Judaism

Overview

Judaism (Hebrew: יַהֲוֶה‎ Yahweh) 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.

Core Beliefs and Texts

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

Historical Development

• Origins: The story of Judaism traces back to the patriarch Abraham, who is considered the first to teach the worship of one God.
• Moses, a pivotal figure, led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and received the Torah from God at Mt. Sinai, including the Ten Commandments.

The Temples and Exile

• 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, leading to a shift toward synagogue worship and rabbinic leadership.

The Talmud and Rabbinic Judaism

After the Temple's destruction, Judaism saw the development of the Talmud, comprising:

• The Mishnah: Codified oral laws.
• The Gemara: Commentary on the Mishnah.

These texts guide Jewish religious practice and law (Halacha), shaping daily life and spirituality.

Major Sects

• 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.

Major Holidays

• Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year, celebrating creation.
• Yom Kippur: The 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.

Modern Day and Global Presence

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.

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