History of Judaism
Judaism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, with roots stretching back more than three millennia to the Middle East. According to the Hebrew Bible, Judaism was first established by Abraham around 1800 BCE. In the centuries since, Judaism has adapted and evolved to remain a vibrant and thriving faith. It is estimated that there are currently around 14 million Jews in the world, with the largest concentrations living in Israel, the United States, and France.
The basis of Judaism is the belief in one God, known as YHWH or Adonai, and the practice of following Halacha, the Jewish legal system. This is rooted in the Hebrew Bible, which contains the Five Books of Moses and books of the Prophets, and is supplemented by the Talmud, a collection of religious and ethical teachings. The Talmud is composed of two parts: the Mishnah, which presents teachings from rabbis during the early to mid-third century CE, and the Gemara, which contains later rabbinical Commentaries and intense discussion of rabbinic disputes.
Judaism is traditionally divided into three categories: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. Orthodox Judaism is the original form and maintains the most stringent standards of practice, including restrictions on diet, clothing and social interaction. Conservative Judaism incorporates more modern values while still adhering to core principles of Jewish law. Reform Judaism is the most flexible and progressive, taking into consideration current societal values and norms while still emphasizing Jewish identity.
The cornerstone of Judaism is the ancient covenant with God, who promised the Jewish people a prosperous homeland in exchange for adhering to His laws. This basis is reflected in the traditional Jewish prayer “Shema Yisrael” which begins: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This message of belief in a single God is further expressed in the Ten Commandments and is the foundation of most of the religious laws that the Jewish people abide by.
Judaism is a faith infused with ritual and practice, from prayers, holidays and ceremonies, to dietary rules and the concept of teshuva (repentance). These Biblically-mandated practices are intended to help one draw closer to God and ultimately allow one to learn more deeply about life and the universe. They are also designed to constantly remind one of one’s relationship with God and duties to one’s fellow man.
Judaism has survived and prospered for centuries despite countless challenges, from inquisitions and discrimination, to the destruction of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem. Today, Jews still share an unshakeable faith rooted in their ancient covenant with God and a never ending dedication to serve their Creator and to discuss how to bring God’s “light” to the world.
Values of Judaism
At the heart of Judaism is a commitment to ethical behavior based on the principles of justice and righteousness. The Jewish laws encourage individuals to act in ways that benefit both themselves and their communities by cultivating self-discipline and strong character. Jewish morality is rooted in the notion that all humans have an eternal spiritual essence and have been endowed with divine traits of justice, mercy, and peace.
Central to those values are the concepts of chesed (kindness) and gemilut hasadim (acts of loving-kindness). This ethical system is expressed in the teachings of the prophets, which are re-emphasized in the rabbinic commentaries that tell Jews to do “justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.”
The Shabbat, or Sabbath, is another core value of Judaism. On the seventh day of each week, Jews are commanded to rest, reflect and reconnect with God. The Shabbat is a day of joy and peace, when one can take a break from the busyness of daily life and reconnect with one’s spiritual center. Higher forms of these values involve contemplation, prayer and study of Jewish texts, so that one can gain a greater understanding of the divine laws.
Other values of Judaism involve philanthropy and concern for the welfare of others. This is expressed in the concept of tzedakah, which obligates all Jews to share their wealth and resources, and the expectation of all Jews to act as charitable, upright citizens.
The chosen people of Israel have a special connection to God inherent in all of His teachings, and as part of this connection, Jews strive to uphold the highest ethical standards of behavior both within and outside of the Jewish community.
Beliefs in Judaism
For Jews, faith is expressed in the Ten Commandments, which summarize the core precepts of belief in one God. This belief is supplemented by a rich tradition of prayer, ritual observance, and storytelling that has evolved over the thousands of years since the first Jewish patriarchs.
At the heart of Jewish faith is the notion of tzimtzum, a belief that the universe was created for a purpose, by God, and that He guides and governs it. This means that the natural laws that God has set in place are subject to change as He deems necessary. The Jewish view is also that humans were created as a reflection of God’s image and were given unique responsibilities to fulfill.
This notion of divine purpose is expressed in Jewish holidays, which celebrate the miracles that God has performed and the spiritual moments in which He has revealed Himself. The most important of these is the Sabbath, the day of rest and contemplation set aside each week to recognize God and his creation.
Jewish faith is also marked by its emphasis on redemption, with the belief that the Prophet Elijah will one day return to herald the coming of the Messiah and establish a time of universal peace and justice. In the meantime, Jews focus on living an ethical life, following the Jewish laws, and hope that their good deeds will eventually bring about the Messiah.
Giving in Judaism
One of the most important practices in Judaism is giving. According to Jewish law, it is a mitzvah, or commanded, to contribute to charity. The Hebrew term for charity is tzedakah, which literally means “justice,” and the etymology of the word suggests that the giver is doing an act of justice when providing those in need with what they need. Tzedakah goes beyond merely giving money, however, and includes acts of kindness, welcoming guests, and being generous in general.
There are a variety of categories of giving that fall under the umbrella of tzedakah, including supporting educational opportunities for students and helping to create employment opportunities for people in need. The main types of giving in Judaism are:
- Gemilut hasadim (acts of loving-kindness)
- Kuppah (providing garments for the poor)
- Tzedakah (charitable giving)
- Maaser (tithing – setting aside 10% of income for charitable works)
- Mosser (paying a tax to support the Temple)
- Hachnasat Orchim (welcoming guests)
Jews have a long history of generosity and charitable giving, and this is seen in both the Jewish culture and religious practices. Furthermore, while giving can be a daunting task, many Jews believe that it ultimately brings us closer to God and helps us to become a better person.
Rituals in Judaism
Rituals are an important part of Judaism as they symbolize the core beliefs and observances of the Jewish faith. These rituals provide an opportunity for Jews to connect spiritually with their faith, as well as express their relationship with God. They can also serve as a conduit for remembrance and education, as the stories and symbolism behind each ritual can be shared with the wider Jewish community.
The most well-known rituals include religious observances such as Shabbat, kashrut (the dietary laws), and prayer services. Other rituals include circumcision as a baby, Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a young adult, and traditional wedding and funeral ceremonies. There are also rituals to mark the major Jewish holidays, such as Pesach (Passover) and Rosh Hashanah (New Year).
Additionally, there are rituals that have evolved over time, such as the mezuzah, the tefillin, and the blowing of the shofar. The mezuzah is a small case containing verses from the Torah and is affixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home. The tefillin consists of two black leather boxes containing verses from the Torah that are worn on the arm and forehead during morning prayers. Lastly, the shofar is a ram’s horn that is sounded on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and other holy days.
By performing rituals and religious observances, Jews feel a strong connection to the Jewish faith and the traditions that were introduced centuries ago. They also serve as a reminder of the covenant between God and the Jewish people and bestow upon Jews a sense of inner peace, joy and fulfillment.
Conclusion on Judaism
Judaism is a faith based on a covenant between God and the Jewish people, with a set of laws and rituals that have been passed down through the ages. At its foundation, Judaism is centered around the belief in one God and the commandments associated with this faith. Values such as social justice and charity are emphasized, and rituals are performed to connect with God and to communicate with the divine. These observances and beliefs form the basis of Judaism, a religion that has stood the test of time and continues to be alive and well in the twenty-first century.
