Sacred Foundations Patriarchs Exodus Exile / Restoration

Patriarchs Abraham: Chosen by God given promise of land and progeny Isaac Jacob / Israel: has 12 sons Judah Levi (priesthood) 10 others become ancestors of the tribes of Israel

To Egypt Jacob/Israel and 12 sons end up in Egypt Egyptian get frightened of growing Israelite population, Israelites enslaved.

Exodus Moses encounters YHWH. Moses confronts Pharaoh PASSOVER / PESACH Moses Leads people to Sinai / Horeb

Covenant “Brit” 1-God makes covenant with all people after flood. 2 a) Abraham: promise of land, descendents b) Moses and Israelites Sinai / Horeb

Covenant with Israel Agreement is contained in “TORAH” which means “instruction” or “Law”.

Covenant Blessing and Curses Obey to keep land of Canaan / Israel Disobey and be expelled, die.

Torah of Moses –Ritual + Sacrifices –Civil Laws –Religious Obligations: no other gods, etc. Ark of the Covenant. Tabernacle (Portable Temple)

Torah establishes Jewish life Priesthood Rituals: Annual sacrifices / Festivals Traditions: –Circumcision –Kashrut: Food restrictions –613 Mitzvot (commandments) Mitzvah

Into the Land. Invasion Monarchy: to be like other nations. KING DAVID: First acceptable King. God gives David a promise: Heirs will have eternal rule if covenant obeyed.

Jerusalem City established as holiest site on earth Solomon builds temple there

Model of ancient Jerusalem

Israel splits up. Divided Monarchy –Israel (North) 10 tribal territories rebel. Samaria Falls 721 bce to Assyria –Judah (South) Jerusalem Retains dynasty of David as kings

Exile 587 bce -538 bce: –Judah defeated by Babylon –Judeans deported.

Second Temple Period after 538 BCE Jerusalem rebuilt with Persian money “JUDAISM” = Religion of Judah.

DISPERSSION DIASPORA. 2 nd Temple Period Ends 70 CE: Failure of rebellion against Rome. HOW TO BE JEWISH WITHOUT JUDAH AND THE TEMPLE? Hillel and Shammai looked for answers