I have some notes from an earlier project: The early Hebrews [or Jews] lived in ancient Palestine.
Abraham was chosen by God to be the “father” of the Hebrew people.
God told Abraham and his people to move to Canaan, and they obeyed. Eventually, they would also be commanded to move to Egypt.
The Hebrews were forced into slavery in Egypt.Around 1300 BC, the Hebrews fled Egypt.
The Torah says they were led by Moses, a Hebrew boy who was raised by an Egyptian princess.
God commanded Moses to lead the Jews out of Egypt, he obeyed.
During the Exodus, Moses went on top of Mount Sinai to pray, and came back with two stone tablets with ten laws written on them.After Moses died, the Hebrews returned to Canaan.Along with the Commandments, Hebrews had to follow other laws that were delivered to Moses.These laws were similar to Hammurabi’s code, but they also reflected God’s mercy.These laws were interpreted by prophets.Prophet- a chosen messenger to reveal God’s will to his people.
Judaism- named after the last large Hebrew tribe left, the tribe of Judah.Jews united under three kings – Saul, David, and Solomon.Solomon made Israel a great trading empire.His building projects made the country poor, which led to discontent and revolts. Diaspora- scattering of Jews throughout the world.
A person serves God by studying and living by the Torah and its teachings.God loves his people, but he holds them accountable for their sins.If Jews and their rulers did not obey God’s laws, God would become angry and punish them.Three sects of Judaism – Reform, Orthodox, and Conservative.Jews do not focus on the afterlife-they feel that obeying God should be one’s top priority.
Star of David – represents King David.Eat kosher foods [no pig or unclean animals]Wearing a Kippah [yamica] during prayer to remind themselves that God is above them.
PassoverHanukkahFestival of LightsFeast of dedicationRosh Hashanah Jewish New YearYom Kippur holiest day of the year in Judaism. Known as the day of atonement