Origins of Judaism: Abraham and the Covenant

Origins of Judaism

• The origin is traced to important figures known as Patriarchs.
• Patriarch means male leader, and Matriarch is female
• There are 3 main Patriarchs

Abraham

• First named Abram, and he was from Babylonia, born around 1800 BCE
• He changed his name to Abraham, meaning 'Father of many', and Sarai was changed to Sarah, meaning 'Princess'
• Abraham had Ishmael, through Hagar, and Isaac through Sarah
• Ishmael is the ancestor of the Arab people (Muslims)
• Isaac is the ancestor of the Jewish and Christian people

Covenant

• A covenant is an agreement or contract
• This covenant was based on worship, obedience, and the promise of many descendants
• Otherwise know as the Covenant expresses God's commitment to the Hebrews or people of Israel, from which Judaism stems
• Abraham's covenant with God was signed with a goat's blood instead of his son's

Abraham's Covenant

• Abraham was to be faithful to God in return
• Abraham's descendants would be blessed and become a great nation
• His descendants would number as many as the stars in the sky
• Abraham was promised the land of Canaan, today the State of Israel

Abraham and following Gods instructions

• Instructions stated in Genesis 17:1-5 includes the covenant of circumcision
• God told Abraham (while he was 99 years old) to be blameless and he would secure his covenant
• Genesis 12:1-3 notes Abram was told leave his home for land that would be shown to him
• He was told he would become a great nation and would be blessed through God
• Genesis 17:4-8 notes that the covenant would be everlasting between God, Abraham and his descendants for generations and God would be their God
• They would have possession over Canaan

Circumcision and Sacrifice

• Abraham's part of the deal was to have all males be circumcised
• Another deal was to sacrifice his first born son Isaac
• To showcase he accepted all that God asked
• Isaac (later called Israel) was saved at the last minute with an animal sacrifice provided by God

Moses

• Moses was born as a Hebrew slave in Egypt
• Pharaoh wanted all Hebrew boys slaughtered at birth, so Moses' mother hid him in a basket on the Nile
• Pharaoh's daughter found Moses and raised him
• Moses rose through the ranks of society and became a leader in Pharaoh's court
• Moses killed an Egyptian and ran away
• God appeared in a burning bush and commanded Moses to free the Hebrews from slavery
• Moses asked Pharaoh to free slaves, but Pharaoh refused the request
• God sent 10 plagues to make Pharoah change his mind
• The last plague spared the Hebrew homes
• The Hebrews escaped across the Red Sea, wandering aimlessly through Sinai
• God gave Moses the 10 Commandments on Mt Sinai to outline how people should live in harmony

Exodus

• Exodus is to go out or leave
• Otherwise, the name given to the Hebrew people leaving Egypt and slavery.

Ten Commandments

• Commandments are rules given by authority figures to be obeyed/followed
• People shall recognise no other gods, earth-based images of God, use God's name in vain, and remember to keep the Sabbath holy.
• People should honour their parents, not murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, nor be jealous

Orthodox Judaism

• The features are Maimonides outline in his 13 articles of faith
• God exists, is one and unique, incorporeal, and eternal
• Moses is the most important prophet
• All prophets spoke truth
• Both the Oral and Written Torah are given to Moses and there would be no other Torah
• God knows the thoughts and deeds of everyone, and will reward and punish, thus they look forward to the coming of the Messiah and the dead will be Resurrected
• Moses received the whole Torah including the written 613 Mitzvot and the Oral Torah
• Modern Orthodox Jews live in normal society but observe Jewish Law
• Chasidim is the Hewbrew word for pious who live separately from society and dress distinctively

Conservative Judaism

• Combines the acceptance of modern culture with studying the Hebrew Bible and other sacred texts
• Cultural change has been part of Judaism since the beginning
• The Torah and Talmud are from God and divine, and must be accepted and followed
• Observes a range of traditional practices, behaviours, and holy days
• Jewish scriptures come from God, however they have a human aspect
• It accepts the ideal of Jewish Law
• Adapts to change and adapts to the changing society
• The Conservative Synagogue has behaviours ranging from Orthodox to Liberal

Progressive Judaism

• Progressive Jews include tradition as well as participation within society to create a meaningful Jewish life in contemporary society
• The Hebrew Bible was written and collected by separate individuals
• It Emphasises study so each person has a personal understanding of the texts and traditions
• Women and Men are equal in faith and society (female Rabbi)
• Focuses on social and environmental deeds in line with Tikkun Olam (rebuilding the world)
• Liberal Jews (Progressive Jews) follow many values, ethics of Judaism, and the norms of the culture in which they live