In what respects were zoroastrianism and judaism a departure from the religious traditions of the time

They were monotheistic religions.

Egyptian ideology as well as Iranian old religions revolved around many gods, some of them being superior and some inferior with each god undertaking separate tasks. And people used to worship various gods for various reasons, with Judaism and Zoroastrianism a new religious tradition started which believed in One God as the sole Creator of man and universe.