How has the Religion and Philosophies of Judaism influenced the development of:

1. How has the Religion and Philosophies of Judaism influenced the development of: societies, nations and regions of the world?

2. Region: • Judaism Began in the Middle East as the first major written monotheistic religion. • Jews believe that they were God's chosen people and that God spoke to them through Moses who set down the rules regarding ethical behavior, family relations, and forms of worship. • Jews believe that Moses led the ancient tribes from Egypt to the promise land, where they would have their own kingdom. • Later Jews suffered over two thousand years of discrimination after they were forcibly dispersed throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. • However, the Jews retained their common beliefs, ethnic and religious identity. • The affect is that the Jewish religion and ideals have spread across several continents impacting various regions by influencing social policies, government laws, and economics. This can be seen in western cultures were Judaism old testament has combined with Christian ideals to influence laws and ethical standards based on the 10 commandments issued from God through Moses.

3. Nation: The nation of Israel came into being because Jews emigrated to Palestine, their Promise Land, in large numbers over the past hundred years. Their religion gave them unity and strength to declare an independent nation in 1948 and fight four wars against larger surrounding Arabic nations to retain their independence. As a results this nation consistently stands in turmoil with the surrounding Arabic nations over economic rights, political systems, and religious differences which continues to divide this region and prevent a peaceful co-existence.

4. Society • The basic principles of Judaism revealed through Moses are written in Torah, the first 5 books of the Old Testament. • Jews believe Torah as the revealed work of God may not be changed by mortals. • The affect on Jewish society in Israel is that Orthodox Jews follow Torah strictly observing dietary laws, rules of Sabbath, and other guides to personal behavior. • Conservative and Reform Jews interpret the Torah less literally and adapt their forms of observance to living in a technological and industrial society. • The differences have led to political, religious, and sometimes physical conflict between Orthodox and less observant Israeli Jews (ex. Conservative).