The Origins of Judaism

Background

• Hebrew people were just another among many trying to eek out a living in the not so fertile crescent

• Worshiped many gods and giving sacrifices for good fortune

• Abraham – the founder of the religion – Says that there is one god

A Roaming People’s GodMonotheists• ‘Yahweh’ was not physical – no images• promise obedience for land (the 1st covenant)

Founding of Jewish religion

• Covenant - deal with god– The deal

• Abraham would have kids (he was 99)• Decedents would be as numerous as the stars• Can have Canaan forever (this would be a little

issue to this day)

In return – all the male decedents of Abraham shall be circumcised

Search for a Promised Land

• History from the Torah• Abraham and the

founder:• Migrated and made a

nation (Canaan)• 1800 BC - Canaan• 1650 BC - Egypt

Exodus

• Slavery in Egypt• 1300-1200 BC left

lead by Moses• Festival of Passover

commemorates

The New Covenant

• Moses on Mt Sinai• 10 Commandments• Base for civil and

religious laws• Obedience for

protection

40 Years in the Desert

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Rzd2y2POg

From Nomads to Settlers

• Herders, farmers, city dwellers

• Technology from Phoenicians

• 12 self governing tribes

• Combine for mutual defense

Kingdom of Israel• Judah largest tribe• Judaism and Jews• Tribes unite to drive out Philistines• Saul first king• Son-In-Law, David next: very popular

Solomon

• David’s son – dynasty• Powerful and rich

trading kingdom• Great Temple is home

to Ark of the Covenant• Huge beautiful palace

Kingdom Divides

• High taxes strain finances

• Forced labor on buildings

• North revolts when Solomon dies

• Israel in south• Judah in north

Babylonian Captivity

• Tribute to Assyria• 722 BC conquered by

Assyrians• 150 yrs later south

conquered by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar

• Temple destroyed• Most exiled

The Return

• Nebuchadnezzar drives Egyptians out of Palestine

• 539 BC, Cyrus the Persian defeats Babylon

• Permits 40,000 exiles to return

• Temple rebuilt and new walls