1. HEBREW MONOTHEISM

2. As states and empires increased in size and contacts between regions multiplied, religious and cultural systems were transformed. Religions and belief systems provided a bond among the people and an ethical code to live by. KC 2.1: THE DEVELOPMENT AND CODIFICATION OF RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL TRADITIONS

3. These shared beliefs also influenced and reinforced political, economic, and occupational stratification. Religious and political authority often merged as rulers (some of whom were considered divine) used religion, along with military and legal structures, to justify their rule and ensure its continuation. KC 2.1: THE DEVELOPMENT AND CODIFICATION OF RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL TRADITIONS

4. HEBREW MONOTHEISM According to the Torah, about 2000 B.C. a man named Abraham lived near Ur in Mesopotamia. He and his family migrated to Canaan, modern-day Israel.

6. HEBREW MONOTHEISM Abraham’s descendants became known as the Israelites (Israel was the name of Abraham’s grandson). Ancient Israelites, also called Hebrews, differed from their neighbors in that they were monotheistic.

7. HEBREW MONOTHEISM According to the Torah, God made a two- part promise called a covenant to Abraham: God would have a special relationship with Abraham and his descendants. God would give the land of Canaan to the Israelites, it therefore became known as “the promised land.” The Israelites were to be faithful to God and fulfill certain obligations to Him.

8. HEBREW MONOTHEISM A famine in Canaan caused the Israelites to migrate to Egypt where they became slaves. An Israelite named Moses later renewed the covenant and eventually led the Israelites out of Egypt back to the land of Canaan. Moses authored the Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible.

9. HEBREW MONOTHEISM By 1000 B.C. the Israelites set up their nation. They consisted of twelve separate tribes. The second King of Israel, David, united the kingdom and his son, Solomon expanded it further. The nation split and experienced civil war after Solomon’s reign: North = IsraelSouth = Judah

10. ISRAEL & JUDAH CONQUERED 722 B.C.E. the Assyrians conquered Israel 586 B.C.E. The Babylonian armies of Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah and forced most of the people to move and live in exile in Babylon. 539 B.C.E. Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and began to free the Israelites. Since most of them came from Judah, they became known as “Jews.” Many Jews returned to Jerusalem in Judah and began rebuilding the temple.

11. JUDAISM BELIEFS The concepts of law, civil order and morality were central to Judaism from its beginning. Many of their laws dealt with everyday matters such as cleanliness and food preparation. Others defined criminal matters, moral principles and religious ceremonies. The 10 Commandments are a set of laws the Jewish people believe God gave to them through Moses. Jewish prophets taught a strong code of ethics and called the people to be faithful to God.

12. JUDAISM TODAY Judaism is a major world religion today. Christianity and Islam trace their roots back to Judaism. There are several groups within Judaism today: Orthodox Conservative Reformed Those who are Jewish by culture but are not religious