Abraham – The founder of Judaism
Jews believe that Abraham, a man who lived around 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) is the founder of the Jewish religion. At that time, most people in Mesopotamia believed in and worshipped many gods. However, Abraham stood out because he believed in just one god. Belief in only one god is called monotheism.
Abraham is the founding father of the Jewish people. This means that Jews believe that it was Abraham who began their religion.
Abraham hears God’s voice
One day, whilst praying, Abraham heard God's voice telling him to leave his home and set off on a long journey. Abraham believed this message. He left his home, taking his wife Sarah and his nephew Lot with him.
Abraham’s long journey
Abraham and Sarah travelled over 400 miles, eventually arriving in Canaan (now Israel and Palestine). At a place called Shechem, Abraham built an altar to worship God. But there was a famine (no food) in Canaan, so they went to Egypt. Later, they came back and settled in Canaan.
God’s covenant with Abraham
One reason why Abraham is so important for Jews is that God made a special promise with him. This is called a covenant. God promised Abraham three things:
Land – Abraham and his family would live in Canaan.
Family – Abraham would have many children and grandchildren.
Blessing – God would take care of Abraham’s family and descendants.
Abraham’s promise to God
In return, Abraham promised to worship only God and to obey Him.
Abraham’s family
God kept His promise. Abraham and Sarah had a son named Isaac.
Later, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham was ready to obey, but God stopped him at the last minute. This showed that Abraham trusted God completely, and was keeping his promise to obey him.
Later, Isaac had a son called Jacob, and God gave him the new name Israel, and his twelve sons became the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the ancestors of the Jewish people.
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