Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions and its teachings draw heavily from the Holy Scripture—the Torah. Its beliefs center around one God, the one and only creator of the universe. Over the ages, the Jewish faith has grown to incorporate different elements, from the monotheistic convictions of ancient Israel to the philosophy and study of modern times. Despite the diverse interpretations and beliefs among Jews, the core teachings about God, life and ethics have remained the same throughout – unaltered since the time of Moses.
One of the central commandment of Judaism is to “love your neighbour as yourself.” This forms the basis of social justice—the transformation of society into a compassionate and equitable place of belonging and fellowship. This teaching has been the call to Jewish revolutionaries throughout the ages and has inspired social movements such as civil rights, feminism and environmentalism.
In the Jewish tradition, being Jewish is not a matter of belief. It is a matter of practice. That is to say, one need not accept certain dogmas to be a part of the community. It’s about practicing the rituals that Judaism has set forth for centuries—from Sabbath observance to kosher dietary laws—that have united Jews throughout the ages.
Judaism teaches the holiness of physical life. It reveres the present and future, rather than rejecting the world and focusing solely on the afterlife. According to the Talmud, a book of Rabbinic teachings, all life is precious and it is incumbent on us to attend to the needs of others around us. The Jewish emphasis on healing, love and charity is an extension of this holiness.
The concept of free will is another paramount Jewish belief. It practices the idea that humans are born with the power to choose between good and evil, between right and wrong. This is expressed in the notion that everyone is responsible not only for their own actions but for those of their communityat large.
Judaism places a great emphasis on doing good in the world. This is expressed in the Hebrew phrase “tikun olam,” which literally means “repairing the world.” More broadly, it conveys the idea that Jews should focus on justice, respect and charity in order to improve the world around them and foster a better quality of life for future generations.
Another central feature of Judaism is the respect and love for learning. Books are highly regarded in the Jewish faith and their study is a fundamental part of daily life. This reverence for knowledge has led to a rich and diverse textual background, which encompasses various views about theology, philosophy and ethics.
Remaining True to Traditions
Over the centuries, Judaism has remained true to its original teachings and rituals despite the ever-changing environment. These customs are far more than mere rituals, rather they are a connection to be shared by the living and those who have come before. It is believed those who keep them remain steadfast to the religious heritage that was once taught to Abraham, Moses, and David.
Throughout the ages, Jews have sought out ways to keep up their traditions in the face of oppression, wars, and exile. Oftentimes, Jews have turned to prayer as a way to cope, drawing strength from their long-held traditions which often bridge generational gaps, providing a powerful sense of history.
From the huge Jewish population in Israel to the small pockets of Jews around the world, the Jewish faith continues to thrive—a testament to its longevity and resilience. Apart from Israel and the U.S., there are significant Jewish populations in countries such as Russia, France, Germany, and Argentina.
Presently, Jews have seen a resurgence in traditions and in the practice of faith, both within the modern Jewish nation-state of Israel and throughout the diaspora. Synagogues are experiencing greater numbers of attendees, and as more Jews have rediscovered their religious roots, many are integrating these traditions into their lives.
Evolution of Modern Judaism
Modern Judaism has been shaped by a number of factors, including modernization and opportunities that have enabled Jews to pursue civil, political and economic rights. Reform Jews, in particular, have been at the forefront in broadening Jewish tradition and practice. The emphasis on contemporary values has been adopted by many Jews as they seek to redefine and develop their understanding of Judaism.
The evolution of modern Judaism has led to a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions. Jews today vary in their beliefs, ranging from those who adhere strictly to traditional observance to more moderate and liberal perspectives.
More recently, contemporary ideologies have appeared including Reconstructionism, Sephardic Judaism, and Karaite Judaism, creating an even more diverse Jewish population. All three movements focus on reclaiming and reclaiming the role of the individual in agreeing on beliefs and decisions.
Moreover, sects like Chabad-Lubavitch, which embrace a strict interpretation of the Torah, continue to thrive even as they preserve the core principles of Judaism.
Judaism in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, Judaism has undergone a remarkable transformation. The rise of progressive interpretations of Jewish law, including Renewal Judaism, allows individuals to have a greater say in Jewish practice and interpretation. Jews also now have access to previously inaccessible texts and interpretations never before available.
The internet has also been instrumental in allowing the Jewish community to connect and exchange ideas. Platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and podcasts give Jews the power to learn and engage in meaningful dialogue about their faith with other Jews around the world.
Lastly, interfaith dialogue has opened a new set of conversations around the world, where people of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate the similarities in their beliefs and learn from each other’s cultures.
Preserving Jewish Identity
One of the greatest threats Judaism faces is the challenge of maintaining its religious traditions in a fast changing and highly secularized world. The solution to this lies in preserving and strengthening Jewish identity. To ensure the vitality of their identity, Jews must make the effort to understand and support the perse structure of their own cultural history. By doing this, Jews will be able to see that the values they possess and their Jewish faith remain relevant in a modern world.
Organizations such as Birthright Israel, the Jewish Theological Seminary, and the Shalom Hartman Institute focus on ensuring that Jews stay connected with their “roots” and remain knowledgeable about their history and values. Through these initiatives and other programs, Jews across the world are encouraged to uphold their heritage and participate in the larger Jewish community.
The Jewish Diaspora
The dispersal of the Jews from their ancestral homeland of Israel in 70 CE via the Diaspora, or Galut, has been a defining period in Jewish history. Following the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE, Jews were forced to flee to Persia and other locations, resulting in the flooding of Jewish communities around the world. This, in turn, gave rise to different branches of Judaism and, eventually, differing factions within them.
Today, Jews live in both Israel and all over the world, in every continent (with the exception of Antarctica). In addition, Jews have created complex webs of networks and organizations that search for common ground between Jews of varying backgrounds. Initiatives such as the World Zionist Congress, World Jewish Congress, and the Anti-Defamation League have fostered a greater degree of communication and exchange amongst Jews the world over.
Rituals, Celebrations, and Holidays
Rituals and ceremonies are an integral part of Judaism. From Jewish rituals like circumcision and bar mitzvahs to the observance of Passover and the eight-day Hanukkah, each play a crucial role in conveying a sense of community and celebrating Jewish customs and beliefs.
The most important Jewish holidays are Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. During these holidays, Jews practice special observances and rituals, including lighting special menorahs, saying special prayers, and saying special blessings. Additional holidays, such as Purim and Chanukah, also have their own traditions and rituals associated with them.
In addition to major holidays, numerous other ritual observances are a part of everyday Jewish life. The daily prayers and rituals of the synagogue are quite intricate and help to create a sense of communal belonging, solidarity, and spirituality.
