  the destruction of the temples 586BC by the
  Babylonians 70AD by the Romans
• While the temple has not existed for 1900 years
  it is still a very relevant topic
• Many Jews believe that God will allow for the
  temple to be rebuilt again, now that they have
  returned to the Holy land

65
Herods Temple
66

• However, it is very unlikely that Muslims will
  allow this as theyve built the Dome of the
  Rock on the location of the original Temple
• All that remains of the original Temple is the
  Western Wall also knows as the Wailing Wall
• The wall is a place of prayer lamentation as
  well as a popular pilgrimage site

67
Dome of the Rock Al-Aqsa Mosque
68
Dome of the Rock Al-Aqsa Mosque
69
Scriptures

• Were very familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures as
  the Old Testament contains them in their
  entirety, although the format is different
• A prominent feature of the OT is the three-fold
  division of The Torah (Law), Neviim (Prophets)
  the Ketuvim (Writings)

70

• In addition to the Torah a large body of laws
  have developed over time
• 100BC-70 AD Pharisees oral interpretations of
  the Torah
• 200AD Mishnah Interpretations of the Torah by
  Rabbinic writers
• 200-500AD Midrash Rabbinic sermons on the
  Torah
• 400AD Palestinian Gemera records debates of
  Rabbis in Palestine
• 400AD Jerusalem Talmud Consists of the
  Mishnah Palestinian Gemara
• 500AD Following an independent development of
  thought in Babylon, a separate Talmud developed
  consisting of Babylonian Gemara the Mishnah.

71
Wailing Wall - Jerusalem