Judaism started as a distinct religious tradition with its earliest roots in Iron Age Yahwism around the 9th century BCE, when the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah worshiped Yahweh as their national God. This early form of religion evolved over centuries through key events like the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE) and the rebuilding of the Temple, leading to the development of what is recognized as Judaism today. The form known as Rabbinic Judaism, which shapes modern Jewish practice, began to develop after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
Early Origins
- The foundations of Judaism trace back to the Iron Age (1200-550 BCE) with a proto-Judahism called Yahwism centered on the worship of Yahweh, starting around the 9th century BCE in Israel and Judah.
- This early practice coexisted with Canaanite religious traditions and only gradually evolved toward exclusive monotheism and the eventual rejection of other deities.
Key Historical Milestones
- The Babylonian conquest in 586 BCE and the subsequent exile of Judeans to Babylon deeply influenced Jewish religious development.
- The return from exile under Persian rule triggered reforms emphasizing scripture and religious law.
- The Second Temple period (516 BCE to 70 CE) is a critical era where many practices recognizable in modern Judaism were established.
Rabbinic Judaism and Later Development
- Rabbinic Judaism emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, shifting focus from Temple worship to Torah study, prayer, and synagogue-centered religious life.
- This period marks the formalization of Judaism’s core elements: the written Torah, recognition of Jews as a chosen people, and observance of commandments.
Judaism is thus a religion with an evolving history spanning over three millennia, beginning with early Israelite religion in the Iron Age and solidifying its identity through historical events and theological developments up to the first centuries CE.
