How did the Israelites come to be known as the Jews?

The word 'Jew' originates with the ancient Israelite kingdom of Judah, but what its name means is a matter of great controversy. It could even mean 'Thank God'. read more

According to the Bible, Abraham left polytheism to follow the God who made the universe. Abraham lived about 2,000 BC and he and his descendants were known as Hebrews (Gen. 14: 13). In fact the Pentateuch was written by Moses in the Hebrew language. read more

All Israelites did not become known as Jews. It is the position of the Jewish people today that all Israelites returning to Israel must become Jews in order to be fully accepted by them as members of the Jewish family. read more