Jewish History and Culture

Compared to other Middle Eastern peoples, which belief of the Israelites was different?

• The Israelites were the first people to believe in monotheism, rather than polytheism, which was common in the region.

• The Israelites believed that a form of written communication was needed, and so they invented their own alphabet.

• The Israelites believed that war was the answer to complete control over the region.

• The Israelites believed in trade and used ships to exchange goods with other peoples.

Who is considered to be the first father and leader of the Jewish people?

• Abraham

• David

• Solomon

• Moses

Which of the following best states the main purpose of the Ten Commandments?

• To suggest ways to observe the Sabbath

• To describe the qualification for kings

• To reveal warnings to Israelites

• To provide rules for living

In what way does Judaism emphasize personal responsibility?

• Each person is expected to make an individual contribution to the community.

• Each person is expected to make a public account of his or her offenses.

• Each person is responsible only for himself or herself.

• Each person is assigned his or her life's work.

Which of these best summarizes the Exodus?

• the burning of the Temple in Jerusalem

• the conflict between the Israelites and the Assyrians

• the journey Abraham took to Mesopotamia

• the Hebrews’ departure from Egypt

Which common behavior today comes from the Jewish idea of honoring the Sabbath?

• Many people go to a synagogue.

• Many people give to charity.

• Many people study the Bible.

• Many people do not work on the weekends.

Which of the following statements concerning the relationship between Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the Jewish people is true?

• Thanks to funds provided by Nebuchadnezzar, the Jewish people were encouraged to form their own state of Israel.

• Nebuchadnezzar ordered the destruction of the first Jewish Temple and exiled the Jewish people from their homeland.

• The Jewish people formed an alliance with Egyptians to fight Nebuchadnezzar's army.

• After the sacking of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar moved his capital city to the captured Kingdom of Judah.

Which ancient Mediterranean civilization was the first to develop an alphabet?

• the Hittites

• the Israelites

• the Egyptians

• the Phoenicians

What role did the Phoenicians play in the cultural exchange between peoples of the Mediterranean?

• Their network of colonies and trade centers encouraged the exchange of cultural ideas with other peoples.

• Their system of roads were used by many people traveling throughout the Mediterranean area, exposing them to other cultures.

• Their large navy allowed the Phoenicians to send ambassadors to other countries in order to spread their culture.

• Because all Phoenician merchants could read and write, they had the ability to teach others about Phoenician cultural traditions.

What was the main product of the Phoenician city-state of Tyre?

• rich deposits of gold used for making jewelry

• a purple dye made from shellfish used to color fabric

• iron tools used in agriculture and construction

• a special red clay used to make pottery vessels and ceramics