A Reading in History of the Jews and its Impact on Religious Thought

Abstract

The aim of this research is to elucidate the history of the genesis of Judaism and the impact of this history on its followers. The problem of research was represented in the following questions: What is Judaism, how did it originate, and who are its followers? What are the most significant historical events that have affected the formation of Jewish identity? What is the impact of history in forming Jewish religious thought? Through the researcher's adoption of the historical method and the analytical deductive method in his research, it appears that: Judaism is the oldest religion that its followers – according to their claim – belong to Abraham, which is still alive to this day, with millions of followers worldwide, primarily located in occupied Palestine, America, and parts of Europe. Jews have several names: Hebrews, Israelites, and the people of Moses, and they claim descent from Jacob and his twelve sons. They also claim lineage from Abraham, from whom they are distinct. The history of the Jews, through which they have passed many stages, was the main factor in forming Jewish religious thought. Judaism is based more on nationality and history than on doctrines, which have seen many changes over the ages. The writing of the Torah did not take place in the time of Moses, but after several centuries, in the time of Ezra and the priests after returning from Babylonian captivity. Zionist movements were built on the idea of the national union of Jews in Palestine after they faced significant persecution in Europe, as they claim. A Protestant Christian trend supporting the Jews emerged, asserting their right to return and occupy Palestine. This Jewish-Protestant alliance continues to exist.