The Ancient Hebrews

Subject Matter: History – Social Science

Grade Level: Sixth Grade

Lesson Objective: Learners will demonstrate an understanding of the Ancient Hebrews by describing the origins and significance of Judaism as the first monotheistic religion and explain the significance of Abraham, Moses, Naomi, Ruth, David, and Yohanan ben Zaccai in the Jewish religion.

Subject Matter Content Standard:

6.3 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the Ancient Hebrews.

1.      Describe the origins and significance of Judaism as the first monotheistic religion based on the concept of one God who sets down moral laws for humanity.

3.      Explain the significance of Abraham, Moses, Naomi, Ruth, David, and Yohanan ben Zaccai in the development of the Jewish religion.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/histsocscistnd.pdf

Background: The Jewish nation was the very first group of people to believe in only one God. The belief in only one God is called monotheism. The people up to this time believed in many gods or polytheism. As you research the belief system of the Hebrew people notice the moral law they were given by their God and the different men and women who were leaders or examples for their people.

Website Addresses Used as Resources:

You can find the beginning of the ancient Hebrews at Judaism 101: The Patriarchs and the Origin of Judaism

http://www.jewfaq.org/origins.htm

You can find the answers for the individual people at Jewish Virtual Library

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource

Once you are at the Jewish Virtual Library, under the “Library” tab, click on “Search” and enter the name of the person you wish to investigate.

Essential Question:

1. Describe what you think the world would be like if all peoples had continued to be polytheistic (believed in more than one god.)

Questions:

 2. If you were Abraham, how you would have handled the difference of your belief with your father’s.

     3. How did Moses’ childhood prepare him for later events in his life?

     4. If you were Naomi, how would you have felt about your two daughters-in-law?

5. Imagine that you were Ruth, what would you have done after the death of your husband? How might this have changed history?

    6. Give three examples in David’s life that showed character, loyalty, and courage.

    7. How did Yohanan ben Zaccai show wisdom when granted three wishes be Vespasian?