The Ancient Hebrews and the Origins of Judaism

Torah Contains the stories of the Ancient Hebrews and how they created Judaism Contains the stories of the Ancient Hebrews and how they created Judaism Also contains their basic laws Also contains their basic laws Judaism’s Holy Book like the Bible in the Holy Book in Christianity. Judaism’s Holy Book like the Bible in the Holy Book in Christianity. Consists of five books from the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. Consists of five books from the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. Read from right to left Read from right to left

Early History of the Hebrews Around 1950 BCE, Abraham and his followers migrated from Mesopotamia to Canaan. Around 1950 BCE, Abraham and his followers migrated from Mesopotamia to Canaan. Many of the people were herders. Many of the people were herders. Moved to Egypt in 1800 BCE because of a famine. Moved to Egypt in 1800 BCE because of a famine. Hebrews became slaves in Egypt because the pharaoh felt threatened. Hebrews became slaves in Egypt because the pharaoh felt threatened.

Abraham Father of the Hebrews Father of the Hebrews Introduced monotheism to his people. Introduced monotheism to his people. According the Torah, God told Abraham to move him and his family to Canaan. According the Torah, God told Abraham to move him and his family to Canaan. God made many covenants to Abraham, including one: Canaan will be known as the Hebrew “promised land.” God made many covenants to Abraham, including one: Canaan will be known as the Hebrew “promised land.”

Abraham’s Sacrifice At the time it was common to sacrifice animals to Gods. At the time it was common to sacrifice animals to Gods. God wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham took his son to be sacrificed before he was stopped by God. God wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham took his son to be sacrificed before he was stopped by God. Contributions to Judaism: ancestor of the Jewish people, introduced monotheism, set an example on how to live: God first. Contributions to Judaism: ancestor of the Jewish people, introduced monotheism, set an example on how to live: God first.

Moses Leader and Prophet of the Hebrews. Leader and Prophet of the Hebrews. Moses freed the slaves from Egypt after God punished Egypt with 10 terrible plagues. Moses freed the slaves from Egypt after God punished Egypt with 10 terrible plagues. Flight from Egypt is known as the Exodus: the escape from Egyptian slavery. Flight from Egypt is known as the Exodus: the escape from Egyptian slavery.

Moses Contributions God gave Moses the 10 Commandments God gave Moses the 10 Commandments These were rules on faith and followed by basic moral laws: honor your parents, etc. These were rules on faith and followed by basic moral laws: honor your parents, etc. The Ten Commandments became Judaism's basic laws. The Ten Commandments became Judaism's basic laws. Moses also united the Hebrews under one single God. Moses also united the Hebrews under one single God.

David and Solomon: Kings of Israel Around 1000 BCE the Hebrews’ were fighting a war with the Philistines. Around 1000 BCE the Hebrews’ were fighting a war with the Philistines. The Philistines promised to be the slaves of the Hebrews if their toughest warrior was defeated; Goliath. David defeated Goliath with one shot from a slingshot. The Philistines promised to be the slaves of the Hebrews if their toughest warrior was defeated; Goliath. David defeated Goliath with one shot from a slingshot. His reward: God made him King and promised that the kingdom would be with him and his children always. His reward: God made him King and promised that the kingdom would be with him and his children always.

continued David united Israel and Judah: two parts of the Hebrew land. David united Israel and Judah: two parts of the Hebrew land. David also created a strong central government. Gave the Kingdom an army, courts, and government officials. David also created a strong central government. Gave the Kingdom an army, courts, and government officials. Chose Jerusalem for his capital. Chose Jerusalem for his capital. Brought home to Ark of the Covenant: wood and gold chest that held the Ten Commandments. Brought home to Ark of the Covenant: wood and gold chest that held the Ten Commandments.

Solomon King David’s son King David’s son Became King and built a magnificent temple in Jerusalem: held the covenant. Became King and built a magnificent temple in Jerusalem: held the covenant. In order to build the temple, people were forced to work and pay heavy taxes. In order to build the temple, people were forced to work and pay heavy taxes. This angered the people, forcing them to break away from the kingdom. This angered the people, forcing them to break away from the kingdom. Solomon continued to rule over the southern kingdom: Judah Solomon continued to rule over the southern kingdom: Judah

David and Solomon’s Contributions Laid the foundation for the Jewish people to be ruled by Kings for over 400 years. Laid the foundation for the Jewish people to be ruled by Kings for over 400 years. David established Jerusalem as a holy city. David established Jerusalem as a holy city. Solomon built the first great temple. Solomon built the first great temple.