Overview of Judaism
Judaism is the cornerstone of monotheistic religions and one of the oldest world religions. It’s believed to have been founded more than 3,000 years ago by the Hebrew patriarchs, including Abraham and Moses. Judaism is a world-wide faith, with adherents practicing in many different countries. Despite its age, it continues to grow within communities around the globe.
In numbers, Judaism is the 11th-largest religion in the world, with approximately 14-15 million members. 85 percent of adherents live in Israel, the United States, France, or Canada. Jews are the second-largest religious group in the United States, making up 1-2 percent of the population; they are also the third-largest religious group in Europe.
Essence of Judaism
Judaism is both a religion and an ethnic group, and this distinction is important. Historically, Jews are descendants of the tribe of Judah, which inhabited the ancient Kingdom of Judah; today, many Jews trace their ancestry to multiple regions of the world. The essence of Judaism is centered on traditions, beliefs, and teachings, including the belief in an Almighty God and the obligation to observe His teachings, as set forth in the Torah and other Jewish texts.
Judaism centers on the belief in one God, and in doing good deeds based on the Ten Commandments and the 613 Commandments outlined in the Torah. Service to God is seen as a privilege, and Jews strive to observe the holidays, rituals, and laws assigned to them to show their commitment. The spiritual and theological elements of Judaism provide followers with a sense of purpose and comfort.
Major Tenets of Judaism
Judaism holds to five core principles: God is One, God is eternal and unchanging, God is good and rewards those who observe His laws, the Torah is the means of understanding God’s commandments, and the Jewish people have an obligation to study the Torah and follow its teachings.
Moreover, Jewish doctrine consists of two primary texts: the Torah and the Talmud. The Torah is the basis for Jewish faith and practice, and is held to be God’s instructions to the Hebrew people in their exodus from Egypt. The Talmud is the body of Jewish law that develops the interpretation of the Torah. This codification of law endures today in the form of halachah, which governs virtually all aspects of Jewish life.
Finally, Judaism holds as core values, cherishing life and education, compassion, justice, and charity. These values help provide Jews a sense of identity and purpose as they strive to build stronger lives and relationships with others.
History of Judaism
Judaism’s earliest origins are traceable to the patriarch Abraham and his son Isaac; it was then expanded and developed through Moses during the Exodus. Judaism was further shaped during and after the Babylonian captivity in ancient Mesopotamia, when the Torah was composed and redacted.
Today, the various strands of Judaism are divided into two broad categories: Orthodox Judaism and Reform Judaism. Orthodox Judaism is traditional and conservative; it adheres to the traditional interpretation of Jewish law and teachings as laid out in the Talmud and subsequent commentaries. Reform Judaism is focused more on the inclusion of contemporary society within the faith and includes more room for interpretation.
Impact of Judaism in the World
Judaism has had a significant influence on other major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Bahá’í, and some forms of Buddhism. As well as religion, Jewish culture has proven to be an integral part of wider Western culture, influencing philosophy, literature, art, and music.
Judaism has also been a major contributor to scientific thought. Jewish scholars and rabbis have played an important role in the development of our understanding of the natural world and many of the world’s major scientific discoveries. Judaism has also been a leader in social justice, and is behind many important philanthropic initiatives across the world.
Anti-Semitism in the World
Despite its positive accomplishments, Judaism has also been a target of significant prejudice, discrimination, and persecution throughout its history. Antisemitism, which dates back thousands of years, has most recently reared its head in the form of Neo-nazism, white supremacy, and other neo-fascist ideologies.
These hateful ideologies often try to target Jews for their religion, ethnicity, and culture and delegitimize their rights as citizens, which can lead to serious physical, emotional and mental health issues. In recent years, antisemitism has been on the rise in the United States, with attacks on the Jewish community becoming increasingly frequent.
Fighting Antisemitism in the World
In response to the increased bigotry and hatred toward Jews, many organizations are engaging in this fight against antisemitism. Jewish organizations, civil rights groups, and other religious groups have formed coalitions, created campaigns, and designed initiatives to combat this rising impact of antisemitism.
These efforts seek to distinguish between legitimate criticism of policies and acts of prejudice, and to address any forms of discrimination or violence toward Jews. Furthermore, legislative measures have been implemented to address the problem, such as the Federal Antisemitism Awareness Act, which seeks to create an official policy around combating antisemitism.
Judaism and Social Media
In addition to traditional advocacy efforts, social media has also become a platform for conversing about antisemitism. Hashtags such as #StopAntisemitism, #SayNoToHate, and #NoHateForJews are used on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook in order to disseminate information and awareness on the topic.
Organizations such as the World Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League, and other Jewish advocacy can also be found on social media and are regularly posting messages of hope and unity in the Jewish community. Moreover, social media provides an opportunity to connect with others and discuss what can be done to overcome hate and intolerance.
Customs and Practices in Judaism
Although much of what makes Judaism distinct are its core beliefs, it is also based on customs and practices that have been observed for thousands of years. Most notably, these customs and practices involve keeping kosher, observing the Sabbath, and attending synagogues or other places of worship.
In a spiritual aspect, customs such as these provide followers with tangible ways to connect to their faith. From dietary restrictions for ritual purity and community prayer with others, these customs help bind followers to their tradition and strengthen their Jewish identity.
Important Figures in Judaism History
Throughout its history, Judaism has been led by influential individuals who have made significant contributions to the faith worldwide. Some of the most well-known figures include Moses, King David, the Prophet Isaiah, and the Maccabees.
Moses is considered Classical Judaism’s most important leader, who liberated the Jewish people from slavery and led them through the Wilderness. King David initiated the reign of the Jerusalem monarchy. Isaiah is the renowned author of the historic prophecy “the Lord shall judge between the nations”. The Maccabees led the Jewish revolt against Hellenistic rule, re-establishing Jewish rule and rebuilding the Temple of Jerusalem.
Gender Equality in Judaism
Although Judaism has historically been a patriarchal faith, it has been more inclusive of women over the course of its history. Women in Judaism can trace their rights and recognition back to ancient practices, and there’s now significant gender parity within religious services and other aspects of Jewish life.
Moreover, Judaism has strong traditions of female leadership and education, particularly within the Jewish Renewal movement. Other forms of gender equality include the right to participate in a variety of formal prayer services, full access to academic study, and equal rights in marriage and divorce.
Global Impact of Judaism
Though Judaism is 11th smallest religion in the world, its impact beyond its immediate adherents is immense. Judaism is often credited with the conception of the monotheistic god, which forms the basis of many newer faiths, and has spread transformative values � such as justice and mercy � around the world.
Moreover, Jews have been active in science, medicine, and various other fields throughout their history. This includes Nobel Prize and Turing Award winners, as well as world-famous physicians and engineers. In this way, Judaism’s influence not only on the world’s spiritual and emotive life, but also on everyday life, economic development, and social justice, is undeniable.
Contemporary Judaism
Today, Judaism continues to evolve. In addition to the traditional Orthodox movement, there exist numerous more progressive sects such as Reform Judaism, Humanistic Judaism, and Reconstructionist Judaism. These modern varieties take the core teachings of their faith and update them to be more inclusive to a wider variety of communities, while embracing broader cultural and social norms.
This evolution is especially apparent among younger Jewish generations, which are seen as more open to the possibility of integrating their faith with other religions and customs, and even joining interfaith families. Moreover, cutting-edge organizations such as Jews for Racial and Economic Justice and the Jews of Color Initiative push the boundaries of traditional Judaism even further and emphasize the importance of equity and inclusivity within the faith.
