Judaism is concentrated in Israel, although Jews live throughout the rest of Asia and the world.

Until the 13th century B.C., Hebrews lived in Mesopotamia, now part of Iraq. They worshipped many gods until their leader, Abraham, chose to revere the one they called Yahweh.

Descendants of Abraham's grandson Jacob, who was also called Israel, founded the 12 tribes of the Hebrews. They became known as Israelites and settled in Canaan, later called Palestine.

Famine drove the Hebrews to Egypt, where they were kept as slaves. Around the 13th century B.C., Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. On the way back to Canaan, Moses is said to have received the Ark of the Covenant from God. The ark reportedly contained the words that established the beliefs and principles of Judaism.

From about the fifth to the second century B.C., the Hebrew Bible was written. It is made up of the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament), Nevi'im (the Prophets), and Ketuvim (historical narratives, poetry, psalms, and proverbs). It tells a story of the Jewish people, from the creation of humankind to the establishment of a holy land.

Worshippers attend services at synagogues, where the Scriptures are read, usually in the Hebrew language. A rabbi (Hebrew for "my teacher') leads the congregation.

There are conservative sects and liberal movements within the religion.

In 1897, the Zionist movement sought to restore a Jewish homeland in Palestine. In 1948 the modern Jewish state of Israel was established. Muslim Palestinians who had lived there for centuries were displaced. Territorial disputes still ravage the area.