1. Judaism - What is Judaism? - What does it mean to be a Jew?
- What is Judaism?
- What does it mean to be a Jew?
- Most people, both Jewish and gentile, would instinctively say that Judaism is a religion.
- And yet, there are militant atheists who insist that they are Jews!
- Is Judaism a race?
- If you were to say so, most Jews would think you were an antisemite!
- So what is Judaism?

2. Earliest know writing around 3,500 b.c. to 3,000 b.c

3. Abraham leaves Ur around 2,100 a.d. to 1,400 a.d.
YAHWEH creates the covenant with Moses around 1,250 b.c.

4. A personal relationship is formed between God and people
“I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you” (Genesis 17:7).

5. The designation of the Israelites as “special” among the people of the world
Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites” (Exodus 19:4-6).

6. YAWEH’S covenant with Abraham Israelites – 1,300 b.c.
Hebrews – 1,800 b.c.
YAWEH’S covenant with Abraham
Israelites – 1,300 b.c.
Hebrews conquer Canaan, become Israelites
Jews – 800 b.c.
Divided kingdoms, with Judah and Benjamin remaining in the South
The Prophets fall silent – 300 b.c.
Destruction of Jerusalem – 70 a.d.
Lineage records destroyed