1. Judaism

2. Monotheistic Believed there was only one god – All knowing, all powerful (fancy word?) – History reflected God’s plan for people

3. Torah Sacred text First 5 books of Hebrew Bible – Genesis – Exodus – Leviticus – Numbers – Deuteronomy Hebrew Bible has 24 books

4. Abraham Lived near Ur! – Migrated to Canaan (2000 BCE) – ‘Father of Israelite People’

5. Covenant Binding agreement – Made with Abraham – Basis of 2 key beliefs of Judaism: Special relationship with Abraham and descendents – Israelites were God’s “chosen people” Canaan would one day belong to Israelites

6. Kingdom of Israel Set up by 1000 BCE – 12 separate tribes feuded until then David united tribes into single nation – Son Solomon followed as king Turned Jerusalem into impressive capital Builds great temple

7. Division and Conquest High taxes and forced labor – Revolts erupted 922 BCE Split into Israel in north and Judah in south – Assyrians conquered Israel – Babylonians conquered Judah Persian Cyrus the Great freed Israelites – Most came from kingdom of Judah= called Jews

8. Law and Morality What types of laws? – Cleanliness, food preparation, crimes Society was patriarchal – Men held authority Women had few rights

9. Ten Commandments Given to Jews through Moses – Religious duties (first 4) – Conduct toward others

10. Ethics Moral standards of behavior – Taught by prophets Personal morality Social justice All people equal before God – Leaders bound to obey God’s law

11. Diaspora 500 years – Began with Babylonian captivity – Spreading out Maintained identity as a people – close-knit communities – Obeyed religious laws and traditions