Introduction to Judaism

What is Judaism? Judaism is the world’s first monotheistic religion. Monotheism is the belief in one god.

Where Judaism Started The religion was born in modern day Israel and Palestine. Canaan Biblical name

Who are the Hebrews? Ethnic group that founded Judaism. Tribe of pastoral nomads from Mesopotamia. Speak the language of Hebrew. Later became known as the Jews

Abraham “Father” of the Hebrew People Led the Hebrews from Mesopotamia to Canaan. First of the Hebrews to interact with God.

Abraham’s Journeys

Abraham’s Geneaology HAGAR ABRAHAM SARAH Ishmael Isaac 12 Arabian Tribes Jacob Esau 12 Tribes of Israel

Moses Led the Hebrews out of Egypt during their period of being enslaved. (Exodus)

Route of the Exodus

Ethical Monotheism The belief in one all-powerful God (Yahweh) Yahweh is the source of truth, justice, and love. He demands good behavior from people.

The Ten Commandments How do the Ten Commandments reflect the idea of ethical monotheism?

Holy Book The Torah (The Law) First 5 books of the Hebrew Bible Christians refer to the Jewish bible as the Old Testament. It contains 636 Jewish laws - marriage, diet, animals, business, etc.

Mount Sinai

10 Commandments Laws given to Moses by Yahweh. What are the types of behavior demanded by Yahweh?

St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai

The Covenant Yahweh’s contract or agreement with the Jewish people. What are terms of the contract?

Promised Land Yahweh promises the Jews that Canaan/Palestine will be their land.

Inside the Temple Tabernacle The Arc of the Covenant

King Solomon’s Temple Floor Plan The First Temple

The Temple Mount, Jerusalem Today Solomon’s Temple Wall: The “Wailing” Wall

Recreation of Ancient Jerusalem

Israelites in Captivity

Jewish Diaspora The “dispersion” of the Jewish people away from their historical homeland of Palestine.

Areas of Jewish Settlements

What institutions allowed Jews to maintain their religious and cultural identity outside of their homeland?

Jewish Traditions Synagogue Jewish Laws regulating religious, social, and personal behavior. Dietary Restrictions Sabbath Ban on marrying non-Jews The Hebrew Bible The Hebrew Language Strict Monotheism

Zionism Belief that Jews should return to their historical homeland, Israel. Israel should be a nation-state of the Jewish people. Jerusalem should be its capital.