by Robert Foehl

Created on: August 30, 2010

World Religions Report – Judaism

The history of Judaism spans centuries of time and has been filled with triumph, pain, and a sense of continuous wandering as a people who have been detached from their homeland.  Judaism centers on the teachings in the Hebrew Scriptures, also known as the Old Testament.  Tracing its roots back to the creation of heaven, earth, and humankind as outlined in the Hebrew Scriptures, Judaism takes up identity with early faithful followers of the one true God.  The belief in only one God, the supreme deity with no others to compete or compare is a central tenant to Jewish belief.  The Jewish faith holds that this supreme and singular God made a pact, or covenant, with the Jewish people through faithful followers such as Abraham and Moses.

                The first covenant between God and man occurred with Noah at the time of the flood.  In exchange for his obedience, God promises to spare Noah and his family and promises to never again bring an end to the world.  From the line of Noah came Abraham who was held up as an example of obedience and loyalty to God.  Abraham maintained his faith and dedication throughout his long life, even in the face of losing his only son Isaac during a test of loyalty by God.  Because of his loyalty and upright way of life, Abraham entered into a covenant with God.  In exchange for his loyalty, God promised that Abraham would father a great nation.  Abraham, his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob along with their wives Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel are viewed as the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Nation of Israel.

                The growing Nation of Israel found itself enslaved by the Egyptians in Egypt.  In the middle of this enslavement was born Moses, an Israelite baby whom was adopted by the daughter of pharaoh after being found floating down the Nile river while she was bathing.  After killing an Egyptian overseer for the mistreatment of an Israelite worker, Moses fled Egypt where he was chosen by God to return to Egypt and free the Israelite peoples from their captivity there.  With his brother Aaron at his side, Moses returned to Egypt and led the Israelite peoples out of Egypt with the help and guidance of God and the 10 plagues that He set against the Egyptian peoples.  It

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