Introduction to Judaism

Two Rabbis Shammai Shammai Strikes the man with a rod Strikes the man with a rod Hillel Hillel Says, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man.” Says, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man.”

Yahweh Founder of the Arab people Founder of the Hebrews IslamChristianityJudaism Hagar -- Abraham -- Sarah | | Ishmael Isaac

Early History

Abraham – “Father of Judaism” 2000 BCE Abraham and his clan lived in Ur Abraham and his clan lived in Ur He, his wife Sarah, and their family settled in Canaan. He, his wife Sarah, and their family settled in Canaan.

Abraham had Two Sons Ishmael was the firstborn Ishmael was the firstborn Ishmael was eventually abandoned in the wilderness, along with his mother. Ishmael was eventually abandoned in the wilderness, along with his mother. Isaac was the second son. Isaac’s son was Jacob, who was later named Israel.

Jacob’s 12 sons (and their families) migrated into Egypt during a famine.

Eventually, their descendants were enslaved by the Egyptians and remained slaves for over 400 years.

Moses Hebrew who was raised as an Egyptian Hebrew who was raised as an Egyptian Freed the Hebrews from Egyptian captivity Freed the Hebrews from Egyptian captivity Received the 10 Commandments, from God, on Mount Sinai Received the 10 Commandments, from God, on Mount Sinai First 5 about relationships First 5 about relationships Last 5 about behavior Last 5 about behavior

The Covenant = “the Chosen Ones” God promised to help the people of Israel God promised to help the people of Israel The Israelites owed God obedience and worship in return. The Israelites owed God obedience and worship in return.

Return to Canaan After Moses’ death, Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan (Israel) in the 12 th century BCE. After Moses’ death, Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan (Israel) in the 12 th century BCE. After Joshua, Israel was ruled by judges, but eventually Saul, a great warrior, was appointed king. After Joshua, Israel was ruled by judges, but eventually Saul, a great warrior, was appointed king.

Covenant Broken Saul told by God to kill ALL the Amalekites Saul told by God to kill ALL the Amalekites He spared the king and the best animals He spared the king and the best animals God picked a new ruler, David God picked a new ruler, David Conquered Jerusalem and united the tribes of Israel in 1000 BCE Conquered Jerusalem and united the tribes of Israel in 1000 BCE David saw Bathsheba and had her husband killed David saw Bathsheba and had her husband killed

Oh David, What did you do? David broke the Covenant David broke the Covenant First born son died First born son died Another son, Amnon, fell for his half sister, Tamar, and raped her Another son, Amnon, fell for his half sister, Tamar, and raped her Another son, Absalom, murdered Amnon Another son, Absalom, murdered Amnon Absalom died in battle Absalom died in battle David asked God for forgiveness and his people suffered 3 days of pestilence David asked God for forgiveness and his people suffered 3 days of pestilence Solomon followed David. 961 BCE Solomon followed David. 961 BCE

Solomon Known for his wisdom. Known for his wisdom. Built The Temple of Jerusalem of which only one partial wall remains (The Wailing Wall). Built The Temple of Jerusalem of which only one partial wall remains (The Wailing Wall).

Solomon broke the Covenant Solomon broke the Covenant Multiple wives and worshipped other gods Multiple wives and worshipped other gods The kingdom was split into 2 independent kingdoms The kingdom was split into 2 independent kingdoms North part became Israel North part became Israel South part became Judah South part became Judah Eventually, both kingdoms were conquered Eventually, both kingdoms were conquered Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 BCE Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 BCE Judah fell to Babylonians in 586 BCE Judah fell to Babylonians in 586 BCE

Religious Beliefs Myth, Doctrine & Ethics

Myth The Hebrew Bible The Hebrew Bible Torah - First 5 Books of Moses Torah - First 5 Books of Moses Nevi’im – “prophets” Nevi’im – “prophets” Ketuvim – “scriptures” Ketuvim – “scriptures”

Doctrine 12 th century list compiled by Maimonides 1. The existence of God 2. God is one and unique 3. God is incorporeal 4. God is eternal 5. God alone should be worshipped 6. Belief in prophecy 7. Moses was the greatest prophet

Doctrine 8. The Torah is divine and was given to Moses 9. The Torah will not be changed 10. God knows the actions of man 11. God will reward the good and punish the wicked 12. The Messiah will come 13. The dead will be resurrected

Ethics Ethical Monotheism - God created humans to make moral judgments in accordance with His teachings. Ethical Monotheism - God created humans to make moral judgments in accordance with His teachings. All people are equal and should be treated with dignity and respect. All people are equal and should be treated with dignity and respect. The Jews believed their leaders were fully human and bound by God’s law. The Jews believed their leaders were fully human and bound by God’s law. Punishment was not related to social status. Punishment was not related to social status.