Judaism Monotheistic Believed there was only one god
Judaism
Monotheistic • Believed there was only one god – All knowing, all powerful (fancy word? ) – History reflected God’s plan for people
Torah • Sacred text • First 5 books of Hebrew Bible – – – Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy • Hebrew Bible has 24 books
Abraham • Lived near Ur! – Migrated to Canaan (2000 BCE) – ‘Father of Israelite People’
Covenant • Binding agreement – Made with Abraham – Basis of 2 key beliefs of Judaism: • Special relationship with Abraham and descendents – Israelites were God’s “chosen people” • Canaan would one day belong to Israelites
Kingdom of Israel • Set up by 1000 BCE – 12 separate tribes feuded until then • David united tribes into single nation – Son Solomon followed as king • Turned Jerusalem into impressive capital • Builds great temple
Division and Conquest • High taxes and forced labor – Revolts erupted 922 BCE • Split into Israel in north and Judah in south – Assyrians conquered Israel – Babylonians conquered Judah • Persian Cyrus the Great freed Israelites – Most came from kingdom of Judah= called Jews
Law and Morality • What types of laws? – Cleanliness, food preparation, crimes • Society was patriarchal – Men held authority • Women had few rights
Ten Commandments • Given to Jews through Moses – Religious duties (first 4) – Conduct toward others
Ethics • Moral standards of behavior – Taught by prophets • Personal morality • Social justice • All people equal before God – Leaders bound to obey God’s law
Diaspora • 500 years – Began with Babylonian captivity – Spreading out • Maintained identity as a people – close-knit communities – Obeyed religious laws and traditions
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