2. KEY PLAYERS OF JUDAISM Chapter 10

3. The players  Played a significant, or important role in shaping the early history of the Ancient Israelites.

4. Abraham  Father of the Israelites.  Told by God to leave his home in Mesopotamia and travel to Canaan to create a new nation.  His descendants are called the Hebrews.

5. Moses  Leader of the Hebrews around 122 b.c.  Told by God to lead the Jews out of Egypt.  Series of plagues convinced the Pharaoh to let him and his people leave.  Journey out of Egypt called the Exodus.

6. Naomi and Ruth  Their story is part of the Hebrew Bible.  Story of strength and faith.  Naomi’s faith in God inspired Ruth.  Ruth adopted Naomi’s religion, Judaism

7. David  King of Israel around 1000 B.C.  Well loved by Israelites.  Defeated the Philistines and won wars against people of Canaan.  Moved the capital of Israel to Jerusalem after he captured it.

8. Yohanan ben Zaccai  Clarified Jewish teaching to help people better understand their religion.  Built a school near Jerusalem to teach Judaism.  Lived under Roman rule.