Judiasm

Question 1

Describe the fundamental ideas of early Judaism

Answer 1

• Early tradition states that Hebrews were descended from Abraham who came from Ur and eventually migrated west.
• At some point, Jews were enslaved in Egpyt, left and went to Canaan.
• The first Hebrew Jewish state developed on the east coast of the Mediterranean sea in the area that would today by the modern state of Isreal
• King David (1000 - 970) conquered the city of Jerusalem and established the first Jewish kingdom.

Question 2

What cultures may have influenced early Judaism?

Answer 2

Many foundational elements of the religion come from Mesopotamian religious tradition.

Question 3

Describe the developments in Judaism

Answer 3

• Early Judaism was not the first faith to practice monotheism but maybe the first to have god rule over all affairs including other non jew people.
• Ritual sacrifice to a god by high priests was central among the early Hebrews.
• Between 1000 and 600 BCE the Torah (Old Testament) was written down and became law. A central idea in Judaism is the covenant between the Jews and Yahweh.
• Prophets urged Jewish leaders o strictly adhere to Yahweh. They believed god would punish them if they strayed.