Overview
Judaism is an ancient religious tradition that is considered by many to be the oldest monotheistic religion in the world. According to Jewish beliefs, God created the world and provided humans with the moral and spiritual guidance needed to live in accordance with His will. Jews believe that their relationship with God is governed by their adherence to the laws and rituals set out in the Torah, which is the written core of the religion. Additionally, Jews believe that they are part of an ongoing covenant between God and the Jewish people.
The Nature of God
At the centre of Jewish belief is the concept of a single, indivisible God. This God is viewed as the source of all creation, existing beyond time and outside of the physical universe. He is eternal, all-powerful, and compassionate, and He is the source of moral law. Jews also believe in the active presence of God in the world and that He is involved in all aspects of life, from the moral choices people make to the injustice in the world.
Prayer and Study
The practice of daily prayer is at the heart of Jewish life. Prayer is seen as a means to develop and strengthen one’s relationship with God and can be performed anywhere. Additionally, prayer is viewed as a way to come closer to the ultimate redemption of the world, a process which is believed to occur when God’s laws are obeyed. The study of the Torah and other sacred texts is also an important part of Jewish practice. For Jews, studying the Torah is essential to understanding God’s laws, as well as to developing an understanding of the spiritual life.
Obedience to Torah
Judaism encourages its followers to observe the commandments, or mitzvot, set out in the Torah. These commandments are a source of divine guidance and constitute the basis for Jewish law. Jews believe that the observance of these laws is the only path to peace and understanding. Through obeying the divine commandments, Jews can maintain the covenant between God and the People of Israel.
Sacred Days and Holidays
In Judaism, certain days and holidays are set aside as special occasions to commemorate particular events or occurrences. Some of these holidays include Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover and other festivals. On these days, Jews often observe specific rituals, such as fasting, special meals, prayer and charity. These observances are seen as a way to remember the past and to look forward to a future of peace and prosperity.
The Promise of Redemption
Judaism teaches that all humans have the potential to enter into a relationship with God. Jews believe that this relationship can be achieved through observance of the mitzvot and through prayer and study. The ultimate goal of this relationship is to attain redemption, which is a state in which all wickedness is removed from the world and all people live in peace and harmony.
The Concept of Messiah
In Judaism, there is a central belief in the eventual coming of a messiah, or a leader who will herald in a time of world peace and understanding. Jews believe that the messiah will come at a time when all people will have a knowledge of God, and when suffering and injustice will have been eliminated. Additionally, Jews believe that the messiah will be directly descended from the line of King David and will be responsible for ushering in a time of justice and peace.
The Belief in an Afterlife
Jews believe that after the physical death of a person, their soul will ultimately return to God. This belief is rooted in the Jewish doctrine of the afterlife, which teaches that all souls can attain a place in the “world to come.” Jews believe that this world will be a place of eternal bliss, free from all suffering and sorrow.
Ongoing Relationship with God
For Jews, the relationship with God is an ongoing journey that is informed by study, prayer, and the observance of mitzvot and holidays. Jews believe that as they observe God’s commandments and live an ethical life, they will come closer to God and ultimately create a world of peace and understanding.
Giving to the Needy and Charity
According to Jewish tradition, those who are blessed with wealth are to use it to help the less fortunate. This concept is known as tzedakah, which is the Hebrew word for “justice.” Jews believe that the wealthy and privileged must be compassionate and generous and use their good fortune to support those in need. In addition to providing material aid, Jews are also encouraged to strive for social justice and equal rights for all people.
Adoption of Righteous Life
In Judaism, people are encouraged to lead a righteous life in accordance with God’s will. This includes following the ethical standards set out in the Torah and engaging in acts of charity and justice. Additionally, Jews are encouraged to strive for spiritual growth through prayer and study, and to dedicate a portion of their lives to service to the Jewish community and to divine causes. Through living a life of right and piety, Jews believe that they can fulfill their divine potential and bring God’s will to the world.
Respect for Nature
From a Jewish perspective, respect for the environment is essential to living a life of ethical and spiritual purpose. Jews are taught to respect their environment and to use the resources of the earth responsibly. Jews also view nature as a reflection of the divine and believe that it is through preserving the environment that humans can honor God’s creation. Additionally, Jews believe that by living an environmentally conscious life, they are contributing to the ultimate redemption of the world.
Vigilance for Social Justice
The pursuit of social justice is a core tenet of Judaism. Jews are encouraged to strive for a just society where all are treated with respect and where everyone is afforded the same rights and privileges. Furthermore, Jews are to use their privilege and status to protect the vulnerable, to combat injustice, and to bring about a more equitable society.
Commitment to Israel
Many Jews feel a strong spiritual and emotional connection to the State of Israel, and many view the return of the Jewish people to their homeland as a fulfillment of an ancient Jewish prophecy. Additionally, Jews believe that by supporting the State of Israel, they are living in accordance with the will of God and are contributing to the redemption of the world.
