Chapter 2 Section 5: Judaism Study Guide
Section 5 Vocabulary covenant
Moses prophet a binding agreement
Israelite leader who led the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan a religious teacher who is regarded as someone who speaks for God diaspora the scattering of people who have common backgrounds or beliefs
Key Idea: The Torah is the most sacred religious book of the Israelites.
 Comprised of 5 books o Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy
 Christians adopted these books as the start of The Old Testament
 The Torah teaches monotheism, or to believe in and worship one god
Key Idea: There was a covenant (binding agreement) between God and the Israelites.

God promised that he would lead them to Canaan.

God promised that Abraham’s people would be kings and build nations.

In return, the Israelites had to believe in and obey only Him.
** Because of this promise (covenant), the Israelites considered themselves to be God’s “chosen people.”
Key Idea: The Ten Commandments are the core beliefs of Judaism.

God gave The Ten Commandments through Moses.

The Ten Commandments were the most important laws. o Religious duties o Correct and moral behavior o Everyday matters (e.g. Kosher food prep) o Crimes and punishments
Key Idea: Women had more rights under Judaism than in other religions of the time.

Laws required that mothers were treated with respect.
 Women could avoid physical contact with their husbands.
 At first, women could be religious leaders.
BUT
 Women were owned by their husbands, and they could not seek divorce.
 Later, women could not hold leadership roles.
Key Idea: Judaism influenced the development of Christianity and Islam.
Similarities
 Began in same geographical region

Monotheistic

All honor Abraham, Moses, and the prophets

Share moral point of view (code of ethics)
Key Idea: The Jewish diaspora scattered the Jews, but they preserved their heritage.

Live in close communities

Obey their religious laws

Worship at temples
 Follow their traditions, such as Passover