Ancient Egypt - Origins of Judaism

Ancient Egypt - Origins of Judaism

How did Judaism originate and develop?

Introduction

• Jewish civilization developed gradually over thousands of years.

• Jews began in Mesopotamia and moved to Canaan.

• The origins of Judaism, and teaching, are recorded in the sacred text of the Torah.

• Torah means "teaching"

• Christians consider the the Hebrew Bible to be their Old Testament.

• In this section you will learn about four leaders - Abraham, Moses, King David, and King Solomon.

Ancient Israelites

• Torah contains written records & teachings of the Jews.

• Part of these teachings are hundreds of commandments.

• The ancestor of the Israelites was a man named Abraham.

• Famine forced many Israelites (Jews) to flee from Canaan to Egypt.

• They traveled for 40 years until they set up the kingdom of Israel

Multiple Choice

The text says, "...as well as hundreds of commandments that direct moral and religious conduct." What does "commandments" most likely mean?

• A divine set of rules

• A person who directs traffic

• A library of books

Jewish Leaders

• Abraham - Known as "father of the Jews." He introduced the idea of one-single "God."

• Moses - Greatest leader, he led people out of slavery in Egypt. He gave Judaism it's foundational teaching. Claims god gave him the 10 Commandments.

• David & Solomon - Escaped Egypt and created a Kingdom called Israel. With Jerusalem being the the holy city.

Multiple Choice

______ was one of the leaders of the Israelites (Jews). He was once part of the royal family and left his life behind to free the slaves of Egypt from his brother.

• David

• Moses

• Solomon

• Abraham

Life of Abraham

• Abraham was originally named Abram.

• People believed in multiple gods, but Abram came to believe in just one. This is why Judaism was so different.

• At 75 Yrs Old, God told him to leave his country. With his family he traveled to Canaan.

• God gave Abram his new name of Abraham, which means "father of many."

Multiple Choice

If monotheism means one god and polytheism means multiple gods, which one best defines the belief that Abram had?

• Monotheism

• Polytheism

Abraham's Descendants

• The Torah says that Abraham's wife was 90 and Abraham was 100 years old when their son was born.

• According to the Torah, the Jewish people are descended from Abraham & his wife Sarah.

• His most famous contribution to Judaism, is the idea of One God.

Multiple Choice

Abraham's biggest contribution to Judaism is his belief in all EXCEPT...

• Belief in one god.

• The importance of hospitality

• To live by special rules

• To embrace multiple gods.

The Life of Moses

• A great leader who led jews out of slavery.

• The pharaoh was afraid of their growing strength so forced Israelites into slavery.

• Torah say's he parted the sea with his staff, flooding the pharaoh's army once they were clear.

• Fleeing Egypt was called "Exodus"

Multiple Choice

The pharaoh was afraid the Israelites would...

• Worship one god.

• Become strong and take over.

• Do nothing.

10 Commandments.

• Moses & his people would travel for 40 years until settled down.

• During this time God gave Moses the laws and teaching which made Judaism. (10 commandments)

• Commandments remind to only worship 1 god. Respect others, spread teaching, obey commandments, and receive protection.

Multiple Choice

The Torah says that Moses spoke to his god about the 10 Commandments at Mt. Sinai. What inference is most likely correct about the naming of this mountain?

• Mt. Sinai is known as the "Mountain of God."

• Mt. Sinai is still just known as a mountain.

• Mt. Sinai is known as "Moses the Mountain."

David & Solomon

• David is most famously known from the story David & Goliath.

• His courage made him king of the Israelites. He united the Israelites into a single nation.

• He chose Jerusalem as the capital city.

• After his fathers death, Solomon became King & built the first temple.

• Their acts gave Jews a holy city as well as powerful faith.

Poll

Who do you believe made the greatest contribution to the religion of Judaism?

• Abraham

• Moses

• David

• Solomon

Open Ended

How did Judaism originate and develop?

"Judaism began and grew because _______"