1. Topic: Hebrews and Judaism
Aim: How was Judaism unique in the ancient world ?
Do Now: Please read the handout to review Hinduism/Buddhism

2. The Early Hebrews
The Hebrews were the ancestors of the Jews, and most of what we know, including the laws and requirements of their religion, Judaism, comes from their later writings.
The Torah
Abraham, father of the Hebrews
God’s covenant
12 Tribes of Israel
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were patriarchs
Israelites in Egypt
Hebrew Fathers
Slaves in Egypt
Moses
Pharaoh, plagues
Exodus
Israelites out of Egypt
Passover
The Ten Commandments
Moses and Exodus
Israelites in desert
Canaan
Land of “milk and honey”
Israelites battled for land
Canaan = Israel
Promised Land

3. The Period of the Judges
The Kingdom of Israel
The Period of the Judges
Scattered communities
No central government
Judges enforce laws
Prophets keep Israelites focused on faith
Israelites united against Philistines
Saul, first Israelite king
David, second king
Strong king, gifted poet
Solomon, David’s son
Israel reached height of wealth
Saul, David, Solomon
Conflict after Solomon’s death
Two kingdoms, Israel and Judah
722 BC, Israel fell to Assyrians
586 BC, Judah fell to Chaldeans
Chaldeans enslaved Jews
Diaspora = scattering of Jews
Persians conquered Chaldeans
Division and Conquest

5. The Teachings of Judaism
Religion the foundation of Hebrew and Jewish societies
Belief in One God
Monotheism
Justice and Righteousness
Kindness, fairness, code of ethics
Obedience to the Law
Ten Commandments, Mosaic Law
Jewish Sacred Texts
Torah, Talmud
Summary-How did Judaism differ from other religions of that time period?