History and Formation of Judaism
Judaism is a monotheistic religion based on the Torah, a set of sacred texts and teachings thought to be given by God to the ancient Israelites more than 3,000 years ago. Judaism is the oldest Abrahamic religion, the world’s oldest living faith. It is believed that the founder of this faith is Abraham, who believed in one God, Jehovah or Yahweh, above all else. The teachings of Judaism focus on a relationship between God and the Jewish people and on observance of Jewish Law. Jewish Law is found in the Torah, which is divided into three parts: the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), the books of the prophets, and writings.
Judaism is closely associated with the Jews, who trace their ancestry to Abraham. Jews make up a significant proportion of the world’s population and are considered to be the first nation to have accepted monotheism as the basis of its belief system. The influence of Judaism is evident in many world religions. Christianity, for example, stems from Abraham’s teachings; its adherents gradually embraced monotheism.
Judaism is unified in its basic belief system and its core set of laws, but the religion has four major branches: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist. Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional form, while Reform and Conservative practices are more modern and liberal. The Reconstructionist branch is the most progressive, in that it looks to the future while still preserving the core principles of traditional Judaism.
Practices and Beliefs
Jewish people practice a variety of rituals throughout the year, based on the calendar of religious festivals. This calendar is designed to ensure that the Jewish people are aware of their ancestry and that they maintain a link with their past. Jewish families are traditionally bound by dietary laws, which dictate the kinds of food that may be eaten.
Many of the laws and rituals in Judaism have a spiritual or ethical component, and are intended to cultivate a sense of holiness and awe. Mitzvot, which can be loosely translated as ‘good deeds’, are commandments or commandments that God has commanded the Jewish people to observe, as well as to appreciate the rituals and traditions of the Jewish faith. Examples of mitzvot include Shabbat, the weekly tradition of gathering for prayer, study, and celebration; the setting aside of tithes; the giving of charity; and blessings.
Fundamental to Judaism is the belief in one God and the worship of this God. This one God is often referred to as the ‘God of Israel’, while in some traditions He is referred to as ‘God’. Worship of God, or an acceptance of God’s authority, is the basis of Jewish spiritual life and is expressed through prayer, study and observance of the mitzvot. Prayers typically include praise of God, as well as requests and supplications.
Jewish Symbolism and Objects
Jewish symbolism traditionally includes the menorah, a seven-armed candelabra associated with the Jewish people and the state of Israel. Other recognizable symbols include the Magen David, or Seal of Solomon. This seal is composed of two triangles, symbolically representing the relationship between God, Israel, and the temple, and is commonly seen on Israeli coins and postage stamps.
The tallit, or prayer shawl, is also significant in Judaism. Worn during times of prayer and sometimes during non-religious occasions, this four-cornered garment is traditionally made of wool and has fringes called tzitzit sometimes threaded through it. Besides its spiritual significance, this garment is also sometimes used to identify a person as Jewish, as it is visible in some public spaces allegedly indicating the wearer’s faith.
The Star of David is a hexagram, composed of two interlocking, overlapping triangles. It is associated with the faith of Judaism, and is sometimes used as an ethnic or religious symbol. The Star is also the symbol of the state of Israel.
Influence of Judaism
The impact of Judaism has spanned centuries and encompassed numerous cultures, countries and populations, and it has been instrumental in shaping many of the world’s religions. Judaism has been credited with influencing the development of Christianity, Islam and other religions. Furthermore, its emphasis on ethics, justice and compassion has been echoed in social movements throughout the centuries.
In the arts, Judaism has been cited as an influence in many creative works. While stereotypes of the Jew have existed throughout history, the culture and customs of Judaism—such as the food, music, holidays and festivals—have been used to create works of art, literature and photography. The influence of Judaism can also be seen in medical and scientific discoveries, as well as advances in technology.
Preservation and Anti-Semitism
Preservation is the primary goal of Judaism, and anti-Semitism, or prejudice and discrimination against Jews, is firmly rejected by most adherents. Jews have suffered discrimination for centuries and have been threatened with genocide in orders to “purify” a certain ethnic or religious group.
Today, Jews face many forms of prejudice throughout the world and continue to take steps to ensure the preservation of their faith and culture. Jewish leaders and organizations are leading the charge in this effort, with a focus on improving religious freedoms, education, interfaith dialogue, cultural awareness and mutual respect. Through a combination of preservation activities, education and advocacy, Jews continue to advocate for religious freedom and improved tolerance.
Revival: Zionism and the State of Israel
The Zionist movement, which sought the political and cultural revival of the Jewish people, began in the late 19th century and achieved success with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. This “return to Israel” has become a key feature of many Jews’ religious identity, and is seen as the fulfillment of the promises of the Torah and other prophetic visions.
The State of Israel has become a symbol of Jewish triumph and identity, but it has also brought about divisions between Israel’s citizens and other Jewish communities around the world. These divisions can be seen in disagreements over religious or culture, the interpretation of scripture and various political issues. Nevertheless, many Jews from around the world consider Israel to be the spiritual and physical home of the Jewish people.
Conclusion of Jewish Beliefs
There are many religious, political and cultural aspects to Judaism and Jewish life that are distinctive. At its core, however, Judaism is built on the belief in one God and the practice of ethical, moral and social behavior through the observance of Jewish law. This law is designed to ensure the preservation of Jewish faith, culture and identity and to provide an example of how to live ethically.
The history of Judaism is long and varied, but its core tenets—such as the belief in one God and the observance of Jewish Law—have been a source of comfort and faith to Jews for thousands of years. This faith has proven to be strong and resilient in the face of oppression and discrimination, and in the present dayJews continue to strive for the preservation of their faith, culture and identity.
