Final answer:
Religion played a significant role in shaping the culture of the ancient Israelites, particularly their monotheistic beliefs and practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religion played a significant role in shaping the culture of the ancient Israelites, as presented in the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrews were monotheistic, worshipping only one God, Yahweh. This monotheistic tradition began with Abraham and developed over time, particularly during the exodus from Egypt and the leadership of Moses. The worship of Yahweh was centralized in the temple at Jerusalem, and the Hebrews followed specific religious customs and laws outlined in the Torah. Their religious beliefs and practices influenced not only their own culture but also the development of other religions such as Christianity and Islam.