Final answer:
Jews in the first century AD were united by the central beliefs of monotheism and adherence to the Law of Moses, and practices like observing the Sabbath, following dietary laws, and emphasizing moral behavior and charity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beliefs and Practices Unifying Jews in the First Century AD:
During the first century AD, despite the existence of various Jewish sects, there were core beliefs and practices that unified all Jews.
- Monotheism: A central unifying belief was monotheism – the worship of one God, Yahweh. This stood in contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures.
- Law of Moses: Jews also shared a commitment to the Law of Moses, which included moral and ceremonial laws. All Jews followed the Ten Commandments, and many abided by additional laws, such as dietary restrictions and ritual cleanliness.
- Sabbath Observance: Observing the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week was a universal practice among Jews, signifying a day of rest and worship.
Alongside these beliefs, practices such as following dietary laws like avoiding pork and shellfish, respecting marriage and family life, and requiring men to study the sacred texts helped to preserve Jewish identity in diverse circumstances.
Additionally, the practice of charity and the expectation of moral behavior further strengthened the Jewish community. Even though the Jewish society of the time had various sects with differing interpretations and focuses, these key beliefs and practices provided a strong common bond.