Roots of Judaism

Discussion

• Who was Abraham?• Lived near Ur in Mesopotamia. 2000 BC

migrated to Canaan. Founder of Israelite nation

• Who was Moses?• Led Israelites out of Egypt and after his death

eventually went to Canaan, land they thought God promised them

• David united the feuding Israelite tribes but what about his son Solomon?

• Made Jerusalem into an impressive capital, wisdom and understanding. Building projects had high taxes and forced labor and revolts after his death in 922 BC

• When did Israelites become known as Jews?• After Nebuchadnezzar destroyed great temple

and forced them to exile in Babylon. Babylonian Captivity

• Monotheistic• Belief in one God• Covenant• Binding agreement

Torah

• Why was it ok for fathers to arrange marriages for their daughters in Judaism?

• Patriarchal society, fathers and husbands held great legal and moral authority

• What was the Jewish viewpoint when concerned with other peoples?

• All equal before God

• How did Jews view their leaders?• Fully human and bound to obey God’s law