Introduction
Judaism is a religion with roots that date back over 3500 years, bringing a history and culture which is extremely rich. Jewish faith brings a set of relevant customs, spiritual beliefs and practice, as well as profound influences on other world religions. It is important to understand Judaism’s long-standing roots, which are said to have started before it even had a name. But, when it comes to the question of “What year was Judaism founded?”, there is no universal answer, as it is a complex subject.
Early History
Traced back during the first millennium BCE, it is believed that the earliest followers of Judaism saw it as a monotheistic faith which stemmed from the moral teachings shared by Moses and the Hebrew prophets. Historians have outlined that the dominant practice at the time, was a form of “Proto-Judaism”, which primarily consisted of a set of common practices that involved the worship of one God. As the years passed and a strong Jewish culture and identity was established, the religion was centered around the Temple in Jerusalem and later on, a variety of observances and traditions also began to take shape including dietary restrictions and other ritual practices.
Perspectives from Scholars
Scholars study Judaism from many angles, and there are a variety of opinions on when the religion should be said to have been founded. Some debate that Judaism was formed when Moses and the Hebrew Prophets presented their moral teachings, while others offer their view that it was in the 5th century BCE when Judaism first began to take shape and thus, should be viewed as being founded at this time. While still others assert that Judaism was established around the 7th century BCE when King Josiah declared his belief in one God. All in all, it is clear that there are numerous perspectives on when Judaism was founded.
Diaspora and Beyond
Following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, Judaism experienced an expansion outside of Israel, creating a global community known as the Jewish Diaspora. This saw Jews living in far-reaching areas such as India, Ethiopia, and Central Asia. As a result of this, a wide range of social and cultural practices of the religion began to take a more permanent shape. Today, Jews around the world proudly identify as part of a distinct culture, embodying traditional beliefs shared by their ancestors. A survey carried out by the American Jewish Committee in 2017 shows that there are an estimated 14.1 million Jews worldwide, demonstrating that education and the heritage associated with Judaism remains equally important in the present.
Conclusion
When it comes to answering the question of “What year was Judaism founded?”, it is clear that there is no simple answer. To appreciate the roots of this ancient belief, it is important to recognize the concepts and teachings that developed over the course of centuries, which helped shape the Jewish culture as we recognise it today. Although there is no exact date that Judaism was founded, the long-standing effects of its history and heritage are indisputable.
The Impact of Jewish Texts
Virtually all major elements of the Jewish faith have been written down in Scripture and commentaries, providing the basis for practice and tradition of the religion. The holy scripture of the Old Testament powerfully contributed to the formation of Judaism by way of the first five books of the Bible (known as the “Pentateuch” or “Torah”). These five books outlined social and religious precepts, shaping Jewish thought, practice and faith. In addition, commentaries known as “Mishnaic” and “Talmudic” texts, are widely considered to play an integral role in developing and defining Jewish who the overall identity of Judaism is today.
Connectivity through Rabbinic Leadership
Historically speaking, the idea of a universal form of Judaism was largely unimaginable until Rabbinic Judaism began to emerge in the 1st century C.E. This brought a profound transformation in the religion, as leading religious scholars known as Rabbis developed a new way to practice the Jewish faith, bringing a focused and unified approach. They created an interpretation of Jewish law by compiling commentaries on the Torah and Talmudic texts, which enabled Jews all over the world to remain connected with the same traditions, providing a unique solidarity in the religious practice.
Influence of Other Religions
Judaism has also played an important role in how other religions have evolved. For instance, Christianity is deeply rooted in Judaism, stemming from the belief that Jesus was a Jewish prophet who died for the pardon of sins. Although the two religions differ in their philosophical beliefs, Jews and Christians still share the same scriptures and reverence for the ancient world. Thus, it is important to note the various ways in which Judaism has shaped and influenced other religions worldwide.
Modern Influences on Judaism
Today, Jews have grown to further embrace progressive and innovative movements, such as Reform and Conservative Judaism, which have modernised religious beliefs and customs in various contexts. Thus, it can be said that even in the most contemporary times, Jews have found ways to continue to develop the practice of their faith, attesting to the power of the religion’s history and influence.
