Overview of Judaism
Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion and the world’s oldest Abrahamic faith, that over time has evolved into several religious movements. Its modern branches, along with those of other Abrahamic faiths – Islam and Christianity – share common traits, beliefs, and values. Jewish belief centers on a covenant relationship between God and God’s people, the descendant of Abraham, which is based on a religion of strict observance of the Torah, or Law of Moses. There are three main branches of Judaism, Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox, all of which share a common textual and ethical foundation.
The Bible
The core of the Jewish faith is expressed in the Bible, which includes both Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. The Hebrew Bible includes the Torah and five books of the Tanakh: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It also includes the writings of prophets such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. The New Testament is made up of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, plus the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of Paul, and the Letters and Revelation of John.
God in Judaism
The main core belief of Judaism is that there is only one God (the monotheistic aspect). This is a key concept and is expressed in the Shema, a prayer/affirmation expressing faith and trust in God, recited daily by observant Jews. God is considered to be the Creator, Ruler and Overseer of the Universe and of the Jewish people. He is not a distant Creator, however, but an active and present part of the world, and the relationship between God and the people of Israel is an intimate and personal one. Jews believe that the human role is to be a steward and partner of God, to “partner” with God in bringing about a better world.
Judaism and the World
Judaism teaches that humans have a moral obligation to make the world a better place. It teaches that there is a moral obligation to treat others with kindness and respect, to act responsibly to the environment, and to work towards the betterment of society. It also teaches that we have a responsibility to seek peace and justice, to act out against oppression and injustice, and to promote respect and understanding between people of different backgrounds. Jews also emphasize charity and participation in communal activities, and the maintenance of strong family values.
Judaism and Other Faiths
Judaism holds that while there are many religious paths, only the covenant relationship that God established with the Jewish people is valid and binding. Jews have a long history of respect and tolerance for other faiths, and believe that the differences between religions can be a source of growth and understanding. It is also important to remember that Judaism does not proselytize, that is, it does not actively seek to convert others to its faith. Respect for the beliefs and practices of others is a cornerstone of the Jewish faith.
Jewish Rituals and Practices
One of the core expressions of Jewish faith is ritual and observance. Observant Jews follow the traditional practices of their faith, such as observing the Sabbath, celebrating holidays, and attending temple or synagogue services. Jewish law, or halacha, defines what is permitted and forbid-den within the practice of Judaism and particular practices are designed to bring Jews closer to God and to the fulfillment of His purpose. Certain customs, such as keeping kosher, are also a part of Jewish religious practice.
Jewish Peoplehood
Jewish peoplehood is a concept that reflects the responsibility that Jews have to each other, to God, and to the Jewish people as a whole. It emphasizes not only the shared history and culture of Jews, but also the shared values embedded within the tradition. These include the commitment to peaceful living, charity, justice, the pursuit of knowledge, and the fulfillment of the religious and ethical principles of the faith.
Jewish Observance and Holidays
Jews observe special holidays, both traditional and modern. The most well-known holiday, Passover, is celebrated with a special seder meal, where Jews retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Other holidays include Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Additionally, the weekly Sabbath, or Shabbat, is an important observance in Judaism, when Jews take time to rest, reflect, and celebrate the day of rest.
Rabbinic Judaism
Rabbinic Judaism is the practice of Judaism as passed down through the generations by rabbis and scholars within a formal tradition of study and interpretation of texts. It is the practice of the 613 commandments remembered in the Torah and the Talmud. Though interpretations and application of the laws have varied over time and among different sects, all rabbis have sought to uphold the authenticity and the spirit of the laws laid down in the Talmud and in other written texts.
Jewish Theology
Jewish theology reveals a belief that humanity has a role to play in the divine plan, and it emphasizes love of those in need and justice for the disenfranchised. It also shows a commitment to hope and to optimism in the face of adversity, and to the accountability that comes with being a part of a covenantal relationship with God. The study of Jewish theology also focuses on the concept of Chosenness, that Jews have been Chosen by God as a special people with a unique purpose in life and in the world. This sense of Chosenness helps to support and shape Jewish identity and culture.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism is a movement that emphasizes a modern expression of the Jewish faith and its belief in modern enlightened values. Reform Jews place great importance on personal autonomy and responsibility, and seek to meet the spiritual needs of individuals through a thoughtful and relevant interpretation of tradition and culture. Reform Jews embrace the inclusion of all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or background, and they also strongly emphasize ethical monotheism and social justice.
Conservative Judaism
Conservatism is a movement that seeks to maintain Jewish continuity and faithfulness to traditional Jewish law, while at the same time providing a stimulating and relevant interpretation of Judaism suitable to the modern world. Conservative Jews are committed to a thoughtful, balanced combination of both the traditional and modern, and to helping individuals find meaningful connections to the Jewish faith. Unlike Reform Jews, Conservative Jews typically view Jewish law as binding and essential to Jewish practice.
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism is a movement that emphasizes strict adherence to Jewish law and traditional religious practice. It is the most traditional of the three branches of Judaism, and is committed to observance of the 613 laws of the Torah as well as rabbinic interpretations of these laws. Orthodox Judaism is often divided into three subcategories: Modern Orthodox, Ultra Orthodox, and Hasidic. Orthodox Jews are typically more observant than those in the other two branches, and the observance of religious law is central to their faith.
