Video - Judaism: 3,000 Years of History and Resilience

Judaism: A Brief History Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions, with its origins tracing back over 3,000 years. It began with the covenant between God and Abraham around 1800 BCE, which established the Hebrews as God's chosen people. Key events in Jewish history include the Exodus, where Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (circa 1250 BCE), and the reception of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The Torah, along with other sacred texts like the Talmud, forms the foundation of Jewish law and tradition. The ancient Kingdom of Israel reached its peak under Kings David and Solomon. However, the kingdom eventually split, and both Israel and Judah were conquered by foreign empires, leading to the Babylonian Exile in 586 BCE. The Jews later returned to their homeland and rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem, which became the center of Jewish worship. The destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE marked a significant shift, leading to the Diaspora, where Jews spread across the globe. Despite facing persecution and displacement, Jewish communities preserved their identity through religious practices, education, and communal life. In modern times, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 provided a national homeland for Jews. Today, Judaism continues to thrive globally, with diverse traditions and practices that adapt to contemporary life while maintaining a deep connection to its ancient roots.