The Israelites Chapter 6

The Beginning Judaism oldest monotheistic faith belief in one deity (god) Hebrew Bible holy book same as Christian Old Testament

Abraham Father of Judaism Hebrew Bible = God made a promise Land in Canaan belongs to him and his followers Becomes known as the “Promised Land” He moves from Mesopotamia to Canaan

Abraham’s Descendants Isaac – son Jacob – grandson Name changes to Israel Has 12 sons 12 Tribes of Israel Famine Forces them to Egypt

Life in Egypt Peaceful life in Egypt for a while #’s kept increasing Pharaoh (polytheistic) feared they would one day rebel Enslaves them

Moses Born Hebrew, but doesn’t know it Raised as part of pharaoh’s family Truth revealed = exile God speaks to him – get pharaoh to free my people

Plagues Moses requests slave freedom Pharaoh refuses him God sends plagues – not good for Egypt Finally pharaoh frees Hebrews!

Ten Commandments On return to Canaan God reveals laws to Moses Carved on Stone Tablets Basic “rules” for following God Provides basis for moral codes for many societies Basis of many laws

Return to Canaan Hebrews return to homeland, but others are there! Phoenicians Sailors & traders – Mediterranean Alphabet – Greece/Rome Philistines “Sea People” Iron tools & weapons – FIERCE!

They Take Back Their Land! Moses dies – Joshua = leader Defeated the enemy at Jericho Settle back in the region

Trouble’s Not Over Yet Philistines and Israelites class King Saul – good leader for a while King David – Prosperity Establishes Jerusalem as capital King Solomon – wise man Builds temple After he dies – Israel splits Assyrians & Chaldeans become a threat Eventually –Israelites kicked out to Babylon

Judaism In Babylon – Jews began meeting in synagogues – house of worship Sabbath – holy day of rest sundown Friday - nightfall Saturday Family at the center of life Dietary laws – kosher No meat/dairy together No pork/shellfish

Judaism Today Sixth most commonly practiced world religion Most Jews live in Israel or US Many different sects – divisions