In antiquity, the idea of one indivisible, all-powerful G-d was incomprehensible. A variety of religions permeated all aspects of existence.

All were polytheistic; all believed in multiple gods.

For example, the gods of Greek mythology were physical manifestations of the forces of nature, and there were hundreds of them. Poseidon was the god of the sea; Zeus, the god of the heavens. Every religion had its own "Pantheon" (array of gods). The Egyptians had 2,000 gods. The Roman historian Varro estimated that in Imperial Rome there more than 30,000 gods. These gods lived forever and possessed supernatural powers, but in all other aspects they were like mortals. They ate, they slept, they acted with desires. They shared the same vices, too: They slept around, they lied, they cheated, they stole and murdered. They manipulated man and manipulated the gods through magic, bribes and sacrifices.

Life proved very confusing. There was no one, single, source telling man what to do. If a person wanted to do something, he would look for a god who supports his actions. At times, the gods acted immorally and so did man. Man and the gods were trapped in the world together manipulating one another.

The polytheists believed in a concept of right and wrong, but it did not adhere to any one standard. It was defined by man and subject to alteration to suit man’s whims and social convenience.

ABRAHAM

Into this polytheistic world, about 3,800 years ago, appeared a man named Abraham who made an amazing intellectual discovery that changed history. Abraham said: Polytheism is just an illusion. There is only one G-d, who is the Creator of the universe. He is an infinite, Almighty, all-knowing G-d. What’s more, He’s a loving G-d. He didn't create the world and go on vacation. He is involved constantly with His world and wants us, His children, to have a relationship with Him.

SHEMA YISRAEL: Hear O Israel

Abraham discovered the concept of G-d on his own and was committed to living with the reality of one G-d. This is called Kiddush Hashem, "sanctifying G-d’s name," making the reality of G-d the most important thing in the world.

"Hear O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One." The Shema declares that the most important thing in the world to a Jew is living with the reality of G-d.

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