Judaism

Judaism originated in the ancient Near East over three thousand years ago among the Hebrew people. Jewish identity is often traced to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. According to biblical accounts, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). This idea of covenant remains central to Jewish belief and identity.

The early Israelites, descendants of Abraham, faced numerous challenges, including enslavement in Egypt. Their liberation, led by Moses, is a pivotal event in Jewish tradition. Moses, revered as a prophet, received the Torah at Mount Sinai, which includes the laws and commandments forming the basis of Jewish practice. As scholar Dever (2001) observes, "The formative events of the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai are the cornerstones of the Jewish faith".

After their escape, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years before settling in Canaan, which they saw as the Promised Land. The establishment of a united kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon marked a significant period, culminating in the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Historian Finkelstein (2001) writes, "The political and religious unification of the Israelite tribes under David and Solomon is a crucial phase in the development of what would become Judaism".

Centuries of conquests and exiles profoundly impacted Jewish history. The Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BCE was especially transformative, prompting Jewish leaders to compile and solidify their texts and traditions. Biblical scholar Ulrich (1999) notes, "The Exile forced the community to rethink its identity and develop a coherent religious tradition centered around the Torah".

The return from exile led to the building of the Second Temple and the emergence of new religious practices. However, the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE marked a significant shift, leading to Rabbinic Judaism, which emphasised study, prayer, and community life over temple worship.