1. Today’s Aim: How did the writings in the Torah shape Judaism? The Hebrew Bible is the Jewish people’s record of their history and their religion, which is called Judaism. Its writings are sacred to more than 17 million Jews today.

2. Overview The first book of the Bible tells of a family that lived in Mesopotamia, from the city-state of Ur. In this city the Sumerian people worshiped the Sumerian moon goddess. The Bible tells about a man named Abraham who made a covenant with God for him and his ancestors to worship only one God and to set out for the land of Canaan. This covenant is considered by the Jewish people to be the beginning of their history.

3. Discussion Questions Define polytheism and explain how religion shaped the lives of the people in the Fertile Crescent. How were the Israelites (Abraham’s descendents)different from the rest of the people in the Fertile Crescent?

4. Going to Egypt… As time passed, the Bible says, Abraham’s children and grandchildren prospered as shepherds in Canaan. Then came a time of poor crops and terrible hunger. The people of Israel went to Egypt where food can be found. Initially, they were welcomed into Egypt, but later forced into slavery.

5. Set my people free.. Moses led the Jews out of slavery in Egypt. After crossing the red Sea, they wandered in the desert for 40 years before arriving to The Promised Land, Canaan. Moses received the 10 Commandments from God at Mt. Sinai. The Torah, or the Five Books of Moses tells the history of the Jews and the laws they need to follow.

6. From Freedom to Exile…. Over many years, various enemies forced the Jews to leave or be exiled from Canaan. The Diaspora is the term referring to the Jews living outside Canaan. Greek for “scattered”.Over many years, various enemies forced the Jews to leave or be exiled from Canaan. The Diaspora is the term referring to the Jews living outside Canaan. Greek for “scattered”. Torah=Hebrew Bible=Old Testament Canaan=Judea=Judah=Israel