The Rise of Judaism Hebrew People Hebrews live

The Rise of Judaism

Hebrew People • Hebrews live in same region as Phoenicians in Palestine or Canaaan • Cultural crossroads from migration and trade • Their history, legends, laws and morals have a huge impact on us today • Holy book is the Torah, or Old Testament • Abraham, father of Hebrew people, chosen by God – Moved from Mesopotamia to Canaan, to Egypt and back to Canaan • First monotheistic religion (Yahweh) • Formed a covenant or mutual promise with God – Abraham would obey God, his people protected

Hebrews on the Move • Due to drought and famine, Hebrews move to Egypt – Enslaved and forced into physical labor • “The Exodus” • Moses leads Hebrew people out of Egypt, away from slavery • Moses then forms convent with God in “ 10 Commandments” – Basis for civil and religious law of Judaism – Ethical monotheism—act right and worship God (basis for Christianity and Islam today) – Obey “ 10 Commandments” get God’s protection • 40 year period of movement as nomads • Settle in Canaan as city-dwellers

Israel and King Solomon • Once group settles in Canaan 12 tribes are created, 3 kings found Israel • Kingdom broken under King Solomon when Assyria invades • People get exiled for 50 years, then some return to holy land • This region, considered the holy land of major world religions, was dominated by other cultures and empires following Israel’s collapse

Following Web Quest • Following the collapse of Israel’s kingdom, the region was dominated and influenced by other empires and cultures… – Why so many different variations of religions all based on Hebrew ideology? – Why monotheism? – How did moving affect Hebrew people? – How did movement influence Hebrew based religions?