Middle Eastern Religions Judaism 7th Grade Social Studies Mr. Cummings

SS7G8 – I can describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Southwest Asia SS7G8c – Compare and contrast the prominent religions in Southwest Asia: Judaism Christianity Islam

Judaism - Judaism began around 1600 – 1800 years before Christ. Abram of the city of Ur claimed he was told by God to move to a land that God would show him. He moved with his family from Ur, up the Euphrates River valley to what is now Southern Turkey. He then moved to what is now Israel, then called Canaan.

Judaism’s Basic Claim Abram was to be the father of “God’s chosen people.” He was promised more children (descendants) than there were stars in the sky. He was promised all the land from the “River of Egypt” (Wadi al Arab) to the Tigris River. He would be the “Father of Nations.”

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Abram was over 70 years old and still had no children, and his wife, Sarai, was over 60. Sarai told Abram to have a child with her Egyptian slave-girl, Hagar. Hagar gave birth to a son, who they named “Ishmael.” 12 years later, Sarah had a son, Isaac.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Under the law, Ishmael, as first-born, would receive the birth-right and the blessing. Sarah wanted Isaac to receive these, so she forced Hagar out of the camp and into the wilderness. According to Genesis, an angel appeared to Hagar and promised that she and Ishmael would be safe, and that Ishmael would be a “father of nations.” Ishmael later had 12 sons, the 12 nations of Arabs.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Isaac was Abraham’s son by Sarah. When Isaac was 60 years old, he married Rebecca. Isaac and Rebecca had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Jacob conned Esau out of his birthright, and stole the blessing. Jacob then had to flee for his life to Uncle Laban’s home in (now) southern Turkey.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) As Jacob tended Laban’s sheep and goats, he became aware of Rachel. He agreed to work for Laban for 7 years in exchange for Rachel in marriage. After 7 years, the wedding ceremony was held, but Laban tricked Jacob into marrying his oldest daughter, Leah. One month later, Jacob married Rachel after agreeing to work 7 more years.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Leah gave birth to a son, but Rachel could not have children. Rachel gave Jacob her servant girl to bear children, so Leah also gave Jacob her servant girl. (Milpah & Bilhah) Between them, they gave Jacob 10 sons and a daughter. All the while, Laban was cheating Jacob, taking Jacob’s flocks. Jacob decided to go home to Canaan.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) On the way back to Canaan, Jacob remembered Esau’s threat, and went out alone one night to pray. As he began praying, a stranger approached and began fighting with Jacob. They fought the whole night. As sunrise approached, the stranger told Jacob to let him go. Jacob refused, saying, ‘give me your blessing first.’ Instead, the stranger grabbed Jacob’s leg and dislocated his hip.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Jacob did not let go, even with his hip injury, but demanded a blessing. The stranger finally relented, and said, “Your name is Jacob, but from this day forward, you will be called ‘Israel,’ which means ‘He fought with God and won.’ ” Later that day, Jacob and Esau reconciled.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) The people descended from Abraham through the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are called “Hebrews.” The Hebrew nation was different from all surrounding nations in their religious beliefs. The Hebrew people believed there is only one God. (Monotheistic) All others believed there were many gods. (Polytheistic)

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) The Hebrew people (children of Abraham through Jacob) ended up in Egypt where they were forced into slavery for several hundred years. A Hebrew child was adopted by pharaoh’s daughter and named Moses. Moses grew up to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. He was banished from Egypt after killing an Egyptian overseer who was beating a Hebrew slave.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Moses wandered in the wilderness of “Midian,” modern Sinai, for 40 years. While herding sheep, Moses witnessed a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire. When he approached the bush, God spoke to him telling him to go to Egypt and free the Hebrews. Moses resisted, then agreed to return to Egypt. When Moses asked God for His name, He said, “I am that which I am, tell them ‘I am’ has sent you.’” In Hebrew the name is “YHWH.”

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Moses returned to Egypt and demanded of Pharaoh Ramses II that he free the Hebrew people. Ramses refused, unleashing 10 plagues on Egypt. The last plague was the death of the 1st-born sons of Egypt. Ramses finally relented and freed the slaves.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Moses led the “children of Israel” to the desert of Sinai, crossing the “Red Sea” (Sea of Reeds) on the way. Because of disobedience, the adult men who left Egypt died over the next 40 years in the desert. While in the Desert, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God at Mt. Sinai.

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) Moses died before entering the Promised land. Before he died, according to Jewish tradition, he wrote the first five books of what we call the Old Testament. The Hebrew people call these books “The Torah” also known as “The Pentateuch.” These books, combined with the writings of later Prophets, make up the Hebrew Scriptures called “The Law and the Prophets.”

Judaism’s Claim (Cont) The name “Judaism” and “Jew” come from the name of Judah, one of Israel’s sons. The Jewish religion is based on the promise of God to Abraham, called “the Covenant,” and The Law and the Prophets (scripture). These religious beliefs became a central part of the Jewish culture.

Jewish Scripture Jewish Scripture (Sacred Writings) is divided into two parts; The Torah and The Haggadah. The Torah is considered to be the “Word of God” and is considered without error. The Haggadah consists of human interpretations of God’s law and is subject to correction. Jews believe that you are saved by obeying the Law and doing good things.