Chapter 11: The Origins of Judaism
Essential Question: How did Judaism originate and develop?
In this chapter, you learn about the ancient Israelites, the origins of Judaism, and four Jewish leaders who helped Judaism develop.
Ancient Israelites
Historians study artifacts and writings such as the Hebrew Bible to learn about the ancient Israelites and the development of Judaism. The Torah has the first five books of the Hebrew Bible and commandments that direct Jewish life. Abraham, Father of the Jews Abraham introduced the belief in one God. He made a covenant with God to go to Canaan, and in turn God made him the father of the Jews. The Jews believed they should act in a way that would fulfill God's covenant. Moses, Leader of the Israelites Moses led the Israelites on an Exodus out of slavery in Egypt. At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, basic laws and teachings of Judaism. Moses united the Jews into a people who worshiped one God. Kings David and Solomon David defeated the Philistines, united the Israelites in a new nation called Israel, and made Jerusalem the capital and a holy city. Solomon, David's son, built the First Temple in Jerusalem, signed treaties, and increased trade. Both men were also poets with parts of the Hebrew Bible attributed to them. |
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Chapter 12: Learning About World Religions: Judaism
Essential Question: What are the central teachings of Judaism, and why did they survive to modern day?
In this chapter, you learn about how Judaism was preserved in the Diaspora.
The Central Teachings of Judaism
Earlier religions believed in polytheism. Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion. The Hebrew Bible and the Talmud present a code of ethics with teachings that focus on social justice. Jews pass on learning to others. Foreign Rule and the Jewish Diaspora After Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E., most Jews were exiled to Babylon. When the Persians defeated Babylon in 539 B.C.E., many Jews returned to Judah under Persia's rule. Later, the Greeks and then the Romans ruled Judah, now Judea. The Jews fought the Romans in 66 C.E. and in 135 C.E. The Romans put down these revolts and exiled most of the Jews. Preserving the Teachings of Judaism During the Jewish Diaspora, Jews wanted to preserve their religion. Rabbi Yohanan ben Zaccai set up a center of Jewish learning in Yavneh. His rabbis taught other rabbis, who shared their knowledge at home. Ben Zaccai made synagogues a center of Jewish life and created a new religious service. These new practices preserved Judaism. In 1948, the Jewish state of Israel was created in lands once ruled by David and Solomon. |
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