Judaism the Religion of The Chosen
Joanna Hayden
Intercultural Communications
Cheri Kendrick
July 30, 2018
The Beginnings of Judaism
Judaism is one of the oldest religions on earth. The story is told in the Old Testament, or the Hebrew Bible, and upon reading gives incite on the founder and the foundation of where the religion of Judaism came from. The original date of Judaism is tentative on the scholar, rabbi, or practicing Jew that is interview and educational materials that are researched. According to some Judaism was founded in approximately 1300 BC. As a distinct religion Judaism is a product of the fourth and fifth centuries AD.
Abraham is believed to be the one that ushered in the movement that lead to Judaism. The story is found in the book of Genesis, chapter 11, in the Old Testament. Here his name is Abram, he is traveling with his wife Sarai and father Terah, from Ur in Babylonia, (today this is Iraq) to Canaan. Once they arrive in Haran, it is decided that they will stay here.
During this time in history, people believed in and worshipped many gods and idols. While in this social environment, Abram heeded to the call of God and acknowledges and accepts the reality of one God, who is the Most High, creator of heaven and earth. God speaks to Abram, and it is here that monotheism is born.
Genesis chapter 12, He speaks again to Abram, this time God ask him to leave, the land of Haran, where he has made his home, to go to a country where God will lead him. God makes Abram three promises: “I will build a great nation from you. I will bless you and make your name famous. People will use your name to bless other people. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you. I will use you to bless all the people on earth.”
We learn about an agreement between Abram and God, in Genesis Chapter 17 and a name change for Abram. This time the Lord physically appeared to Abram. He said, “I am God All-Powerful. Obey me and live the right way. If you do this, I will prepare an agreement between us. I will promise to make your people a great nation.” Abram bowed down, and God continued speaking to him saying, “This is my part of our agreement: I will make you the father of many nations. I will change your name from Abram to Abraham, because I am making you the father of many nations. I will give you many descendants. New nations and kings will come from you. And I will prepare an agreement between me and you. This agreement will also be for all your descendants. It will continue forever. I will be your God and the God of all your descendants. And I will give this land to you and to all your descendants. I will give you the land you are traveling through—the land of Canaan. I will give you this land forever, and I will be your God.” Abraham is given instructions on the agreement. God states that every male must be circumcised. “You will cut the skin to show that you follow the agreement between me and you. When the baby boy...
