The origins of Judaism

When people read from the Torah, they are reading from

• the Prophets and the Writings.

• the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

• an ancient Egyptian book about the Hebrew people.

• a collection of prayers and poems used by the early Jews.

How does the Torah say that Abraham first came to the land of Canaan?

• He guided the Israelites out of Egypt.

• He moved with his family from Mesopotamia.

• He passed through the area as a wandering shepherd.

• He led an army that won the land from the Philistines.

To complete the diagram, which phrase best belongs in the empty box?

• Israelites move to Egypt

• Israelites start herding goats

• Israelites wander in the desert

• Israelites break into warring tribes

How did ancient Judaism differ from other religions at that time?

• more elegant temples

• rules for how to act

• famous leader-heroes

• belief in one God

According to the Torah, the faith that would become Judaism began with a covenant, or

• holy dream.

• written contract.

• sacred agreement.

• religious gathering.

According to Jewish teaching, what did God promise by changing Abram’s name to Abraham?

• to save Abraham's son

• to guide Abraham to Canaan

• to help Abraham build a temple

• to protect Abraham's descendants

What place did the Jewish people believe was the promised land?

• Ur

• Egypt

• Canaan

• Babylon

Find Isaac on the family tree below. According to the family tree, Isaac was Sarah’s

• son

• brother

• husband

• grandson

Suppose that you were to arrange the following events in order. Which event happened second?

• Abraham moved to Canaan.

• Moses climbed Mount Sinai.

• The Israelites moved to Egypt.

• David was king of the Jewish people.

The word exodus means “departure.” In the history of the Israelites, the Exodus was the departure from

• Ur

• Egypt

• Canaan

• Babylon