Key facts and dates

Jewish history traces its roots back thousands of years, focusing on key figures and events that shape Jewish identity. Jews believe these stories, recorded in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible), explain their special relationship with God. This section provides an overview of essential facts and a timeline to help understand the sequence of events.

Timeline of key events

• Around 2000 BCE - Abraham is called by God and makes a covenant, marking the start of Jewish history.
• Around 1900 BCE - Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah, continuing the family line.
• Around 1800 BCE - Jacob, Isaac's son, receives the name Israel, and his descendants form the twelve tribes.
• Around 1700 BCE - Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt, leading to the Israelites' settlement there.
• Around 1300 BCE - Moses leads the Exodus from Egypt, and the Ten Commandments are given at Mount Sinai.

Origins of Jewish history with Abraham

Jewish history begins with Abraham, whom Jews regard as the first patriarch (a founding father figure). According to Jewish tradition, Abraham lived around 4,000 years ago in the ancient city of Ur, in what is now Iraq. Jews believe that God chose Abraham to start a new people who would follow God's ways.

Abraham's call and journey

• The divine call - Jews believe God spoke to Abraham, instructing him to leave his home and travel to the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel and surrounding areas). This is seen as the beginning of a special relationship between God and Abraham's descendants.
• Promise of descendants and land - In return for his faithfulness, God promised Abraham many descendants who would become a great nation, and a land for them to live in. This promise is central to Jewish identity.
• Significance for identity - Abraham's obedience demonstrates key Jewish values like faith and trust in God, which continue to influence Jewish teachings today.

The covenant between God and the Jewish people

A covenant is an agreement or promise, often seen in Jewish tradition as a sacred bond between God and people. Jews believe God made several covenants, starting with Abraham, that define their role as God's chosen people.

Key aspects of the covenant with Abraham

• The promise - Jews believe God promised Abraham land, numerous descendants, and blessings, in exchange for following God's commands. This is described in the book of Genesis in the Torah.
• Circumcision as a sign - As a symbol of the covenant, Abraham and his male descendants were to undergo circumcision (a ritual removal of the foreskin), which remains an important practice in Judaism today.
• Extension to descendants - The covenant was renewed with Abraham's son Isaac and grandson Jacob, emphasising that it applies to all future generations of Jews.

Renewal of the covenant

• With Isaac - After Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac (known as the Binding of Isaac), Jews believe God reaffirmed the promise, highlighting themes of sacrifice and devotion.
• With Jacob - Jacob, after wrestling with a divine figure, received the name Israel, meaning "one who struggles with God". His twelve sons became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Key figures from Isaac to Moses

Following Abraham, several important figures continued the story of the Jewish people. These individuals faced challenges that tested their faith and shaped the nation's development, leading up to the time of slavery in Egypt.

Main figures and their roles

• Isaac - Abraham's son, born to Sarah in her old age. Jews believe Isaac's birth was a miracle, fulfilling part of God's promise. He married Rebekah and fathered Jacob and Esau.
• Jacob - Isaac's son, who fled to his uncle's home after tricking Esau out of his birthright. There, he married and had twelve sons. Jews see Jacob's life as showing how God works through imperfect people.
• Joseph - One of Jacob's sons, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He rose to power in Egypt and saved his family from famine by inviting them to live there. This led to the Israelites settling in Egypt.

Transition to slavery

• Growth in Egypt - The descendants of Jacob, known as the Israelites, multiplied in Egypt but eventually became enslaved by a new pharaoh (Egyptian king) who feared their numbers.
• Introduction to Moses - Born during this time of oppression, Moses was raised in the pharaoh's palace but fled after killing an Egyptian overseer. Jews believe God later called him from a burning bush to lead the Israelites out of slavery.

The Exodus and its importance

The Exodus is a central event in Jewish history, where Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. Jews believe this demonstrated God's power and commitment to the covenant, freeing them from bondage.

Key events of the Exodus

• The plagues - To convince the pharaoh to release the Israelites, Jews believe God sent ten plagues on Egypt, such as turning the Nile to blood and a plague of locusts.
• Passover - Before the final plague, Israelites marked their doors with lamb's blood so the angel of death would pass over their homes. This is commemorated in the Jewish festival of Passover.
• Crossing the Red Sea - As the Israelites fled, Jews believe God parted the sea for them to cross, then drowned the pursuing Egyptian army.
• Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments - At Mount Sinai, Moses received the Torah, including the Ten Commandments (rules like "You shall not murder" and "Honour your father and mother"). These form the basis of Jewish law.

Significance of the Exodus

• Freedom and identity - It symbolises liberation from oppression and the formation of the Jewish nation.
• Renewed covenant - Jews believe the giving of the Torah at Sinai strengthened the covenant, with the people agreeing to follow God's laws.

What it means to be Jewish today

Being Jewish today involves a blend of religious beliefs, cultural practices, and a sense of shared history. While interpretations vary, the covenant and historical events continue to shape Jewish identity.

Aspects of modern Jewish identity

• Religious observance - Many Jews follow practices like keeping kosher (dietary laws) and observing Shabbat (the day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening), based on the Torah's teachings.
• Cultural and ethnic ties - Jewish identity often includes a connection to the land of Israel, family traditions, and remembering historical events like the Exodus through festivals.
• Diversity in practice - There are different branches, such as Orthodox (strict adherence to traditions), Reform (more modern adaptations), and Conservative (a middle ground). Some Jews identify culturally without strong religious practice.
• Connection to the covenant - Jews see themselves as part of the ongoing promise with God, emphasising values like justice, community, and learning from history to build a better world.