Overview of Judaism
Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion founded in the Hebrew Bible and is considered to be one of the first and oldest world religions. It is the faith and practice of Jews, and has significantly influenced Christianity and Islam. Judaism has over 33 million adherents around the world, and is primarily located in Israel and the United States. Jewish law, practice and culture are based on the Torah, which is divided into the Written Torah (written in the Tanakh) and the Oral Torah.
God, Torah and Mitzvot
At the core of Jewish belief is the idea that one God created the universe and is sovereign over all life and creation. In addition to this belief in an omnipotent, omniscient and infinite God, Judaism also holds that He is the source of morality, life, and holiness. Additionally, Judaism attributes to God distinct personality traits such as loving-kindness, justice and truth.
The Torah or written law is considered by Jews to be divinely revealed by God himself, and lays out the laws, customs and beliefs of the people. This is believed to be an ongoing process of revelation, in which all of life is considered to be sacred. The mitzvot or commandments, taught through the Torah, are Judaism’s unique contribution to ethical monotheism. Jewish tradition divides the 613 mitzvot into 248 positive commandments and 365 prohibitions.
Hebrew Bible and Talmud
The Hebrew Bible, known as the Tanakh, is the primary source of religious tradition and ethics within Judaism. This sacred text is made up of 24 books, and is divided into three parts: the Torah, the Nevi’im and the Ketuvim.
The Talmud, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara, are the second and third most important written texts in Judaism. The Talmud encompasses a variety of legal and ethical teachings as well as a large amount of exegetical material on the Bible.
The Holidays of Judaism
The three major holidays in the Jewish calendar are Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. These holidays are traditionally celebrated with the eating of special foods, the singing of religious songs, and the exchange of gifts. Other important holidays are the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
The Jewish calendar is based on a lunar cycle and spans approximately 360 days in length, meaning that it is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by approximately 11 days per year. This is taken into account when determining when to observe holidays, with some holidays falling earlier each year than in the previous one.
Jewish Peoplehood, Zionism, and the State of Israel
The concept of a peoplehood is central to the idea of Judaism. Jews worldwide have a common identity and shared experiences that transcend geographical and political boundaries. This binds the Jewish people together and is expressed through language, history, family, and common beliefs and customs.
Zionism is a political movement that seeks to establish a Jewish homeland in the Land of Israel. It combines Jewish identity, nationalism, and religious ideals in a modern statehood. Many Jews believe that the return of the Jewish people to their homeland is the fulfillment of divine will, and is an essential part of their identity.
The modern State of Israel was founded in 1948 and is the only country in the world officially established to meet the needs of the Jewish people. It encompasses much of the land of the biblical Israel and is home to the majority of the world’s Jews.
Jewish Law, Ethics and Morality
Judaism is based on the Halakhah, which is the set of both practical and spiritual laws governing Jewish life. Jewish law is divided into four categories: “Laws of the Heart”, “Laws of Behavior”, “Laws of Society”, and “Laws of Ritual”. The primary sources of Jewish law are the Written and Oral Torah, which are seen as divinely revealed. Commandments and prohibitions contained in the Written Torah are understood as being eternal and always relevant, while those contained in the Oral Torah are considered to be applicable in the specific historical and geographical context in which they were given.
Judaism is rooted in ethical monotheism, which obligates its adherents to uphold principles of justice, charity, kindness, and respect for life. This ethic is based upon the teachings of prophets such as Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah and is expressed through such practices as prayer, study, and meditation. The concept of Tikun Olam (repair of the world) is a central principle in Judaism and implies that it is through righteous behavior that the world can be healed and perfected.
Kashrut and the Dietary Laws of Judaism
Kashrut is the set of dietary laws in Judaism. It requires adherence to a system of labeling and preparing food so that it meets stringent standards of purity. This system helps to ensure that the food is properly salted, drained, and heated before it is eaten. For example, milk and milk products must not be eaten with meat, and only certain species of fish are permissible to consume.
Adherence to Kashrut is based on the belief that food must be not only nutritious, but also holy. Eating food that has been prepared and served in accordance with these principles is seen as an act of self-purification and discipline. The laws of Kashrut are intended to help maintain a holy and pure lifestyle and to remind Jews of the need to remember and thank God for the blessings of life.
The Rabbinical Courts in Judaism
The Rabbinical courts, known as the Bet Din, are the religious courts of the State of Israel and serve as the official arbiters of religious law. The Bet Din is charged with adjudicating family law, criminal law, and financial disputes. Its decisions are recognized as part of the civil authority in the country and are binding on Jewish citizens.
The Bet Din is made up of a panel of three rabbis who are knowledgeable in matters of Halakha, or Jewish law. The Bet Din is responsible for passing judgments on matters such as disputes between family members, financial issues between individuals, and the legal status of conversion. The Bet Din also ensures that the laws of Kashrut are observed in businesses and restaurants.
Jewish Education and the Study of Torah
The primary purpose of Jewish education is to pass on the teachings of the Torah to the next generation. Schools, synagogues, and religious academies provide young people with an introduction to Jewish heritage, values, and culture as well as knowledge of the Hebrew language, Torah interpretation and other religious texts. Education can also vary depending on the geographic region and family background, with some offering additional instruction in prayer, rabbinics, or international Jewish history.
The study of the Torah is an integral part of Jewish life and is meant to be a lifelong pursuit. Many Jews read and study the Torah on their own or participate in organized classes or in family settings. The study of Torah also serves as a communal activity, with groups of worshippers gathering to discuss and analyze the text. Additionally, it is considered a spiritual act for individuals, with some studying to enhance their own personal connection to God, faith, and goodness.
Synagogues and the Role of Prayer in Judaism
Synagogues are the spiritual and social centers of Jewish life. They serve as the primary gathering places for community prayer, study, consultation, and celebration. Synagogues also organize educational and social programs and are often the center of a community’s religious observances.
The role of prayer in Judaism is to bring Jews closer to God and help to reinforce their faith and connection to Him. Prayer can take many forms, including traditional liturgical prayers said in synagogues and private prayers that individuals can recite on their own. The most important prayers recited in the synagogue are the Shema, Amidah, and kaddish.
Life Cycle Events, Rituals and Customs
Judaism celebrates important life transitions such as birth, marriage, and death. These events are marked through rituals and customs that often have ancient and religious origins.
The traditional ritual surrounding birth includes naming and circumcision, while marriage includes the rite of Kiddushin and a religious ceremony in the synagogue. Similarly, death is marked by a variety of rites, such as the preparation of a Jewish funeral, the reciting of the Kaddish prayer, and the burial in a Jewish cemetery.
In addition to these major life cycle events, Jews also observe a variety of holidays such as Hanukkah and Purim, as well as daily customs such as the lighting of a Sabbath candle or the placement of a mezuzah on the door frame of the home.
Jewish Mysticism, Chassidism and Spirituality
Judaism encompasses a range of diverse religious practices and beliefs, including mysticism. Drawing upon theological and metaphysical aspects of religious study, Jewish mystical tradition offers a unique spiritual path. This path puts an emphasis on the individual’s direct relationship with God and is expressed through meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
The main source of Jewish mysticism is the Zohar, which is a religious text written in the 2nd century that explores concepts such as the divine mastery of the universe, the power of prayer, and the cosmic relationship between the human soul and the divine.
In the 18th century, the Chassidic movement began in reaction to what it perceived as the overly cerebral focus of traditional rabbinic Judaism. Chassidism puts an emphasis on joy and passionate worship of God through prayer and devotion. The teachings of the Chassidic movement have exerted a powerful influence on modern Jewish religious thought and practice.
