III. Judaism

A. Origins of Belief Judaism laid the foundation for both Christianity and Islam 15 million followers today Begin with the Hebrews who later were called the Jews

Torah – First five books of the Old Testament Monotheism – Belief in a single God Yahweh – Name given to God by the Hebrews Abraham – Considered to be the father of the Hebrew people

Abraham: Father of the Hebrew People

B. God’s Chosen People Hebrews believed that they are the chosen people of God Canaan – According to the Bible, the land God promised the Hebrews Covenant – Abraham agreed to obey Yahweh and in return God promised to protect the Hebrews

C. Let My People Go 2000 BC – God commanded all the Hebrews to move to Canaan Hebrews were forced to flee Canaan and move to Egypt because of drought and famine Once in Egypt the Hebrews were enslaved

Moses – Man who led the Hebrews out of slavery Considered the greatest figure in Jewish history Exodus – Hebrew’s escape from Egypt that is remembered at the festival of Passover

Parting of the Red Sea

D. A New Covenant While leaving Egypt, Moses climbed Mt. Sinai God gave Moses the Ten Commandments Believed that these laws formed a new covenant

Moses and the Ten Commandments

                                                                                                         

New Covenant: God promised to protect the Hebrews and the Hebrews promised to follow the Ten Commandments Ethical Monotheism – Emphasis on right conduct and the worship of one God

E. Kingdom of Israel After the exile, Judah was the only large tribe of the Hebrews left Hebrews were now called the Jews and their religion called Judaism The Jews united under the kings of Saul, David, and Solomon

Israel – Name the Jews called the land that God had promised to them Jerusalem – Was established as the capital of the Jewish people

F. Temple of Solomon Solomon created a huge building project in Jerusalem Built a great temple to house the Ark of the Covenant Building projects strain the Jews and they split into two main groups

Solomon’s Temple

G. Babylonian Captivity Tribute – Peace money paid by a weaker power to a stronger power King Nebuchadnezzar – Babylonian King who took over Israel and destroyed Solomon’s Temple Hanging Gardens – One of the 7 Wonders of the World build for Nebuchadnezzar’s wife