1. Section 3: The Hebrews and Judaism

2. Section 3: The Hebrews and Judaism Main Idea The ancient Hebrews and their religion, Judaism, have been a major influence on Western civilization. Reading Focus What are the major events in the history of the early Hebrews? How did the Kingdom of Israel develop and who were some of its key leaders? What are the basic teachings and sacred texts of Judaism?

3. I. The Early Hebrews Hebrews were ancestors of the Jews; settled in Fertile Crescent 2000 to 1500 BC

4. A. The Hebrew Fathers The Torah records early Hebrew history; Judaism’s most sacred text

5. A. The Hebrew Fathers The Torah traces Hebrews to Abraham; told by God to abandon polytheism and leave Mesopotamia

6. A. The Hebrew Fathers Abraham obeyed; God made covenant to lead Hebrews to Canaan

7. The sons of Abraham’s grandson Jacob (aka Israel), established the Twelve Tribes of Israel A. The Hebrew Fathers

8. Israelites left Canaan and went to Egypt; lived in peace until being enslaved B. Moses and the Exodus Wall painting from a 15th century BC Egyptian tomb - a farm overseer is thrashing a slave while another slave begs for mercy.

9. Moses led Hebrews out of Egypt after God inflicted ten plagues on Egyptians - the Exodus B. Moses and the Exodus

10. Jews remember the Exodus by celebrating Passover each spring B. Moses and the Exodus Passover Seder PlateThe First Passover

11. During the Exodus, Moses climbed Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments B. Moses and the Exodus

12. Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years before entering Canaan, the “promised land” C. The Promised Land

13. Fought against Canaanites and Philistines; Canaan became Israel C. The Promised Land

14. The Period of the Judges: Scattered communities, no central gov. Judges enforced laws Prophets kept focus on faith II. The Kingdom of Israel

15. First king was Saul, succeeded by David - formed a new dynasty A. Saul, David, Solomon

16. David made Jerusalem capital and religious center of Israel A. Saul, David, Solomon

17. David’s son Solomon brought Israel to its height of power; built temple in Jerusalem A. Saul, David, Solomon

18. 931 BC – Solomon died; kingdom split into Israel in north and Judah in south B. Division and Conquest

19. 722 BC - Israel was conquered by the Assyrians B. Division and Conquest

20. 586 BC: Chaldeans conquered Judah, destroyed temple, and took Jews to Babylon – start of the Diaspora B. Division and Conquest

21. III. The Teachings of Judaism Religion was foundation of Hebrew and Jewish societies: Monotheism Justice and Righteousness –Kindness, fairness, code of ethics Obedience to the Law –Ten Commandments, Mosaic Law Jewish Sacred Texts –Torah, Talmud