The document summarizes the history and beliefs of Judaism and the Hebrew people. It describes how Abraham was called by God to Canaan, and how the Hebrews/Israelites descended from Abraham. It then outlines the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, liberation under Moses, receipt of the Ten Commandments from God at Mt. Sinai, conquest of Canaan under Joshua, and establishment of the kingdom of Israel with Saul and David as the first kings. It also discusses the division of Israel into two kingdoms after Solomon, conquest by Assyria and Babylon, and rule by foreign powers like Syria and Rome until the creation of Israel in modern times.

2. Who are the Hebrews?
-- the Torah (first five
books of the Bible)
tells the story of the
early Hebrews
-- Abraham is called
by God to go to
Canaan

3. Who are the Hebrews?
-- Hebrews were monotheistic (belief in one God)
-- Hebrews became known as Israelites
-- Today’s Jews are decedents of the Hebrews

5. The Israelites in Egypt
-- famine struck Canaan
-- Israelites go to Egypt
-- here, they are enslaved
-- Moses is called to lead the
Israelites out of Egypt
-- known as the Exodus

6. Israelites in the Desert
-- God speaks to Moses at Mt.
Sinai
-- Ten Commandments
-- basis for the laws of the
Israelites
-- still an important moral guide
today

7. Return to the Promised Land
-- Joshua leads the Israelites
back into Canaan
-- other groups are living there
-- takes 200 years to win back
-- the 12 tribes divide the land

9. Conflicts in Canaan
-- 1029 BC: Philistines invade Israelite territory
-- Israelites choose a king to lead them
What concerns do the Israelites have about a
king?

10. Saul and David
-- Saul the first king in 1029 BC
-- Philistines loosen their grip on the Israelites
-- David replaces Saul
-- defeats the Philistines in 1000 BC
-- Jerusalem becomes capital

11. Rule of Solomon
-- 962 BC: David’s son, Solomon,
takes power
-- Solomon builds trade ties with the
Phoenicians
-- builds Temple in Jerusalem
What role did the Temple play in the
life of the Ancient Hebrews?

12. Kingdom Divides
-- Solomon’s building projects required high taxes
-- northern tribes did not like the high taxes of Solomon
-- Two kingdoms form: Israel (north) and Judah (south)

13. Assyrians and Babylonians Take
Land
How does the division of the Kingdom affect the
Israelites?
-- 722 BC: Assyria invades Israel
-- 586 BC: Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem
-- destroys the temple
-- takes thousands of Israelites to Babylon as
slaves for 50 years

15. Israelites in Babylon
-- found strength in
their religion
-- hoped for a
Messiah (anointed
one) to become
their leader
-- prophets help
people follow the
law of God

16. Temple is Rebuilt
-- 539 BC: Persians conquer Babylon
-- Religious freedom
-- Israelites are freed and allowed to return home
-- Solomon’s temple was rebuilt

18. Rule by Foreigners
Syria
-- 198 BC – 164 BC
-- Syrian rulers demanded Jews worship Greek gods
-- Judah Maccabee led a revolt against the Syrians

19. Rule by Foreigners
Romans
-- took over Judea in 63 BC
-- Romans appointed Jewish religious leaders
-- 70 AD, Titus put down a rebellion and destroyed 2nd
temple
-- the Western Wall remained and is today a holy place

20. Rule by Foreigners
The Diaspora
What happened after Jerusalem was destroyed?
-- no Jewish state until creation of Israel in 1948

21. Judaism Today
-- oldest monotheistic religion
Founder: Abraham
Followers: 15.1 million

23. Holy Book:
Torah

24. Clergy:
Rabbi

25. Place of Worship:
Synagogue
Temple Emanu-El on 5th
Avenue in New York's Upper
East Side

26. Symbol:
Star of David

27. Judaism: Basic Beliefs
-- one God; who watches over and cares for his people
-- God loves you, but holds you accountable for your sins
-- You serve God by studying the Torah and living by its
teachings.

28. Jewish Traditions Library
Project
Hanukkah
Passover
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Purim
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Seder
Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah