Judaism (Hebrew: יַהֲדוּת‎‎ Yahăḏūṯ) is an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion that forms the cultural and religious tradition of the Jewish people. Rooted in the Middle East during the Bronze Age, it evolved from the ancient religious practices of Israel and Judah. Jews consider Judaism as the expression of the covenant God made with the Israelites, their ancestors.

Judaism centers on the belief in a single, indivisible God who revealed Himself through ancient prophets. The Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, which includes the Torah (comprising the first five books), is the foundational text. The Torah—also known as the Pentateuch—is central, embodying laws, teachings, and guidance essential to Jewish life and spirituality.

The origins of Judaism trace back to the patriarch Abraham, who is considered the first to teach the worship of one God. The story extends through his descendants, Isaac and Jacob, later called Israel, whose children formed the twelve tribes of Israel. Moses, a pivotal figure, led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and received the Torah from God at Mt. Sinai, including the Ten Commandments, forming the covenant's core.

First Temple: Built by Solomon around 1000 BC in Jerusalem, it was the spiritual center until its destruction by the Babylonians in 587 BC.

Second Temple: Reconstructed in 516 BC, it stood until the Romans destroyed it in 70 AD. This marked a significant shift as Jews then turned to synagogue worship and rabbinic leadership.

Post-Temple Judaism saw the development of the Talmud, comprising the Mishnah (codified oral laws) and the Gemara (commentary). These texts guide religious practice and Jewish law (Halacha). Rabbinic Judaism shaped the spiritual and daily life of Jews, adapting to diaspora conditions.

Judaism is diverse, including several major branches:

Orthodox Judaism: Maintains traditional Halachic laws and customs.

Conservative Judaism: Sees Jewish law as obligatory but open to modern influences.

Reform Judaism: Emphasizes ethics over rituals and adapts religious practices to contemporary life.

Reconstructionist Judaism: Views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization.

Hasidic Judaism: Focuses on mysticism, heartfelt prayer, and the leadership of rebbes.

Humanistic Judaism: Celebrates Jewish culture and history without theistic beliefs.

Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year, celebrating creation.

Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement, the holiest day, focused on repentance.

Sukkot: Commemorates the wilderness years and celebrates the harvest.

Passover (Pesach): Marks the exodus from Egypt.

Shavuot: Celebrates the giving of the Torah.

Purim: Remembers the saving of the Jews from genocide in Persia.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights, commemorating the Temple's rededication.

Today, Judaism has approximately 14 million followers worldwide. While historically centered in the Middle East and Europe, significant Jewish communities exist in North America, as well as in other parts of the world, contributing richly to global culture and interfaith dialogue.