Judaism began around 2000 BCE with Abraham and developed a strong monotheistic tradition centered around obedience to God and study of Jewish texts like the Torah. It has a long history of kingdoms in Israel, exile, and migration throughout Europe and the Middle East due to persecution. Today there are about 14 million Jews worldwide with major populations in Israel and the United States, and Judaism continues to have an outsized influence on other major world religions and Western culture through its key beliefs and ideas.

1. Judaism

2. Overview of JudaismBeliefsWhere it beganIts history and issuesWhere it spreadIts influence

3. Beliefs of JudaismOne god (monotheism)—YahwehEducation and studyJustice and righteousnessObedience and law

4. Jewish TextsThe TorahThe Hebrew BibleCommentaries

5. Where Judaism Began

6. Jewish History—Timelinec. 2000 BCE Abraham 1200s BCE MosesExodus

8. Jewish History—Timelinec. 1050–586 BCE Kingdomsc. 1050–950 BCEKings of united Israel: Saul, David, Solomonc. 930 BCE Kingdom divides c. 722 BCE Northern kingdom conquered 586 BCE Southern kingdom conquered

9. Jewish History—Timeline530s BCE Jews return under foreign control160s–63 BCE Maccabees—independent 63 BCE Conquered by Romans66–70 CE Revolt, removal, migration

12. Jewish History—Timelinec. 900–1100s CEGolden Age of Jews in Spain 1200s–1492 CE Expelled from parts of western Europe, eventually Spain too 1890s CE Beginning of Zionist movement

13. Jewish History—Timeline1930s–1945Persecution by Nazis and Holocaust

14. Jewish History—Timeline1948 Establishment of modern Israel

15. Where Judaism Spread

16. Where Judaism Spread

17. Where Judaism Spread

18. Why study Judaism?1. Christianity: 2.1 billion2. Islam: 1.5 billion4. Hinduism: 900 million6. Buddhism: 376 million12. Judaism: 14 million

19. Why study Judaism?Because of its influence.Jewish ideas helped to shape ChristianityJudaism influenced development of IslamJewish ideas widespreadKey ideas entered Western culture through JudaismUSA 2nd only to Israel in number of Jews

20. USA 2nd only to Israel in number of Jews