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The Hebrews

In this lesson, students will be able to identify characteristics of Judaism.

Students will be able to define and/or identify the following terms:

HebrewsMonotheism

JudaismTen Commandments

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The Hebrews• The Hebrews were originally nomadic

pastoralists.

• The Hebrews migrated to Palestine (present-day Israel).

• The Hebrews believe that they are descendants of Abraham.

• Abraham became a monotheist.

E. NappMonotheism is the belief in one God.

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Abraham• The Hebrews believe that they are descendants

of Abraham.

• The Hebrews believed that Abraham originally lived in Mesopotamia.

• The people of Mesopotamia believed in many gods (polytheism). However, Abraham believed in one God (monotheism).

• Abraham believed that God told him to leave Mesopotamia and migrate to Palestine.

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Judaism

• The religion of the descendants of Abraham is called Judaism.

• Judaism is the first, lasting monotheistic religion.

• From Judaism come two other significant religions in world history: Christianity and Islam.

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The Hebrews lived in Palestine for manyyears. However, after a terrible famine,

The Hebrews migrated to Egypt. In Egypt,Moses was born.

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Moses

• The Hebrews migrated to Egypt during a time of famine in Palestine.

• Initially, the Hebrews were treated well in Egypt. However, the Hebrews were eventually enslaved by the Egyptians.

• Under the leadership of Moses, the Hebrews fled Egypt (the Exodus).

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On the journey to Palestine, Moses received the Ten Commandments.

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A Moral and Ethical Religion• Judaism is the world’s first moral and

ethical religion.

• It teaches followers to obey moral and ethical rules.

• The Ten Commandments provide an example of the moral and ethical nature of the Jewish religion.

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The first five books of the Hebrew Bibleare called the Torah. The Torah is very

important to Jews.

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The Covenant

• The Hebrews or Jews believe that they have a covenant with God.

• A covenant is an agreement.

• The Hebrews believe that if they obey God’s commandments, God will bless them. However, if they fail to obey God’s commandments, God will punish them.

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A synagogue is a Jewish house of worship.

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Questions for Reflection:

• Why did Abraham migrate to Palestine?

• How do polytheists differ from monotheists?

• Provide an example of how Judaism is a moral and ethical religion.

• Define Torah and Synagogue.

• Why is Judaism a significant religion in world history?

• What religions were influenced by Judaism?