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Religious beliefs sometimes change.In the sixth century B.C., a prophet emerged in Persia.

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Zoroaster taught that God is aforce of goodness and light.

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However, evil exists.

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But Zoroaster believed that people were free to choose. They could choose to follow good or theycould choose to follow evil.

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According to Zoroaster, individualswho chose to follow goodnesswere rewarded with heaven.

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According to Zoroaster, thosewho chose evil were punishedin Hell.

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However, the first lasting monotheisticreligion was Judaism. Monotheismis the belief in one God.

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Abraham, the first Jewish prophet,came to believe in the existenceof one God. He led his followersout of Mesopotamia to present-dayIsrael.

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The Hebrews lived in Palestine for manyyears. However, after a terrible famine,

the Hebrews migrated to Egypt. In Egypt,Moses was born.

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Moses wasanother

significantJewish prophet.

He led his peopleout of Egyptwhere theyhad been

enslaved after escaping a famine.

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Moses received the Ten Commandments on his journey to his homeland. The Ten commandments are ethical and moral rules.

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Judaism is the world’s first ethical and moral religion. The Jews believe that they have a covenant with God. They must follow God’s rules for goodness and God will bless them.

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The Bible is the sacred text ofthe Jews. However, the firstfive books of the Bible are considered the most significant part of the Bible for Jews. Jews referto the first five books of the Bibleas the Torah.

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Jews worship in synagogues. A synagogue is a Jewish house of worship.

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Questions for Reflection:

Why did Abraham migrate to Palestine? How do polytheists differ from

monotheists? Provide an example of how Judaism is a

moral and ethical religion. Define Torah and Synagogue. Why is Judaism a significant religion in

world history? What religions were influenced by

Judaism?