The Basics of Judaism: Basic Values and Morality: Jews:
What is the origin of the word "Jew"?
Abraham and his descendants were called "Hebrews".
When Solomon died, his Kingdom was divided into
a Southern Kingdom, called "Judah" because most of
its people were from the tribe of Judah (though
some were from the tribes of Simon, Levi, and
Benjamin), and a Northern Kingdom, called "Israel".
The Northern Kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians,
its people were exiled and became unidentifiable
("the lost ten tribes"). Jews are called "Jews"
because they are descendants of the people of the
Kingdom of Judah.
Ask a follow-up question
