Unit 9: Judaism — The Formative History of Judaism
Welcome to your study guide for The Formative History of Judaism! In this chapter, we will travel back to the very roots of the Jewish faith. We will discover how God formed a special relationship with the Jewish people through key leaders known as the Patriarchs and Moses, explore the sacred agreements called Covenants, and examine the core texts that guide Jewish life today.
Don't worry if some of the Hebrew terms or historical events seem new to you at first. We will break everything down step-by-step with clear definitions, memory aids, and tips for exam success!
1. Abraham and the Patriarchs
Who was Abraham?
In Judaism, Abraham is revered as the founder and father of the faith. Before Abraham, people in the ancient world worshipped many different gods (polytheism). Abraham came to understand that there is only one true God (monotheism).
The Call of Abraham and the Three Promises (Genesis 12)
God called Abraham to leave his home and travel to a new land. In return, God made three life-changing promises to him:
1. The Promise of a Land: God promised Abraham the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel).
2. The Promise of Descendants: God promised that Abraham’s family would grow into a great nation, with descendants "as numerous as the stars".
3. The Promise of Blessing: God promised to bless Abraham, and that through him, all nations on earth would be blessed.
Memory Trick: Remember L-D-B for the three promises: Land, Descendants, and Blessing!
The Covenant (Brit) and Circumcision (Brit Milah)
A Covenant (in Hebrew, Brit) is a sacred, two-way solemn agreement between God and humanity.
To seal this covenant, God gave Abraham a physical sign (Genesis 17). Every male descendant was to be circumcised. Today, this practice is known as Brit Milah (the covenant of circumcision) and is performed on the eighth day of a baby boy’s life as a sign of entering the Abrahamic Covenant.
Who are the Patriarchs?
The word "patriarch" means a founding father. Judaism recognizes three key Patriarchs who passed down the faith and the covenant from generation to generation:
1. Abraham: The father of the faith.
2. Isaac: Abraham’s son.
3. Jacob: Isaac’s son, whose name was later changed by God to Israel.
Key Takeaways: Abraham & the Patriarchs
• Abraham is the founder of Judaism.
• God made three promises: Land, Descendants, and Blessing.
• The physical sign of the Abrahamic Covenant is Circumcision (Brit Milah) on the 8th day.
• The three Patriarchs are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
2. Moses, the Exodus, and the Sinai Covenant
Who was Moses?
If Abraham is the founding father of Judaism, Moses is its greatest prophet and teacher. In Jewish tradition, Moses is unique because he is the only person to have spoken with God "face to face."
The Exodus
Centuries after Abraham, the descendants of Jacob (the Israelites) became enslaved in Egypt. God chose Moses to lead them to freedom. This dramatic escape is called the Exodus. Key events include:
• The Burning Bush: Where God called Moses to demand the freedom of the Israelites.
• The Ten Plagues: Sent by God to persuade Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.
• The Parting of the Red Sea: Miraculously allowing the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptian army.
The Sinai Covenant and the Torah
After leaving Egypt, the Israelites journeyed to Mount Sinai. Here, God established a second major covenant: the Sinai Covenant (also known as the Mosaic Covenant). God gave Moses the Torah (the Law), which showed the Jewish people how to live holy lives as God's chosen people.
The Ten Commandments (Aseret ha-Dibrot)
At Mount Sinai, God gave the core moral rules known as the Ten Commandments (found in Exodus 20):
1. I am the Lord your God.
2. You shall have no other gods.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet.
Key Takeaways: Moses & Sinai
• Moses is the greatest prophet and the Law-giver who led the Exodus from Egypt.
• At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Torah and the Ten Commandments.
• The Sinai Covenant provides the moral and religious laws that govern Jewish life.
3. Sacred Texts and Authority in Judaism
The Written Torah
The word Torah means "law," "teaching," or "instruction." The Written Torah consists of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible:
1. Genesis (Bereshit)
2. Exodus (Shemot)
3. Leviticus (Vayikra)
4. Numbers (Bamidbar)
5. Deuteronomy (Devarim)
Within the Written Torah, there are 613 Mitzvot (commandments/rules) that regulate all aspects of daily Jewish life, including worship, food, morality, and relationships.
The Oral Torah (Talmud)
Jewish belief teaches that alongside the Written Torah, Moses also received explanations on how to interpret and apply these laws. Over time, these were written down in the Talmud (the Oral Torah). The Talmud contains two main parts:
• The Mishnah: The original written record of oral laws.
• The Gemara: Rabbinic discussions and explanations of the Mishnah.
The Tanakh
The complete Hebrew Bible is known as the Tanakh. The word "Tanakh" is an acronym for its three sections:
• T - Torah: The Law (the 5 books of Moses).
• N - Nevi'im: The Prophets.
• K - Ketuvim: The Writings (including Psalms and Proverbs).
The Shema
The Shema is the most important declaration of faith in Judaism, found in Deuteronomy 6:4:
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
The Shema is the foundational statement of Monotheism (belief in one single God). It is recited daily by observant Jews and affirms absolute devotion to God.
Key Takeaways: Texts & Authority
• Written Torah: 5 books containing 613 Mitzvot.
• Talmud (Oral Torah): Made up of the Mishnah and Gemara, explaining how to live out the Torah's laws.
• Tanakh: The complete Hebrew Bible (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim).
• The Shema: The central prayer declaring that God is One.
4. Common Exam Pitfalls & Examiner Tips
Don't Mix Up Abraham and Moses!
• Abraham = The Founder of Judaism (The Call, 3 Promises, Circumcision).
• Moses = The Law-giver and greatest Prophet (Exodus, Mount Sinai, 10 Commandments).
Exam Tip: If an exam question asks for the founder of Judaism, always name Abraham, not Moses!
Distinguish Between the Two Covenants
• Abrahamic Covenant: Focused on the promises of Land, Descendants, and Blessing, with the sign of Circumcision.
• Sinai Covenant: Focused on giving the Torah and the Ten Commandments to guide the nation.
Use the Correct Terminology
• Use Tanakh or Torah when discussing Jewish scriptures instead of "The Old Testament." This shows the examiner that you are writing from an accurate Jewish perspective.
Know the Purpose of the Shema
• Remember that the Shema is not just a general prayer; it is the ultimate affirmation of Monotheism (the oneness of God).
---5. Quick Knowledge Check
Test yourself with these quick questions:
1. What are the three promises God made to Abraham?
2. On what day is a Jewish baby boy circumcised (Brit Milah)?
3. Who are the three Patriarchs?
4. How many Mitzvot (commandments) are found in the Written Torah?
5. What are the two main parts of the Talmud?
6. What core belief does the Shema declare?
Answers for self-checking:
1. Land, Descendants, and Blessing.
2. The eighth day.
3. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
4. 613.
5. Mishnah and Gemara.
6. Monotheism (that God is One).