AIM: HOW DID JUDAISM AFFECT EARLY CIVILIZATIONS? Do Now: “I am the lord your GOD, WHO BROUGHT YOU OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT, OUT OF THE HOUSE OF BONDAGE. YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BESIDES ME.” WHAT DOES THE EXCERPT FROM THE TEN CCOMMANDMENTS SUGGEST ABOUT THE BELIEFS OF THE HEBREWS? Key TErms Hebrews Monotheism Judaism Ten Commandments COACH SMITH

THE HEBREWS The Hebrews were originally nomadic pastoralists. The Hebrews migrated to Palestine (present-day Israel). The Hebrews believe that they are descendants of Abraham. Abraham became a monotheist. COACH SMITH

Monotheism is the belief in one God.

ABRAHAM The Hebrews believe that they are descendants of Abraham. The Hebrews believed that Abraham originally lived in Mesopotamia. The people of Mesopotamia believed in many gods (polytheism). However, Abraham believed in one God (monotheism). Abraham believed that God told him to leave Mesopotamia and migrate to Palestine. COACH SMITH

JUDAISM The religion of the descendants of Abraham is called Judaism. Judaism is the first, lasting monotheistic religion. From Judaism come two other significant religions in world history: Christianity and Islam. COACH SMITH

The Hebrews lived in Palestine for many years. However, after a terrible famine, The Hebrews migrated to Egypt. In Egypt, Moses was born.

MOSES The Hebrews migrated to Egypt during a time of famine in Palestine. Initially, the Hebrews were treated well in Egypt. However, the Hebrews were eventually enslaved by the Egyptians. Under the leadership of Moses, the Hebrews fled Egypt (the Exodus). COACH SMITH

On the journey to Palestine, Moses received the Ten Commandments.

A MORAL AND ETHICAL RELIGION Judaism is the world ’ s first moral and ethical religion. It teaches followers to obey moral and ethical rules. The Ten Commandments provide an example of the moral and ethical nature of the Jewish religion. COACH SMITH

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible are called the Torah. The Torah is very important to Jews.

THE COVENANT The Hebrews or Jews believe that they have a covenant with God. A covenant is an agreement. The Hebrews believe that if they obey God ’ s commandments, God will bless them. However, if they fail to obey God ’ s commandments, God will punish them. COACH SMITH

A synagogue is a Jewish house of worship.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Why did Abraham migrate to Palestine? How do polytheists differ from monotheists? Provide an example of how Judaism is a moral and ethical religion. Define Torah and Synagogue. Why is Judaism a significant religion in world history? What religions were influenced by Judaism? COACH SMITH