Judaism 1 The Ancient Hebrews Nomadic people who

Judaism

1. The Ancient Hebrews • Nomadic people who settled in area now known as Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan • Founder of Judaism: Abraham – Born in Ur, but moved to Israel

2. Beliefs • Hebrews believed in one universal God who was just and all-powerful • Did not believe God had human characteristics or parts of an animal (like Egyptian and Mesopotamian deities)

2. Beliefs • Jews saw God as an invisible but all-powerful force or spirit – Hebrew word for God = Yahweh – Created the world – God demanded proper ethical and moral conduct

3. Monotheism • Followers created a new religion: Judaism • Monotheism: belief in one God – Basis for several other religions (Christianity, Islam)

4. Holy Text • Early history of Hebrews and relationship with God told in first books of the Bible – Sacred writing: Old Testament (Torah) • According to Bible, ancient Hebrews migrated to Egypt to escape food shortages

• Hebrews remained enslaved in Egypt for hundreds of years • Hebrew leader, Moses, took them out of Egypt across the Red Sea

5. Ten Commandments • Moses presented Hebrews with the Ten Commandments – Established a moral code of conduct that united a diverse group of people – Emphasized living justly – Honoring one’s parents – No killing or stealing

6. Israel • Hebrews returned to Israel from Egypt around 1000 BC, but it was occupied by new people • Led to series of wars • Jewish re-conquest of Israel; established capital at Jerusalem • Built a synagogue (temple) to worship God