Judaism began over 3,500 years ago in the ancient Near Eastern region of Canaan, which corresponds to the area of modern Israel and the Palestinian territories
. It traces its origins to the covenant God made with Abraham, considered the founding patriarch, who was promised that his descendants would become a sacred people and inherit the land of Canaan
. The religion further developed through key figures such as Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah at Mount Sinai, forming the foundation of Jewish law and practice
. Historically, Judaism emerged from the beliefs and practices of the ancient Israelites in this geographic region. Over time, especially after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and subsequent exiles, Judaism evolved into rabbinic Judaism, which remains the mainstream form today
. The religion is deeply rooted in the land of Israel and its early history is intertwined with the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah in Canaan
. In summary, Judaism began in the ancient land of Canaan (modern Israel and Palestinian territories) with Abraham around 1800-1700 BCE and developed through the Israelite experience and their covenant with God, particularly crystallized by Moses and the giving of the Torah
