Ch 3 Sec 4 The Origins of Judaism

Palestine The area of land at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea.

Canaan The Ancient home of the Hebrews – The ancient Jewish people.

Trading Hub The area where business takes place, a crossroad, usually a city – in the center of trade routes.

Crossroads Where two roads cross – an intersection of trade routes – where trade occurs and ideas spread.

Torah The Jewish HOLY BOOK! The first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible.

Judaism (add) The Religion of the Jews, started ~1800 BC, monotheistic, founder Abraham.

Hebrews Ancient name of the modern Jewish people.

Abraham The “father” of the Jewish nation. He is considered the founder of Judaism. He led his people, God’s chosen people, out of Sumer (Mesopotamia) to Canaan. Yahweh = God

Monotheism The belief in one god, all powerful, omnipotent. God of all mankind.

Covenant A mutual promise, Abraham made a covenant with God (Yahweh).  If you obey the rules then God will protect you and all your descendants.

Moses A Hebrew that was raised as an Egyptian prince (he was adopted). ~1200 BC he is chosen by Yahweh (God) to lead the ancient Hebrews out of Egypt. He climes Mr. Sinai and brings down The TEN Commandments.

Kosher Food (add) Approved food (Jews cannot eat certain foods – they are considered unclean) that has been blessed by a Rabi (a Jewish priest). Forbidden foods: shellfish & pork (no lobster or bacon).

3. Where did Abraham and his family originally come from? The city of Ur in Sumer (Mesopotamia).

4. What were some of the achievements of Solomon? He established a trading empire (trade = $) He built a great temple to God & held court where he was said to make wise decisions in managing his people.

5. What was the Babylonian Captivity? After Jerusalem fell in 586 BC, many of the Jews were exiled to Babylon. This exile from their homeland and life in Babylon is called the Babylonian Captivity. They were eventually allowed to return home by the great Persian King Cyrus.

6. The Main Problems faced by the Hebrews? MANY! Pick a few: Migrations, slavery, conflicts with neighbors and other tribes over land, breaking of the covenant and God’s laws, civil war, paying tribute to other powers, conquered by Assyria.

7. Why was Canaan a good place to settle? Had some of the best Fertile Land in the area (part of the Fertile Crescent). Trading Crossroads (trade = $$ & ideas = power & prosperity).

Israel The first kingdom of the united 12 tribes of the ancient Hebrews (the Israelites). United by King David in 10th century BC (900s).

The Exodus ~1200 when Moses led the ancient Hebrews out of Egypt back to Canaan.

Judah The southern kingdom of the ancient Hebrews (Israelites). The north (Israel) had rebelled after Solomon’s death due to high taxes (for his temple) and forced labor.

The 10 Commandments The 10 laws given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai during the Exodus.

King David (add) The 7th son of a sheep farmer, volunteers to fight the Giant Goliath (of the Philistine people) & defeats him with just a sling. He joins King Saul’s army and eventually becomes the 2nd King of Israel after Saul. He has a son Solomon, famous for his wisdom, who becomes the 3rd King and builds a great Temple to Yahweh.