Lesson 5: The Origins of Judaism

Key Idea

Historians learn about the ancient Israelites by studying two main types of evidence. The most important written source is the Hebrew Bible, which contains the Torah. These sacred texts tell the foundational stories of the Jewish people, from their origins to the creation of their kingdom.

To get a more complete picture, historians also use archaeology. They dig for physical clues like pottery, tools, and the ruins of old buildings. These artifacts can provide evidence that helps historians better understand the world described in the Hebrew Bible.

Key Idea

The story of Judaism begins with a man named Abraham. Unlike his neighbors who worshipped many gods, Abraham introduced the belief in only one God. This idea, called monotheism, became a central part of the new faith.

According to the Torah, God made a sacred agreement, or covenant, with Abraham. God promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation and to give his descendants a homeland in exchange for their faith.

Key Idea

According to the Hebrew Bible, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. A leader named Moses guided them out of Egypt in a great journey called the Exodus. This escape from slavery was a defining moment for the Israelite people.

During their journey, Moses went to the top of Mount Sinai. There, he received a set of laws from God. These laws, known as the Ten Commandments, provided rules for how to worship God and how to treat other people.

Key Idea

After settling in the Promised Land, the Israelite tribes united under King David around 1000 B.C.E. He established the Kingdom of Israel and made the city of Jerusalem its political and religious capital.

King David's son, King Solomon, built a great temple in Jerusalem around 960 B.C.E. This First Temple became the center of Jewish worship. It was built to house the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.