Judaism

1. Judaism First mend yourself, then mend others -Hebrew Proverb

2. Judaism: Origins • Hebrews originated in Mesopotamia • God chose Abraham to be the “father,” or first, of the Hebrew people. • Migrated to Canaan (Palestine) around 2000 B.C.E. • JERUSALEM - holy city in the Middle East • Moved to Egypt in 1350 B.C.E. (due to drought and threat of famine)

3. The book of Genesis tells that the Israelites left Canaan due to a famine. • They migrate to Egypt, where they are enslaved. • There they build…..

4. The Return to Canaan • In time Moses led the Israelites to freedom by an Exodus or escape from Egypt.

5. Judaism: Origins • Returned to Canaan – the land they believed was promised to them by God • Israel, 1300 B.C.E. • Later (922 B.C.E.) split into two parts: Israel (north) Judah (south). Both had to pay Tribute: peace and money to a stronger power. (Assyria & Babylon) • Exiled to Babylon: 538 B.C.E. 40,000 returned to Jerusalem & rebuilt walls: 445 B.C.E.

6. The Kingdom of Israel • By 1000 B.C., the Israelites set up a kingdom in Canaan called Israel. • David, a strong and shrewd king, united the feuding Israelite tribes into a single nation. • David’s son Solomon turned Jerusalem into an impressive capital. • Solomon’s ambitions and building achievements required high taxes and much forced labor. • Revolts begin and the kingdom splits, Israel to the north and Judah in the south. • Like Rome, what do you think this did?

7. Division and Conquest • Weakened by the division, the Israelites could not fight off invading armies. • In 722 B.C. Israel fell to the Assyrians. • In 586 B.C. Judah fell to the Babylonians. • Nubuchadnezzar (Neba-ka-nez-er) destroyed the great temple and forced many Israelites into exile in Babylon. During this period the Israelites become known as the Jews.

8. Jewish Rebellion • 66 C.E. Zealots rebelled against Rome. • 70 C.E. Romans stormed Jerusalem & destroyed the Temple complex. • Only remaining portion was the WESTERN WALL. • ½ Million Jews killed during rebellion • 132 C.E. Another ½ Million Jews killed (3 years time) • Jews driven  Homeland (Diaspora)

9. Roots of Judaism • Israelites, or Hebrews, believed that God was highly influential in their lives. As a result, they recorded events and laws in the Torah, their most sacred text. • Contains events and laws.

10. Judaism: Texts • Holy Book - Torah (1st five books of the Bible) – part of the Old Testament • Followers obey the 10 COMMANDMENTS - Laws • Talmud – Multi-volume text on ethics and allegories (fundamental guide) • Dead Sea Scroll – (Book of prophet Isaiah) found in 1940’s

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13. Judaism: Beliefs • 1stMONOTHEISTIC religion - belief in 1 god • Each person is free to choose to do good or evil. • One should lead a good life and follow God’s word & life is holy. • Jesus is a prophet but not the Son of God • Abraham is the founder of Judaism.

14. Judaism: Beliefs • Covenant: A mutual promise between God and the founder of the Hebrew people. (Abraham obeyed God) • New Covenant: God promised to protect the Hebrews, in turn, they promised to keep God’s commandments (Moses & Mount Sinai)

15. Judaism: Leaders • God = Yahweh • Founder = Abraham • Prophet = Moses, Ezekiel, & Isaiah, ect. • Jesus = Prophet but not son of God • Rabbi= Teacher

16. Judaism: Holidays • Rosh Hashanah = Jewish New Year • Yom Kippur = Day of Atonement (repent misdeeds of the year just past) • Hanukkah = Hebrew victory over the Syrians in the 2nd century. • Passover = honor delivery of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. (“the Exodus”)

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