1. The Roots of Judaism שורשים של יהודה

2. Judaism originated in ancient Israel Group of people known as the Hebrews founded it about 4,000 years ago Where it Began

3. Basic Beliefs The Hebrews > unique > monotheistic Belief in one God Belief > history and faith were interconnected, and everything that happened reflected God’s plan for their people Written in the Torah, their most sacred text

4. History of Judaism Starts with Abraham Father of the Israelite people Lived in region called Canaan God made a covenant with Abraham Two declarations God has special relationship with Abraham and his people Canaan promised to Israelites Later, Israelites forced to move to Egypt Moses leads them in their exodus

5. Kingdom of Israel Est. 1000 BC > Kingdom of Israel est. 12 separate tribes fighting King David unites them into one nation Solomon follows as king Makes city of Jerusalem an impressive capital Completes a temple to God

6. Israel Falls Revolts caused Kingdom split into Israel in the North and Judah in the South Later Assyrians conquered Israel Babylonians conquered Judah 539 BC > Cyrus of Persia defeated Babylon and freed the Jews Still lived under Persian rule

7. Jewish Law Torah is often referred to as the Book of Law Dealt with everyday matters to criminal law Patriarchal society Men held the power > eldest in the family

8. Jewish Law Cont. Heart > Ten Commandments Example > Keeping the Sabbath Prophets taught ethics, moral standards by which to live All are equal before God Jews believed their leaders were fully human, but bound by God’s law

9. Judaism Spreads For a 500-year period beginning at the Babylonian Captivity, many Jews moved to different parts of the world This spread of people is called Diaspora Maintained their unique culture by living in close-knit communities. This leads to persecution. Judaism served as the bases for Christianity and Islam. These are the Abrahamic religions, since the first prophet was Abraham.