Judaism: Beliefs, History, and Practices for Society

Ancient Israel

18th century BCE in Ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)

Torah

Contains stories, laws, and teachings that guide Jewish life and beliefs

The Ten Commandments

Provide guidance on ethical and moral behavior

Judaism

A monotheistic religion founded by Abraham

Abraham

The father and founder of Judaism

Moses

Freed the Israelite slaves from Egypt, received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai, and wrote the Torah

Rabbi

A spiritual leader and teacher

Babylonian Exile

Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II ordered the Jewish people to leave Jerusalem & live in captivity in Babylon, resulting in the destruction of their sacred temple & questioning of their status as God's 'chosen people'

Monotheism

Belief in one God (as seen in the first commandment)

Covenant

Agreement between God and Abraham telling the people to leave their homeland & go to the Holy Land

Observing the Sabbath (Shabbat)

Weekly day of rest and worship from Friday evening to Saturday evening