Lesson 6: Learning About World Religions: Judaism

Key Idea

Judaism introduced the idea of monotheism, the belief in one God. This was different from many ancient religions that worshipped multiple gods. The central teachings of Judaism are found in the Torah, its most sacred text. The Torah contains laws that guide how people should live and worship.

These laws emphasize ethics, such as treating everyone with justice and equality. To better understand these laws, Jewish scholars and followers study the Torah and the Talmud. The Talmud is a collection of writings that explain the Torah's teachings. This focus on study became a key part of preserving Jewish traditions.

Key Idea

Powerful empires conquered both Jewish kingdoms.

First, the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C.E.

Key Idea

For centuries after the Babylonian Exile, the Jewish people lived under foreign rule. Their experience often depended on which empire was in charge.

The Persian Empire showed tolerance, allowing Jews to return to their homeland of Judah and rebuild the Second Temple in Jerusalem, starting in 538 B.C.E.

Key Idea

Many Jews living in Judea grew frustrated under Roman control. They rebelled against foreign rule, which led to a series of conflicts known as the Jewish-Roman Wars.

In 70 C.E., the powerful Roman army defeated the Jewish rebels and destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This was a devastating event that ended the central role of the Temple in Jewish worship.