Introduction

Judaism Smallest major religion – 15 million people or 0.2 % of population Dates back approx. 4000 yrs

Judaism “Judaism is not a doctrine, an idea, a faith but the covenant between God and the people” Abraham Joshua Hershel God is believed to be directly involved in Jewish history Judaism is the interpretation of Jewish history Scholar and Holy

What is in a name? Hebrew - “From across” name given to Abraham and his followers Migration into Caanan (promised Land) Israelite - “he who has wrestled with God” Abraham’s grandson Jacob renamed Y’israel His descendants were called “Israelites” Ancient Hebrews struggled to keep covenant with God Jews - named after Jacob’s son Judah ancient father of tribe of King David’s dynasty Descendants of the Israelites Established during Exile in Egypt

Patriarch of Judaism Abraham 2000 BCE Mesopotamia polytheistic belief system God told Abraham to leave Mesopotamia go to Haran then Canaan and “make of him a great nation” Established covenant with God Began monotheistic tradition rewarded with land & a kingdom Abraham- around 2000 BCE received a vision from God that instructed him to leave his home in Ur (Mesopotamia) and move to Haran and later Canaan. -began monotheisitic tradition

Key Concepts Covenant Solemn and binding two way agreement between God as the Creator Abraham as the people of Israel (humanity) (Established “promise”) Also provides people means to demonstrate devotion of God (framework) Later under Moses 10 Commandments created to help people keep the covenant (established rules or “law”)

Foundation of the Covenant Now the Lord said to Abraham, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. Genesis 12: 1-2

Foundation of Covenant 1 Chosen People Jews considered themselves to be God’s Chosen People God chose Abraham and led him to monotheism Jews were instruments of God’s will God chose Jews (humanity); humanity must choose God God promised to love and protect them equally

Foundation of Covenant 2 Promised Land God promised to bring them to the promised land Gained significance during Moses’ life Hebrews sought to keep covenant and develop a community in the Promised Land. (Exodus) Jews believe this Promised Land is Israel

Prophet Greek “one who speaks for” One who receives from God and delivers it to the people. Abraham and Moses

Origins Three basic beliefs about the origin of the Decalogue: 1. They were written by God at Mount Sinai, circa 1450 BCE 2. They were written by three Hebrew authors (or groups of authors) between 922 and 622 BCE based upon ancient Hebrew myths and legends. 3. Their original source was in Pagan documents written by Hittites or Egyptians which were plagiarized and added to by ancient Hebrew writers. http://www.religioustolerance.org

Are these Commandments only important to Jewish people? Where else do we see these Laws? Are these Commandments relevant today?