History
Judaism is a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion and an ancient cultural tradition, with its spiritual and ethical values rooted in the text of the Hebrew Bible and later rabbinic interpretations. It is often called “the religion of the Jewish people” or, in Hebrew, “Y’hudah” which means “The Praise of the Lord”. It has long been considered by many to be the foundational faith that laid the foundation for many of today’s highest moral virtues.
Judaism originated in what is now the Middle East, in the tribal regions of ancient Israel, some 3,300 years ago. This area is now divided between Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories. It is believed that the original Torah was revealed to the ancient Israelite tribes by Moses on Mount Sinai.
Most scholars believe that Judaism has had a continuous lineage from ancient Israelites, through the Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BCE, to modern-day Jews, who were part of two major diasporas — from the Roman Empire in the 4th century CE and from Muslim-dominated Arab lands in the 20th century. The Western Wall in Jerusalem has long been the holiest Jewish site for prayer and pilgrimage.
Beliefs
Judaism is based on the understanding of the one God — known in Hebrew as Elohim — and His relationship with the universe and humanity. The notion of ethics as a central part of Judaism was developed by earlier prophets, such as Moses and Abraham, who taught the importance of being ethical and just in all behavior.
The fundamental beliefs of Judaism revolve around the idea of a covenant, or a binding agreement, between God and the people of Israel. One of the primary teachings of Jewish faith is that humans are created in God’s image and are thus responsible for honoring and reflecting that image by their words and deeds.
The primary source of Jewish law is the Torah, which contains 613 commandments. These commandments embrace social, ethical, and religious obligations, ranging from everyday acts of kindness and mercy to the Sabbath and festival observances. The Torah also contains many moral and theological teachings, including the Ten Commandments, which lists the laws of ethical conduct and worship.
Practices
In Jewish practice, prayer and study are considered primary religious activities. Prayer in Judaism is performed multiple times a day, shabbat being the most important day for prayer. Men and women often attend separate prayer services. Customs vary by community, but the primary goal is to connect the individual with God and their community.
The synagogue, or Bet Midrash, is the primary place of worship in Judaism. It is similar to a church, but without an altar or priests. Synagogue worship includes prayer and the reading of Scripture.
Other Jewish practices are circumcision, the bar mitzvah for boys, the bat mitzvah for girls, and various seasonal festivals, such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Philosophy
Judaism emphasizes the importance of recognizing an obligation to altruism and charity, promoting mercy, justice and social justice. Jewish philosophy espouses the concepts of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (charity) and encourages people to pursue holiness and justice in all aspects of life and to cultivate an attitude of respect, compassion, and goodwill towards all humans.
Jewish philosophy is uniquely rooted in the ethical monotheism of the Biblical prophets and enjoining people to love their neighbor, treat all people with dignity, and pursue peace. The Talmud describes three mitzvot (commandments) that are essential for human existence and well-being: love of God, the love of fellow human beings, and the study and observance of the Torah.
Cultural Impact
Throughout its history, Judaism has had a huge influence on modern culture. Many aspects of modern morality have been influenced and shaped by Jewish thought, including concepts such as justice, mercy, and the Golden Rule.
Judaism has also had a major influence on literature, art and architecture, particularly with regards to synagogue construction and worship. Judaic symbols and biblical stories can be found in many Western works and symbols, including literature, music, and paintings.
Furthermore, many aspects of Jewish culture have had a large impact on modern politics — from the establishment of the modern state of Israel to the recognition of human rights. The Declaration of Independence of the United States was heavily based on the philosophy from the Torah.
Role of the Rabbis
The central figures in Jewish life are the rabbis, who are educated Jewish people charged with teaching and interpreting Jewish law, guiding adherents in all religious matters, and giving spiritual and moral guidance. The rabbi functions as both a religious leader and a community leader.
The rabbis also serve as arbiters on matters of Jewish law, and are responsible for the interpretation and transmission of religious law, tradition, and custom. The rabbis generally act as mediators between God and man.
Rabbis also have an important role in Jewish healing. Rabbis offer spiritual guidance and emotional support to congregants. They guide their congregants through difficult decisions, provide comfort during times of crisis, and provide a safe place for congregants to discuss personal matters.
Judaism and Popular Culture
Jewish culture has become increasingly entwined with popular culture in recent years. From the realm of sports to culinary arts, diverse forms of popular expression of Jewish identity can be found across the world. Jewish music, comedians, and filmmakers often mix traditional Jewish themes and values with popular culture.
Popular Jewish writers and poets are often influenced by their Jewish heritage. Jewish literature reflects the values and heritage of the Jewish tradition through themes of faith, community, justice, and righteousness. Books such as the Bible, the Talmud, the Zohar, the Midrash and many other texts are essential to the Jewish literary aesthetic.
New forms of expression of Jewish identity have become increasingly popular in popular culture. Many movies and television shows, as well as music, feature protagonists and stories with Jewish characters, often highlighting the struggles, successes, and values of Jewish life.
Jewish Communities
Today, there are millions of Jews across the world spread across different communities, each with its own unique customs, languages, and cultures. These include both Orthodox and secular Jews, with Orthodox Jews forming the majority of Jews in many countries.
The largest Jewish communities are found in Israel and the United States, with communities also found in Russia, France, Argentina, and other countries. Many Jews also now live in diaspora, meaning they exist outside their original homeland.
Jewish communities today often come together to celebrate religious holidays, commemorate important events in Jewish history, mark the achievements of Jewish leaders, or simply to socialize and engage in study. They also support each other in times of need or difficulty.
The Future of Judaism
Judaism is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing times, and there is much debate in the Jewish community as to how it should move forward in the 21st century.
Increasingly, Jews from various backgrounds are finding common ground in the practice of their faith, such as keeping kosher, attending synagogue, and finding common spiritual practices. There are also movements to increase awareness of the importance of combating human rights abuses, recognizing the plight of refugees and immigrants, and promoting social justice.
At the same time, emerging technologies are providing new forms of expression for Jewish practice and beliefs. From online prayer services and educational sites, to new mediums for Jewish storytelling, many are adapting the ancient practices and stories to the digital age.
Jewish Education
Jewish education helps to ensure the survival of Judaism by teaching the values, practices, and history of the Jewish faith. Jewish education is done in the home, by attending synagogue services and programs, by studying in yeshivas (religious schools), and through youth groups, camps, and other social and educational activities.
Traditionally, children have received their education from their parents, in the home. The study of religious texts is emphasized in Orthodox Jewish schools. In addition, many non-Orthodox Jewish schools also teach Jewish values, ethics, and culture.
In recent years, Jewish education has become more accessible, with online classes and online Jewish learning materials and tools. This has provided an easier way for Jews living all over the world to access to Jewish education without having to travel to seek out a traditional school or teacher.
