What is Judaism?
Judaism is one of the oldest living religions in the world. It is an Abrahamic religion based on the relationship between God and Jewish people. Judaism began in the Middle East at least 3,500 years ago and is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. Jews believe that there is one God, and that God created the world and continues to be involved in the daily lives of people. Judaism also emphasizes rituals, observances, and traditions that foster connections between the individual and God, between fellow Jews, and between other people.
Core Beliefs of Judaism
At the core of Judaism is the belief in the One and Only living Creator, a belief strengthened by the vast evidence of God’s presence in nature. The Torah, or Hebrew Bible, is the primary source of all Jewish beliefs, informing concepts such as mitzvot, tikkun olam, and guiding how an ethical life should be lived. The Torah also serves as the blueprint for the spiritual and physical Temple in Jerusalem, a sacred space where Jews can commune with their Maker.
Judaism’s major core beliefs include the oneness of God, the absolute law-giving authority of the Torah, the prophecy of Moses, and the practice of a moral and disciplined lifestyle. In addition, the religion of Judaism focuses on particular goals such as the union of all Jews (or Jews and Gentiles) in accepting a common mission to perfect the world for God. These goals serve as a source of inspiration for those passionate about their faith, and those inspired by their work for the common good.
Jewish Principle of Mitzvot
Mitzvot are the foundation of Jewish religious observance. This term refers to both the positive and negative obligations of Jews to uphold the commandments of the Torah. Generally speaking, mitzvot involve following laws of purity and holiness, giving charity, being grateful and loving one another, and of course, observing Shabbat (the Sabbath) and the holidays. This emphasis on living by divine law and religion is a distinguishing feature of Jews, and is something that is shared by most followers of the Jewish faith.
These core beliefs are derived primarily from the Torah, Deuteronomy or Moses, the first five books of the Bible, which contains legal instructions and profound ethical insights. But mitzvot does not require adherence to the written word only but also to the oral tradition, which is an important part of Jewish law and tradition.
Concept of Messianic Redemption
Within Judaism, a messianic era is the belief that a perfect world in which suffering and warfare are no more will one day come about. It is the belief in a personal messiah, a descendant of King David, who will reverse the conditions of exile and usher in an age of perfection. This ultimate redemption will be proclaimed by the Messiah, restoring the house of David and Jews to their rightful before the diaspora and enslaving by other nations. Jews possess a quintessential hope that this Redemption would bring with it boundless love and joy to the world.
This concept is closely tied to the Jewish belief in an eternal covenant between the Jews and God, with the Messiah being a redeemer. As central as it is to Judaism, the concept of messianic redemption is unique to the Jewish history, flavor and culture. It is an integral part of the Jewish evolution, serving as the foundation of our collective faith.
Life After Death: Olam Ha-Ba
Judaism also emphasizes a belief in life after death, referred to as Olam Ha-Ba (The World to Come). Judaism teaches that once we have completed the tasks assigned to us in life and have gone through our natural lifespan, we will be rewarded with eternal bliss in the afterlife. This afterlife is the ultimate destination for all Jews and the ultimate reward for a good life here on earth.
The world to come is not a physical place. Rather, it is an ethereal realm of spiritual union in which the physical world – death, pain, sorrow and poverty – are eliminated. In its place will be an eternity of joy and peace. Here, the righteous will be rewarded with the highest form of spiritual knowledge, the ability to commune with God directly, and everlasting peace.
Belief in the Rebirth of the House of David
Members of the Jewish faith believe in the rebirth of the house of David, meaning the restoration of the Jewish kingdom and more importantly the physical return of Jews from their exile. Jews are also nearly unanimously in hope that, in due time, the Messiah will come and usher in a new era of peace and harmony among all of humanity. The belief that one day all the promises of the Torah will be fulfilled, is a fundamental belief among Jews.
Furthermore, Jews inherently believe that all of their suffering for the sake of their beliefs will one day be resolved by their heavenly redeemer. This belief, that a Jewish kingdom will be re-established on earth, is a major source of hope and inspiration for Jews.
Rituals and Customs of Judaism
The rituals and customs of Judaism are varied and wide ranging. From the Sabbath and High Holidays to the rituals associated with food, marriage, and mourning, Judaism is a very traditional faith with a variety of different customs and customs. Such rituals help reinforce the core beliefs of Judaism and also act to bring unity and identity to the Jewish people.
Rituals such as Shabbat, the traditional celebration of the Sabbath, are an integral part of Jewish observance, as are the 8 days of Hanukkah and traditional Passover Seders. Other rituals like tefillin and mezuzot fulfill a religious function, while mitzvahs, charitable giving and even blessings over food strengthen individual bonds between God, fellow Jews, and all of mankind.
Conclusion
When all is said and done, the core beliefs of Judaism are centered around the relationship between God and the Jewish people. Judaism places great emphasis on moral behavior and being a good neighbor, as well as on ritual observances and practices that bring Jews closer to the divine. These religious obligations are the basis of Jewish day-to-day living and have helped shape the world-view of Jews since the days of Abraham, leading many to look for their ultimate redemption in the Messianic era, and the hope of a more perfect world.
