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Even today, as the Jewish people have their precious Jerusalem back (through the help of other nations and their politics), there is great conflict and emotion surrounding it. Other nations and people in the area feel that they should be in control of the renowned city, and the Jews deny fervently any attempt to wrestle it from their occupation. It is true that there is no temple in Jeruslaem today, nor are all the Jews in the world rushing to get back there. But it is apparent that the city represents more to the religion of Judaism than a mere place to live and work. The city of Jerusalem is a spiritual foundation, and throughout Judaism's long and varied history, this single fact has never changed. .
The Tribal/Pre-Monarchy period, or the beginning of the Pre-Diaspora Judaism, start at the roots that lie far back in the beginnings of recorded history. The religion did not spring into existence exactly as it is known today. Rather, it was pushed and poked by various environmental factors along the way. One of the first major influences on the religion was the .
Canaanite nation. Various theories exist as to how and when the people that would later be called Jews entered into this civilization. But regardless of how they ultimately got there, these founders of the new faith were exposed to many of the ideas and prejudices of the time. Any new society that finds itself in an existing social situation, can do no more than to try and mix into that framework. And this is exactly what the Jews did. .
Early Judaism worshipped multiple gods. One of these gods was known as Ba"al, and was generally thought of as a "statue god", or idol, with certain limitations on his power. The other primary deity was called YHWH (or Yahweh) and enjoyed a much more mysterious and illusive reputation. He was very numinous, and one was to have great respect, but great fear for him at the same time. Ba"al was not ever really feared, as his cycles (metaphorically seen as the seasons) were fairly well known, and not at all fear-inducing.