1. Ancient Israel The Early Israelites, and the Birth of Judaism

2. Geography Israel is located on the Mediterranean. Prime location, between trade routes of Egypt and Middle East. Often referred to as the land of “milk and honey”.

3. Who are the Israelites? Little information outside of the Torah is known about ancient Israelites. Early Israelites were nomadic. Originated outside of the city of Ur. Would eventually become known as the Hebrews or Jews.

4. The Origins of Israel The father of the Israelites was a man named Abraham. –Traditionally Abraham is thought of a father in the biological sense. Historical evidence points to more of a tribal leader. Decided to move his people from Ur to a better area. –The ancient Israelites slowly make their way to the land of Canaan.

5. Why Canaan? Canaan was referred to as the land of milk and honey, but this is not true. –The only fertile area of Canaan was on the shores of the Mediterranean. –Most of it was mountainous, not a prime location to herd animals. Canaan was however a prime location for trade, and economic growth/ wealth.

6. Into Egypt… After a time period known as the “Age of the Patriarchs” Canaan was no longer a beneficial place. The Israelites then settled on the borders of Egypt, in hope of prosperity. –The reign of Pharaohs would end, and foreigners would rule.

7. Slavery? The Pharaohs would retake control of Egypt. –They expelled or enslaved most foreigners. –This is when the Israelites become slaves. However, no Egyptian documents support what is written in the Book of Exodus concerning the slavery of the Israelites.

8. Slavery? Continued… It was during their slavery that the tribes were first referred to as the “children of Israel.” The term Hebrew however comes from the Egyptian word “hiabru” which means foreigner. After numerous years of slavery and oppression, the Hebrews decided to seek liberty.

9. The Exodus Tired of being slaves, the Hebrews, under their “leader” Moses, try to flee Egypt. –Biblical literature says that the Pharaoh tried to stop them, but no Egyptian records indicate this. –This is when the ten plagues hit Egypt. –All of the plagues have been scientifically proven to have happened.

10. Forty Long Years For forty years the Israelites wander in the desert. –Historical evidence shows that the nations in Canaan were at the time to powerful to conquer. The Hebrews first take over the city of Jericho. Eventually they once again settle in Canaan.

11. How Did Canaan Fall? The war strategies of the Hebrews mirrored the Egyptians Mobile foot soldiers that used swords and shields. Advanced north through Canaan. Israeli/ Egyptian Khopesh Archaic Wicker Shield

12. The Promised Land Once the Hebrews settle, they are governed by religious elders. –This is the era of the Judges. Saul eventually rises to power –Followed by David and David’s son, Solomon

13. David and Solomon Under the reign of David and his son, Israel experiences peace and prosperity. Solomon was a very wise ruler, and led the nation of Israel into a “golden” era. –The first temple of Jerusalem was commissioned by Solomon

14. Israel’s Downfall Following Solomon’s death, many terrible kings control Israel. Israel split into to kingdoms, Israel in the north, and Judea in the south 200 years after Solomon’s death, the Persians conquer the lands of Israel and exile them to areas in modern day Iran. –Eventually the Jews are freed and sent back to Israel.

15. Greek Judea Following the return from Persia, the Jews live in relative peace until they are conquered by Alexander the Great.

16. The Diaspora… The Jews remain in Judea until the days of the Romans. Jews lived in relative peace under Rome until 70 A.D. Bar Cochba led a revolt against Rome. Rome destroyed Judea, pulled down Solomon’s Temple and spread the Jews across the empire.

17. The Cult of YHWH ( יהוה ) This is the religion that would later become Judaism. YHWH is thought to be a Sumerian sky god, that Abraham adopted as the only god that existed. According to biblical tradition, YHWH made a covenant with Abraham, that He would be their god, and they would be His people.

18. The Cult of YHWH cont. The religion remained outcast up until the reign of Akhenaton. –Under his reign, the sojourned Israelites gained power, because of their beliefs. –Greater Egypt still despised their monotheistic beliefs. Under the guidance of Moses, the liberated Israelites wandered the desert. They received their holy book, the Torah, on top of Mt. Sinai. By biblical tradition, the entirety of the Torah was told to Moses upon Sinai, and he spent the rest of his life writing it

19. Emergence of Judaism The Cult of YHWH becomes what is known today as Judaism once the Hebrews settle in Israel and establish themselves. In the Ancient world, One in Ten people were Jewish, not through birth, but conversion.

20. Judaism Technically the religion is as old as Abraham, making it roughly 4000 years old. It is a “Covenant Relationship” between God and the Hebrew people. A celebration and sanctification of life. A faith, a people, and a way of life…

21. Jewish Tradition The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (“Israel”) – origins of the Hebrew people (more than 3800 years ago) Enslaved in ancient Egypt and freed by Moses (more than 3300 years ago) Hebrew monarchy in the “Promised Land” (The Land of Israel), ends 6th century BC

22. Beliefs and Faith They believe in…. –in one God, creator of the universe, personal but non-corporeal –In prophets of old – especially Moses, through whom Torah was revealed to the Hebrew people –In Torah (first five books of the Bible), containing religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew the Hebrew Bible does not include the New Testament

23. The Jewish People are… A nation in Diaspora (dispersed) 15 – 16 million in worldwide population United by a common heritage (an “ethnic” religion), divided in contemporary practice: –Orthodox: Modern Chasidic (Ultra Orthodox) –Reformed (18th century Germany) –Conservative – moderates, response to reform Reconstructionalism (20th century America )

24. Foundations of the Faith 613 commandments found in Torah (“Written Law”) Talmud (“Oral Law”) – commentary of ancient rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through: –Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) –Dress and other symbols –Prayer and devotion to the one God –The Temple and Temple rites –Observance of Holy days –Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc. Thus sanctifying life, blessing it in every way

25. Life Cycle Celebrations Life cycle celebrations: Bris – ritual circumcision, sign of the covenant Bar/Bat Mitzvah – full adult status and responsibility within the religion Marriage - "Be fruitful and multiply" (Gen. 1:22) Death – funerals, mourning (sitting “Shiva”), and memorials (“Yartzeits”)

26. Holy Days The Jewish Holidays: High Holidays: –Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) –Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Sukkot, the “Festival of Booths” (fall harvest festival) Simchat Torah – celebrating Torah Chanukah, the “Festival of Lights”

27. And Some More Holy Days Purim (“Lots”) – a carnival (commemorates events told in book of Esther) Pesach (“Passover”) – commemorates the exodus from Egypt (events told in Exodus) Shavuot (“weeks,” Pentecost) – commemorates receipt of Torah at Sinai Other, minor festivals Shabbat (Sabbath, 7th day, on Saturday) – the “Day of Rest”

28. Judaism and Christianity Judaism predates Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is not a part of it Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the Apostles Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah

29. Some More… The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Earth Jews are not concerned about salvation and the “world to come”

30. Goals of Judaism Tikkun Olam - “repairing this world” through justice and righteousness; through “deed, not creed” The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (“good deeds” based on God’s commandments) Through education and hard work we make our lives, the lives of others, and the world, what God intended it to be – Holy!