Download The Hebrews - White Plains Public Schools

The Hebrews
In this lesson, students will be able to
identify characteristics of Judaism.
Students will be able to define and/or
identify the following terms:
Hebrews
Monotheism
Judaism
Ten Commandments
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The Hebrews
• The Hebrews were originally nomadic
pastoralists.
• The Hebrews migrated to Palestine
(present-day Israel).
• The Hebrews believe that they are
descendants of Abraham.
• Abraham became a monotheist.
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Monotheism is the belief in one God.
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Abraham
• The Hebrews believe that they are descendants
of Abraham.
• The Hebrews believed that Abraham originally
lived in Mesopotamia.
• The people of Mesopotamia believed in many
gods (polytheism). However, Abraham believed
in one God (monotheism).
• Abraham believed that God told him to leave
Mesopotamia and migrate to Palestine.
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Judaism
• The religion of the descendants of
Abraham is called Judaism.
• Judaism is the first, lasting monotheistic
religion.
• From Judaism come two other significant
religions in world history: Christianity and
Islam.
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The Hebrews lived in Palestine for many
years. However, after a terrible famine,
The Hebrews migrated to Egypt. In Egypt,
Moses was born.
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Moses
• The Hebrews migrated to Egypt during a
time of famine in Palestine.
• Initially, the Hebrews were treated well in
Egypt. However, the Hebrews were
eventually enslaved by the Egyptians.
• Under the leadership of Moses, the
Hebrews fled Egypt (the Exodus).
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On the journey to Palestine, Moses
received the Ten Commandments.
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A Moral and Ethical Religion
• Judaism is the world’s first moral and
ethical religion.
• It teaches followers to obey moral and
ethical rules.
• The Ten Commandments provide an
example of the moral and ethical nature of
the Jewish religion.
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The first five books of the Hebrew Bible
are called the Torah. The Torah is very
important to Jews.
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The Covenant
• The Hebrews or Jews believe that they
have a covenant with God.
• A covenant is an agreement.
• The Hebrews believe that if they obey
God’s commandments, God will bless
them. However, if they fail to obey God’s
commandments, God will punish them.
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A synagogue is a Jewish house of worship.
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Questions for Reflection:
• Why did Abraham migrate to Palestine?
• How do polytheists differ from
monotheists?
• Provide an example of how Judaism is a
moral and ethical religion.
• Define Torah and Synagogue.
• Why is Judaism a significant religion in
world history?
• What religions were influenced by
Judaism?
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