1. Judaism
South Carolina Social Studies Academic Standard 6-1.4: Explain the origins, fundamental beliefs, and spread of Eastern religions, including Hinduism (India), Judaism (Mesopotamia), Buddhism (India), and Confucianism and Taoism (China).

2. I. Origins of Judaism
A. Hebrews - a group of people from the area of Mesopotamia in Southwest Asia beginning in 2,000 B.C.
     B. They were a group of herders, fisherman, and farmers that developed the world‘s first monotheistic religion called Judaism. Followers of Judaism are called Jews.

3. II. Founder
 A. Abraham was the founder of the Jews and he is referred to as the "Father of the Hebrews".
          1. He spoke to God (Yahweh) and they created a covenant (contract or promise).
          2. The Covenant stated the Jews would receive the land of Canaan (country of Israel today) if the Jews obeyed God's rules.

4. II. Founder continued…
B. Moses - led the Jews out of enslavement in Egypt and was God's prophet (are people who are said to receive messages from God to be taught to others). 1. Moses received God's law. The most well-known laws of God are the Ten Commandments (moral laws on how the Hebrews (Jews) should live their lives).

5. III. Fundamental Beliefs
A. Monotheism - The belief in only one God. B. Holy Book - Torah - it contains the sacred writings of the Judaism. 1. Torah teaches Jews that Yahweh (God) will reward people according to their actions. C. Believe that one day the Messiah (savior) will return and restore the greatness of the nation of Israel (Canaan).

6. III. Fundamental Beliefs continued…
 D. Jews believe in the afterlife but there is little emphasis.
     E. Foundation of other world religions.
          1. Christianity - Jesus, whose teachings are the basis of Christianity, was Jewish, and many of his teachings reflected Jewish ideas.
          2. Islam - The first people to adopt Islam believed that they, like the Hebrews, were descendants of Abraham.

7. IV. Diffusion of Judaism
A. Diffusion - spreading of something more widely.
     B. Judaism is practiced by Jewish people and their descendants (person's ancestors).
     C. Diaspora - the scattering of the Jews outside of Israel
          1. Jewish lands have been controlled by a number of conquering empires (Persians, Romans) and the Jews have been forced out of their lands.

8. IV. Diffusion of Judaism continued…
D. Judaism is practiced all over the world by their descendants. E. Jews do not actively convert ( change one's religion) others.