Final answer:
The Hebrews were the first recorded group to practice Judaism, a religion that shaped the development of monotheism and influenced Christianity and Islam. Key figures such as Abraham and Moses played a role in its formation, with monotheism and the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem central to Hebrew religion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first recorded group of people to practice Judaism were the Hebrews. Archaeological evidence and ancient texts, like the Egyptian Merneptah Inscription from 1200 BCE, reference early Jewish existence. However, it is the Bible that provides the more detailed account of their religious practice, notably with its descriptions of patriarchs like Abraham and leaders like Moses, who is closely associated with the defining aspects of Judaism, including the concept of monotheism and the reception of the Ten Commandments.
Judaism, as a structured religion, began to take shape during the time of the Persian Empire, with its defining features like strict monotheism and the centrality of Yahweh worship at the temple in Jerusalem. These characteristics became more pronounced and codified with the work of the Judean King Josiah during the seventh century BCE and continued to evolve, despite various challenges and periods of captivity, such as the Babylonian Captivity. The Hebrews' unique commitment to a single deity, unlike the polytheistic practices of their contemporaries, and their collection of sacred writings, formed the basis of their religion and the spiritual heritage that also influenced Christianity and Islam.
While the origins and development of Judaism are complex and subject to historical debate, the Hebrews are the undisputed pioneers of the Jewish faith and monotheism in the ancient world, and their religious traditions have profoundly impacted Abrahamic religions as a whole.