How did the environment, the history of the Israelites, and their interactions with other societies shape their religion?

Download Primary Source Set: Ancient Hebrews and Ancient Hebrews - Spanish

This set gives an introduction to the history of ancient Judaism through the Jewish holidays. The histories of the holidays demonstrate the importance of the agricultural cycle for the ancient Israelites, the centrality of the Temple for the development of Judaism and its practices, and challenges to religious life from conquerors (Babylonians, Persians, Hellenistic kingdoms, and Romans).