Roots of Judaism

Objectives Understand what made the ancient Israelites’ belief system distinct from others at the time. Outline the main events in the early history of the Israelites. Analyze the moral and ethical ideas of Judaism. Describe the spread and influence of Judaism.

Terms and People monotheistic – believing in one god Torah – the most sacred Jewish text; includes the first five books of the Hebrew Bible Abraham – according to the Torah, man considered the father of the Israelite people covenant – a promise and agreement Moses – according to the Torah, the Israelite believed to have led the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt

Terms and People (continued) David – the second king of Israel, who united the twelve tribes into a single nation Solomon – son of David, a king known for his wisdom and judgment patriarchal – relating to a society where men hold the greatest legal and moral authority Sabbath – a holy day for rest and worship prophet – a spiritual leader who interprets God’s will 4

Terms and People (continued) ethics – moral standards of behavior Diaspora – the spreading out to new regions of the Jewish people that began with the Babylonian Captivity 5

How did the worship of only one god shape Judaism? The present-day nation of _________ lies on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. About _______ years ago, the ancient Israelites developed the religion of Judaism, which became a defining feature of their culture. Today, Judaism is one of the world’s major faiths.

The ancient Israelites, or Hebrews, established the first __________________ religion. They believed in one all-knowing, all-powerful God who was present everywhere. In their view, each event in history represented part of God’s plan for the people of Israel.

The Israelites recorded events and the laws in the ______________, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew Bible includes a total of _____ books. The oldest surviving texts of the Hebrew Bible were found in a set of caves in 1947. The 2000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls were printed on papyrus and had been stored in clay jars. Later laws and customs were written in another important text, the ____________.

Abraham promised to be faithful and obedient to God. According to the Torah, a herdsman named ____________ made a ___________with God. God promised to have a special relationship with Abraham and his descendants, and that the land of Canaan would be theirs. Abraham promised to be faithful and obedient to God. Abraham is considered __________________________. 9

The Torah teaches that ________renewed the Israelites’ covenant with God. According to the Book of Exodus, Moses led them out of Egypt. After 40 years in the desert, they reached the land of _______________.

About 1000 B.C. _____________united twelve feuding Jewish tribes and established Israel. His son, King Solomon, sought to build Jerusalem into an impressive capital. Solomon completed a temple dedicated to God that David had begun to build. He became famous for his wisdom and understanding. He negotiated with powerful empires in Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Israel declined after Solomon’s death in 922 B.C. Southern Israel split off and became Judah. 722 B.C.—the Assyrians captured Israel. 586 B.C.—Babylon captured Judah. 539 B.C.—Persia freed the Israelites. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon forced many into exile and destroyed the temple during the time called the ____________________________.

Judaism focuses on law and morality. The Torah is It deals with matters from cleanliness to crime, and establishes moral principles. Israelite society was ________________. The oldest male was the head of the household. He arranged marriages for his daughters.

Judaism taught an ethical worldview. Morality was guided by the Ten Commandments. The first four outlined duties to God, such as reserving the Sabbath as a holy day for rest and worship. The rest outlined behavior toward others. They include “Honor your father and mother” and “You shall not kill.”

According to the Torah, Moses received the Ten Commandments directly from God on two stone tablets, as shown in this stained-glass window.

Spiritual leaders such as Isaiah and Jeremiah periodically emerged. These prophets taught a strong code of moral ethics, or personal standards of behavior. They urged civil justice, teaching that all people were equal before God. The rich and powerful were called upon to protect the weak. Unlike other ancient societies, the Jews saw their leaders as human and equally bound by all of God’s laws.

For 500 years, beginning with the Babylonian Captivity, Jews were spread throughout the empires that controlled their land. During this Diaspora, many remained in small communities living by their laws and traditions. Many faced persecution but survived and maintained their faith. Judaism’s unique contributions to religious thought heavily influenced the rise of two later monotheistic religions, Christianity and Islam.