Judaism

The religion of the Jews, Hebrews, Israelites,

Semites

Terms to Know

Torah Abraham Monotheism Covenant Moses Israel Judah

Foundation Abraham - made the initial covenant

with Yahweh of radical monotheism. Monotheism - belief that there is one

God (not regional or familial) (ethical monotheism)

Covenant – agreement that humans will live under the rule of one God. God will have a relationship with humans.

Yahweh - word for God

Other Key Figures Moses - led the Jews out of Egyptian

slavery into the region of Israel Twelve tribes ruled by judges-Deborah David & Solomon- kings of Israel who

established the political state of the Jews & built the TEMPLE

Judaism was both a political and religious institution.

Israel and Judah

Texts of Judaism

The Torah contains history, poetry, songs, and laws of the Jews-First five books of the Hebrew Bible

(not written until 900s to 500s BCE)

Talmud- commentaries on the Torah by Rabbis (teachers)

Ten Commandments

Connections

Purple dye and cedar from Phoenicians to build Temple

Northern half fell to Assyrians in 722 B.C.

Southern half fell to Babylonians in 586 B.C.-Solomon’s temple destroyed-Babylonian captivity

Persian king Cyrus allowed many to return to Jerusalem

Spread and Change The Jewish kingdom fell under the

control of several other empires. Political kingdom ended.

New ideas of an afterlife (heaven and hell) developed

ideas of a coming Messiah figure became more prominent

Spread and Change Expulsions by the Romans and others

led to the Diaspora (spread of Jews into other parts of the world)

Centers of Judaism – 1st century C.E.

Life & Belief Ethical Monotheism - Human behavior is a

part of covenantal relationship with the one God

remembrance of the covenant and history through sacrifice and rituals:

circumcision as a symbol of the covenant

celebrations like Yom Kippur & Passover

Sabbath (special day) & synagogue (place of meeting)

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Abraham Moses Deborah Saul David Solomon