Main Beliefs of Judaism
Judaism is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the Hebrew Bible and is a spiritual heritage deeply rooted in history, culture and traditions. It is a fundamental belief within Judaism that there is one God, who reveals his knowledge to a people and commands them to follow certain set of laws. The major beliefs of Judaism are centered around the concept of healthy living, worship of the one God, prayer, and ethical conduct. These principles comprise the essential tenets of Judaism.
God
The most important fundamental belief of Judaism is the belief in one God who is omnipotent and omniscient. This belief is expressed by the Shema, the most important prayer in Judaism, which states ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.’ It is believed that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe and is perfect in every way. God also reveals his will and commandments to the Jewish people, which has been passed down through generations in what is known as the Oral and Written Law. In addition, God is seen as loving and compassionate and is invoked when asking for help.
Torah
Another major element of Jewish beliefs is the Torah, which contains 613 commandments that God revealed to the Jewish people through Moses. These commandments are divided into positive and negative precepts and are the basis of Jewish law. It includes moral, civil and ritual commandments which cover all aspects of life, from ethical and social issues to dietary restrictions. The Torah is seen as the blueprint for a good and holy life, and is studied to ensure the adherence to these laws.
Rituals
Jewish rituals provide a connection between the Jewish people and God and are seen as a way to express their devotion to the Lord. A few of the most significant Jewish rituals include attending synagogue services, prayer, and participation in the celebrations of life-cycle events such as weddings and Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Circumcision (for males) is another fundamental ritual of Judaism.
Hebrew Bible
The Hebrew Bible, known to Christians as the Old Testament, is another major element of Jewish beliefs. It contains stories, laws, and teachings of the Jewish people. This includes the account of the creation of the world, the stories of the Patriarchs, Moses and the Exodus, and the Prophets. It is believed to be an inspired work handed down by God and is seen as the ultimate source of authority in Jewish tradition.
Chosen People
Another core belief in Judaism is the idea of being the ‘Chosen People’ of God. This is rooted in the belief that God chose the Jewish people to serve as a bridge between heaven and earth and to be a light to the nations. This belief is expressed in the concept of Tikkun Olam, or ‘repair of the world’, which emphasises the responsibility of the Jewish people to bring God’s blessings to humanity through deeds of justice and kindness.
Life After Death
The last of the major Jewish beliefs is the concept of life after death. It is believed that after death, the soul continues to exist in the world-to-come. The idea of an afterlife is found throughout the Hebrew Bible and is expressed in the Jewish hope of the eventual Messianic Age, when the world will be filled with justice and righteousness.
Practices Of Jewish Faith
In addition to the major beliefs of Judaism outlined above, there are a number of practices which allow Jews to express and connect with their faith. These include regular prayer, observing the Sabbath and other holy days, learning and studying of the Torah, and performing acts of charity. These practices allow the Jewish people to turn their beliefs into tangible actions and are seen as the cornerstone of their faith.
Commandments of Judaism
The 613 commandments included in the Torah are an essential part of Jewish beliefs. This includes a range of moral, civil and ritual laws which touch on every aspect of life. Among the most important of these are the Ten Commandments, which serve as the foundation of Jewish ethical beliefs.
Importance Of Community
Related to these commandments is the importance of community in Judaism. It is believed that the adherence to the commandments requires the involvement of the community. For this reason, Jews are encouraged to live in close-knit Jewish communities, which are seen as vital to the preservation of Jewish traditions.
Influence Of Jewish Beliefs On Other Religions
The beliefs of Judaism are based on the teachings of the Hebrew Bible and can be seen as the foundation for the monotheistic religions of Christianity and Islam. In addition, many of the beliefs and practices of Judaism, such as the Ten Commandments, can also be seen to have had a profound influence on Western culture and thought.
Role Of The Messiah
The Jewish faith places great emphasis on the eventual arrival of a Messiah, who will bring redemption and justice to the world. The coming of the Messiah is seen as a sign of hope and a catalyst of positive change, and is thought to herald the ultimate fulfillment of God’s will. This belief is seen as the ultimate aim of historical trends and the basis of the divine plan.
Cornerstone Of Jewish Identity
At its core, the major beliefs of Judaism are deeply rooted in tradition and provide a moral framework for how to live a good and just life. These beliefs serve as the cornerstone of Jewish identity and are essential for living in accordance with Jewish thought and tradition. As such, these beliefs provide a source of strength and comfort for Jews around the world.
