Section 5 Judaism

1. Section 5 Judaism Torah-Most sacred text of Judaism and recorded events and laws important to the Israelites. Made up of 5 books: Genesis (Very beginning of Judaism), Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy Christians adopted these books as the first five books of the Old Testament. Early Israelites believed that God took part in their history.

2. Beliefs in Judaism • History and religion were closely connected • Each event showed the people God’s plan • Monotheistic • God is present everywhere, knows everything, and has complete power • Through the Torah, God promised Abraham that his people would become kings and build nations

3. Beliefs in Judaism • Because of this covenant or promise made by God the Israelites were considered God’s chosen people. • Covenant was renewed by Moses where he told his followers that God would lead them to Canaan or ‘the promise land” and in return the Israelites had to obey God faithfully • Dead Sea Scrolls-discovered in 1947. They showed an early history of Israelites

4. Ten Commandments • God delivered them through Moses • Some set out religious duties to God while others are rules for correct behavior • There were other laws for crime and like Hammurabi’s code the punishment should match the crime • Religious teachers pressured the leaders to carry out the laws with justice and mercy

5. Judaism and Women • Some laws protect women such as the one of the commandments that requires a mother to be treated with respect • They were considered of lower status • The man was the head of the family and owned his wife and children • A father could sell his daughters into marriage • Only the man could seek divorce • A few women in early Israelite history won honor as religious leaders but later they were not allowed to take part in many religious leadership roles

6. Justice and Morality • Prophets or religious teachers who are regarded as speaking for God told the Israelites how to live. • They warned people not to disobey God’s law and if they did it would bring disaster • Preached a code of ethics • Rich and powerful should protect the poor and weak • All people were equal before God and all had to follow God’s rule. Not like in other societies were the ruler was seen as a god.

7. Effects of Judaism • After exile from Judah in 587 B.C., the Jews or people who follow Judaism saw the homeland controlled by various powers including the Romans • 135 A.D. Romans drove Jews out of homeland • Jewish people scattered to different parts of the world. • Pg. 59-Map • What role do you think the Mediterranean Sea had on movement of Jews?

8. New Settlement • Romans continues the Jewish Diaspora or the scattering of groups of people. • Wherever the Jews settled the heritage was always preserved by living in close communities. • Took care to obey all religious laws, worship at their temples, and follow the traditions such as Passover. • Passover was a holiday that celebrates a time where they believed that their children were spared from destruction or death “passed over” them and they were lead out of Egypt by Moses.

9. Effect on later religions • Had a great influence on two later religions: Christianity and Islam • Both have their beginnings in Judaism • Both originated from the same geographical area • Both monotheistic • All honor Abraham, Moses, and prophets • Share the same moral point of view as the Israelites

10. Questions • Why did Israelites believe they were God’s chosen people? The torah showed a covenant between God and Abraham and was renewed by Moses • How does Judaism compare and contrast with the beliefs of other people in the ancient world? Most ancient people believed in many gods that were connected to specific places or people. The Israelites believed in one all powerful God that was everywhere.