The Hebrews & Judaism

I. The Early Hebrews A.Ancestors of people called Jews B.Judaism – monotheistic religion originating with the Israelites C.Foundation of Hebrew & Christian Bibles

II. Hebrew Fathers A.5 books – Torah; sacred text of Judaism 1.Called the Old Testament of Christian Bible B.Abraham – told by God to abandon Mesopotamia & polytheism 1.God’s Covenant = solemn promise a)God will lead people to the Promise Land b)Descendants will be a mighty people C.Jacob – (grandson of Abraham) had 12 sons 1.12 tribes of Israel

III. Moses & Exodus A.Moses – told by God to lead people out of Egypt B.Plagues – terrified Pharaoh & agreed to free Israelites C.Exodus – journey out of Egypt D.Desert – Israelites wander for years before reaching Canaan – Mt. Sinai – 10 Commandments ->major influence on western society today

IV. The Promise Land A.Promised by God to flow with milk & honey B.Others already lived in Canaan so Israelites battled for years C.Once controlled the land became Israel

V. Saul, David, Solomon A.Saul – first king of Israel 1.Chosen for military leadership 2.Never gained full support of people B.David – king about 1000 BC 1.Well loved, united Israelites 2.Grew a strong kingdom centered in Jerusalem C.Solomon – son of David 1.Israel reaches height of wealth 2.Built temple in Jerusalem

VI. Division Death of Solomon – 930 BC Death of Solomon – 930 BC – Conflict over ruler ripped Israel in 2 2 New Kingdoms 2 New Kingdoms – 10 northern tribes for Israel – 2 southern tribes for Judah

VII. Conquered A.Israel – conquered by Assyrians 1.Scattered across their empire B.Judah – conquered by Chaldeans 1.Destroyed temple in Jerusalem 2.Jews taken to Babylon as slaves Called the Babylonian Captivity Called the Babylonian Captivity C.Diaspora – the scattering of Jews outside of Judah D.Persian Empire conquered Chaldeans 1.Allowed Jews to move back to Jerusalem 2.Many stayed in Babylon or moved to Persia

VIII. Teachings of Judaism Belief in One God – monotheism Belief in One God – monotheism Justice & Righteousness Justice & Righteousness – Treat others with kindness & fairness – Do what is right when others do not – Code of ethics  carried to Christianity Obedience to the Law Obedience to the Law – 10 Commandments – Mosaic Law – guides many areas of Jewish Life How to pray How to pray What to eat What to eat Where to worship Where to worship

IX. Sacred Texts Torah – 1 part of the Hebrew Bible Torah – 1 part of the Hebrew Bible – First 5 books of Christian Old Testament Genesis Genesis Exodus Exodus Leviticus Leviticus Numbers Numbers Deuteronomy Deuteronomy Prophets – teachings of Israelite prophets Prophets – teachings of Israelite prophets Writings – lessons, histories, poetry, proverbs Writings – lessons, histories, poetry, proverbs Talmud – explanations & interpretations of other sacred texts Talmud – explanations & interpretations of other sacred texts