The origins of Judaism are lost in time and shrouded in mystery, but records establish that the religion dates back at least 3,500 years. It may have originated with Abraham, but the foundations of the religion probably date to the time of Moses and the exodus from Egypt. Judaism is not only the oldest of the monotheistic faiths, but also one of the most influential and widespread.
The Jewish faith arose among the Semitic-speaking peoples of the Near East in the second millennium BCE. At the time, the Semitic people were also practicing polytheism, the belief in many gods. While ancient Judaism retained some beliefs and customs of the polytheistic period, one major aspect of their faith was that the universe is governed by a single, universal deity.
An important moment in the development of Judaism occurred when Abraham left his home in modern-day Iraq to journey to the “promised land” in Palestine. Abraham’s faith in this single God was unparalleled, and prompted him to abandon his culture and his homeland. His journey eventually led to a covenant, or an agreement, between God and the Israelites that stated that the Israelites would be a chosen people and God would protect them.
After the covenant, the more formal aspects of Judaism began to emerge. During this time, Moses was considered the primary deity, and he received a set of Ten Commandments from God to live by. These commandments guided how the Hebrews should live, including laws on respect, morality, and justice. These Ten Commandments, and the laws that followed, became the foundation that the rest of Judaism was based upon.
In addition to the Ten Commandments, Jewish religious literature, such as the Torah and the Talmud, was passed down from generation to generation and continues to shape the beliefs and practices of Judaism today. According to religious scholars, this period marks the emergence of the early forms of Judaism and the beginning of its development into the organized religion that we know and recognize today.
The religion of Judaism has always been based upon a strict adherence to the laws of God, or Halakah. Jewish law is composed of 613 commandments, which are known as the mitzvot and were revealed in the Torah. These laws cover all aspects of life, including religious rituals and ethical behavior. All mitzvot must be obeyed by all Jews, though interpretations of the laws are left up to rabbis.
Despite its ancient roots, Judaism is still very much alive and well in the modern-day world. Today, approximately 13 million people around the globe practice the faith, and new generations of Jews are learning and embracing the teachings of Judaism. While the exact beginnings of Judaism are unknown, most scholars agree that it began at least 3,500 years ago. It is the oldest of the monotheistic faiths and remains one of the world’s major religions.
Influence of Judaism
The influence that Judaism has had on the world is undeniable. Since its inception, it has inspired countless other religions and ideologies, from Christianity to Islam to even Women’s Liberation and Civil Rights Movements. The Ten Commandments form part of the basis for the United States’ legal system, and the Golden Rule of “Do unto others…” has become a global moral code. In addition, many of the world’s greatest scientists, philosophers, and leaders were raised on the principles of Judaism.
On the other hand, Judaism has also faced its share of adversity and persecution. For centuries, Jews were the subject of hatred, prejudice, and discrimination. They were expelled from many countries, including Spain and England, and were the victims of pogroms and genocide. Still, despite these hard times, Judaism remains resilient and has continued to thrive in the modern world.
Many interpretations of Judaism exist today, from the ultra-fundamentalist haredim sect to Reform Judaism, which is more progressive in its outlook. While there are differences among the denominations, all Jews are united in the belief in one God, morality and justice, and the practice of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The principles of Judaism remain the same, despite its followers’ ever-changing interpretations of the ancient commandments.
Contribution to Culture
One major contribution that Judaism has made to culture is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Celebrated by Jews around the world, Hanukkah celebrates the Jewish people’s victory over the oppressive Syrian-Greeks and the rededication of their temple in Jerusalem. Today, Hanukkah is marked by the lighting of a menorah (a nine-branched candelabrum), the traditional food of latkes, and the playing of games such as dreidel. Hanukkah is celebrated with great enthusiasm by many Jews and non-Jews alike, and has become a major cultural and religious celebration.
In addition to Hanukkah, the Jewish people have contributed much to the arts and sciences, including literature, music, philosophy, and medicine. From Sigmund Freud to Martin Buber, Jews have been at the forefront of intellectual thought and creative expression. Prominent Jewish authors and artists, such as Franz Kafka and Marc Chagall, have left a lasting mark on the world of art, while Jewish inventors and scientists, such as Jonas Salk, have made groundbreaking discoveries that have had an immense impact on society.
From its ancient beginnings to its modern-day manifestations, Judaism has been an influential force in the world. Whether it is through direct contributions to culture or more indirect influences, the religion of Judaism is deeply woven into the fabric of our lives. It has provided a source of strength for its people, a source of inspiration for others, and a source of hope for future generations.
Jewish Practices
Today, there are several distinct practices and, depending on interpretation and observance of Jewish law, these practices may vary, but certain rituals remain central to Jewish tradition. Observant Jews adhere to the Shabbat, the day of rest that occurs every week and commemorates God’s day of rest following the creation of the world. The purpose of the Shabbat is to commemorate the Sabbath and give praise to God for his blessings. To observe the Shabbat, observers typically refrain from work, go to the synagogue for prayer, and enjoy special meals with family and friends.
Similarly, the Jewish holidays are observed according to the Jewish calendar, which follows a lunar cycle rather than a solar one and begins on the night of the new moon. The most important holidays in Judaism are the High Holy Days, which include Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Other holidays are Passover, Purim, Sukkot, and Shavuot, all of which commemorate important events in the history of the Jewish people.
It is said that Jews are a “people of the book”—they are connected by the teachings and stories of the Torah and other holy books. The most important of these books is the Torah, which consists of the first five books of the Bible. The Torah is seen as the most important document in Judaism, and it is the foundation of Jewish law and practice. Observant Jews strive to follow the teachings of the Torah and the other Jewish holy books, and devote time each day to studying them.
Traditional Jewish practices, such as the observance of religious holidays and the study of the Torah, have remained unchanged for centuries and form the core of the Jewish faith. Despite the shifts that have taken place in other aspects of Judaism, these observances remain an essential part of the culture and religious identity of the Jewish people.
Symbols in Judaism
The Star of David, or Magen David, is the most recognizable symbol of Judaism today. This six-pointed star has been used to identify Jews throughout history, and today it is the centerpiece of the national flag of the State of Israel. Other popular symbols in Judaism are the mezuzah, a scroll of parchment affixed to the door of a home, and the Menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum.
The practice of circumcision is also a meaningful symbol in Judaism. Circumcision is part of the ancient practice of covenant between God and Abraham, and is seen as a sign of the covenant throughout Jewish history. Today, Jewish males are circumcised when they are eight days old, usually in a ceremony called a b’rit milah, or “covenant of circumcision.”
Judaism is also a faith that is committed to social justice and helping those in need. This is symbolized by the symbol of a “hand in hand”—two hands clasped together—which is used to represent the community’s commitment to caring for each other. The symbol of the hand in hand is often associated with the Jewish faith and is used in many settings, from hospital settings to educational institutions.
The symbols of the Jewish faith exist to reinforce the faith’s core values and teachings. These symbols help to unify Jewish people around the world, reminding them of their shared history, traditions, and beliefs regardless of which denomination they follow.
