1. The Hebrews and Judaism
Preview
Main Idea / Reading Focus
The Early Hebrews
The Kingdom of Israel
Map: Israel and Judah
The Teachings of Judaism

2. The Hebrews and Judaism
Main Idea
The ancient Hebrews and their religion, Judaism, have been a major influence on Western civilization.
Reading Focus
What are the major events in the history of the early Hebrews?
How did the Kingdom of Israel develop and who were some of its key leaders?
What are the basic teachings and sacred texts of Judaism?

3. The Early Hebrews
The Hebrews were the ancestors of the Jews, and most of what we know, including the laws and requirements of their religion, Judaism, comes from their later writings.
The Torah
Abraham, father of the Hebrews
God’s covenant
12 Tribes of Israel
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were patriarchs
Israelites in Egypt
Hebrew Fathers
Slaves in Egypt
Moses
Pharaoh, plagues
Exodus
Israelites out of Egypt
Passover
The Ten Commandments
Moses and Exodus
Israelites in desert
Canaan
Land of “milk and honey”
Israelites battled for land
Canaan = Israel
Promised Land

4. What are some key events, in order, in early Israelite history?
Sequencing
What are some key events, in order, in early Israelite history?
Answer(s): Abraham traveled to Canaan, 1800 BC; Moses appeared among Hebrews in Egypt, 1200s BC; the Exodus; delivery of Ten Commandments to Moses; Hebrews wander desert for 40 years; invasion of Philistines to Israel, mid-1000s BC; Saul named first king of Israel, mid-1000s BC; David named second king of Israel, 1000 BC; Solomon named third king of Israel, 865 BC

5. The Period of the Judges
The Kingdom of Israel
The Period of the Judges
Scattered communities
No central government
Judges enforce laws
Prophets keep Israelites focused on faith
Israelites united against Philistines
Saul, first Israelite king
Never won full support
David, second king
Strong king, gifted poet
Solomon, David’s son
Israel reached height of wealth
Saul, David, Solomon
Conflict after Solomon’s death
Two kingdoms, Israel and Judah
722 BC, Israel fell to Assyrians
586 BC, Judah fell to Chaldeans
Chaldeans enslaved Jews
Diaspora = scattering of Jews
Persians conquered Chaldeans
Division and Conquest

7. Why are Saul, David and Solomon significant?
Find the Main Idea
Why are Saul, David and Solomon significant?
Answer(s): They were the first kings of Israel; they unified the Israelites under the Kingdom of Israel.

8. The Teachings of Judaism
Religion the foundation of Hebrew and Jewish societies
Belief in One God
Monotheism
Justice and Righteousness
Kindness, fairness, code of ethics
Obedience to the Law
Ten Commandments, Mosaic Law
Jewish Sacred Texts
Torah, Talmud

9. Identify Supporting Details
What are the central beliefs of Judaism?
Answer(s): belief in one god; obedience to the Ten Commandments; justice and righteousness