Judaism as one of the Three Abrahamic Religions
Judaism, along with Christianity and Islam, is considered one of the three Abrahamic religions. This means that they share the same prophet, Abraham, and their core beliefs are rooted in the stories and history of the Hebrew Bible; however, their interpretations and development are distinct. Jews believe in a single, equivalent God and hold sacred text in their holy book, the Torah, which is also known as the Hebrew Bible, written in Hebrew. Judaism has a remarkably rich history, full of significant changes and sects, but many of the classical beliefs are still held strong and practiced across Jewish communities.
Prevalence of Judaism
Judaism is commonly known as the oldest of the three Abrahamic faiths and although the exact number of adherents is unknown, it is estimated that less than 1% of the world’s population presently practice this faith. Traditional Judaism holds that a Jew is either born to a Jewish family or undergoes conversion to become a member of the faith. The exact number of Jews varies significantly depending on how ‘Jewishness’ is defined and who is considered a practicing Jew. Currently, there are estimated to be between 13 and 15 million Jews across the world, and these numbers are rising due to growing numbers in Israel, the United States and Europe.
History of Judaism
Judaism is believed to have developed in the Middle East around 4,000 years ago and is closely linked to the creation of the State of Israel. Abraham is traditionally regarded as the father of Judaism and changed the religious landscape when he proclaimed monotheism, or the belief in a single, unitary deity. Abraham’s three sons produced the tribal lines of Israel and Judaism. The Ten Commandments, delivered by Moses to the Jews after escaping from Egyptian enslavement, form the moral and legal foundation of modern Judaism.
Judaism’s Influence
As the oldest of the three major monotheistic faiths, many basic concepts found in Christianity and Islam have their roots in Judaism. Key concepts shared by the three religions include the concept of a single God, the importance of prayer and repentance, the significance of the Sabbath and other holidays, the centrality of justice and righteousness, ethical monotheism, and the practice of tithing. Jewish influences can be found in other religions as well, especially in Europe, where many pagan holidays have been replaced by Christian holidays, resulting in many Jews converting to Christianity while maintaining some distinctively Jewish practices.
Social Aspects
The rich culture of Judaism is one of the major sources of pride for many Jewish people. Judaism places a strong emphasis on hospitality and generosity, where helping others less fortunate is considered a religious obligation. The Jewish people also practice the concept of shmirat ha-homot, or guarding one’s tongue, which encourages members of the community to speak with respect and courtesy. Additionally, education is held in high regard and literacy is especially stressed, with a great emphasis placed on study and the pursuit of knowledge.
Contemporary Judaism
In recent years, the practice of Judaism has become more diverse, with traditional Judaism being practiced in many different forms. The most common forms of Judaism today are Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. Reform Judaism is the most liberal of the three and emphasizes greater equality between genders, a greater emphasis on ethics, and slightly modified forms of Jewish practices. Conservative Judaism is an intermediary form that looks to maintain traditional Jewish practices, a greater role for women and a balance between the ancient and modern. Finally, Orthodox Judaism maintains ancient Jewish practices and beliefs with adherence to Halakha, or Jewish religious law.
Organizational Structures
Various organizations have been established to help promote and sustain the global Jewish community. The largest of these organizations is the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations, which currently has more than 1,100 synagogues and rabbis in more than 35 countries. Additionally, The World Union for Progressive Judaism provides an international platform to promote the Reform and Humanistic movement in the Jewish faith, while the Central Conference of American Rabbis focuses on education, activism, outreach and publishing resources related to Jewish life.
Synagogues and Jewish Centers
Judaism is essentially community-based and places a great emphasis on congregational life. Synagogues, or Jewish houses of worship, are an integral part of the Jewish faith. Synagogues typically hold classes, prayer services, and youth and adult education activities. These community centers provide a place for members of the faith to gather, celebrate important festivals and holidays, discuss and debate important issues, and maintain a sense of unity and connection.
Impact on Other Cultures
Judaism has had a significant impact on many cultures across the globe. The Ten Commandments are still widely accepted as a moral foundation regardless of faith, and many scholarly works from the period remain very influential. The concepts of ethical monotheism and the idea that humans have an inalienable right to divine justice, have also helped shape and transform ethical codes across the world. Furthermore, Jewish generations have often been credited for their contributions to the fields of law, finance and economics, and medicine, among other disciplines.
Modern Governments and Judaism
While the secular world has more or less accepted Judaism, many countries remain fiercely opposed to it. In some countries, such as Iran and Iraq, Judaism is banned by law. In other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Judaism is still not recognized as an official religion, yet many Jewish people are allowed to practice it in various religious centers. Alternative forms of Judaism, such as Reform and Conservative, have been gaining popularity, and have been gaining acceptance in many countries due to their relatively liberal views and practices.
Recent Movements for Advocacy
In recent years, the practice of Judaism has gained a global voice, with activists and advocates striving to protect and legitimize rights for Jews in every corner of the world. Organizations such as the World Jewish Congress, the Jewish Federations of North America, the Anti Defamation League, and B’nai B’rith International are all working to combat anti-Semitism and protect the rights of Jews. Additionally, many initiatives across the globe are being undertaken to encourage the integration of Jews while still promoting the preservation of the faith.
Modern Representation in Media
The Jewish faith and culture have been widely represented in various mediums such as television, films, books and art. Many prominent actors, directors and writers such as Dustin Hoffman, Woody Allen, Roman Polanski and Naomi Klein are Jewish and their creative works have profoundly impacted our global culture. Additionally, several prominent politicians, musicians and athletes such as Bernie Sanders, Bob Dylan and Tzipi Livni are Jewish, embracing their faith and using it to propel their career and unify people through their success.
Arguments and Debates in Judaism
Though the exact percentage of Jews in the world today is unknown, there is no doubt that the practice of Judaism has helped shape and define our world today. As a faith and culture, Judaism continues to foster debates and disagreements which are integral to its development. While some argue in favor of the traditional values of Orthodox Judaism, many others focus on promoting progressive forms of the faith that embrace modern ways of living while still retaining their core values. Ultimately, these debates are necessary for the faith to continue to grow and progress.
