Judaism is a major world religion with followers across the globe. Followers of Judaism believe in one God, that they were chosen by Him, and that His laws and teachings should be observed. Jews use the Torah, which consists of the Tanakh and rabbinic Jewish teachings, to guide their lives. Along with Christianity and Islam, it is considered one of the Abrahamic religions – all of which trace their roots to the patriarch Abraham.
Judaism is much more than just a religion; it is a way of life that includes worshiping, eating, celebrating, and more. Followers practice non-taxonomic monotheism, meaning that God is thought to be one but with different aspects of His identity and purpose. The majority of Jews adhere to the Orthodox, Reform, or Conservative branches of Judaism, with Orthodox having the most restrictive requirements for observance.
Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion that began in the Bronze Age in the Middle East. Its followers are believed to have descended from the twelve tribes of Israel. Judaism is traditionally divided into three main branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
The Orthodox branch is the most traditional, focusing on strict observance of the Torah and Halakha – Jewish religious law. Followers of Orthodox Judaism observe dietary laws, celebrate the Sabbath, and wear specific garments. They also believe in an afterlife and practice circumcision.
The Conservative branch is a blend of Orthodox and Reform principles and practices. Conservative Jews place emphasis on traditional observance while also allowing flexibility. Dietary laws, Shabbat, and circumcision are important, but women are allowed more liberal interpretation of religious laws and practices, such as taking part in leading religious services.
The Reform branch is the most liberal of the three, focusing on ethical and moral principles and encouraging personal autonomy in religious practice. Reform Jews are allowed to choose which practices to observe and which to ignore, as long as their choice is meaningful and not merely lax. Circumcision is optional and Reform Jews may or may not observe dietary laws.
Followers of Judaism are united by a shared history, faith, and culture. They emphasize core values of justice, compassion, and respect, which they use to make ethical decisions and lead meaningful lives. Jews celebrate many holidays and festivals, such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. Judaism is a source of pride and identity for its followers who strive for religious and social progress in the world.
History
The history of Judaism dates back to the Middle Bronze Age when Abraham and his descendants established a covenant between themselves and their god, Yahweh. Judaism is one of the oldest continually practiced world religions and has been documented and practiced by Jews for over 3000 years. Through a series of religious and political events, Jewish identity and culture have been preserved, despite upheavals in government and persecution.
Beginning in the 1st century BC, the Jews dispersed across the Mediterranean world and established communities in Europe and the Middle East. In the early Middle Ages, Jews faced persecution and anti-Semitism became rampant in Europe. With the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948, Jews around the world were able to reunite in their ancestral homeland.
Today, Jews constitute a distinct ethnic and religious group around the world. According to a 2020 Pew Research study, there are more than 14 million Jews worldwide, with more than half living in Israel and the United States.
Religious Practices
The core tenets of Judaism are expressed through synagogue worship and private prayer. Synagogues are usually organized by denomination, although independent synagogues or minyanim that are not associated with any denomination are becoming increasingly popular. Services typically involve liturgical prayers and the chanting of Psalms or other Scripture.
The core of religious practice for Jews is expressed in the Shema, a prayer that affirms the oneness of God. This prayer is often expressed as a call and response in synagogue services. It is also practiced privately as part of morning and evening prayers.
In addition to prayer and synagogue worship, religious Jews practice other devotions. Mitzvoth, which is Hebrew for ‘commandments’, focuses on ethical deeds and virtuous behavior. Observance of Shabbat, which is the Jewish Sabbath that begins on the evening of the sixth day of the week, is particularly important. It involves abstaining from work and participating in prayer and joyous celebration.
Jewish dietary laws, shared with other kosher observant communities, are also important. This includes the prohibition of consuming certain animal products, such as pork and shellfish, and the separation of meat and dairy products. Observant Jews also avoid mixing meat and dairy products in the same meal and take great care to prepare meat, poultry, and dairy products according to kosher dietary laws.
Religious Organizations
In addition to the synagogue, Jews organize religious and communal organizations that serve a variety of functions. These include religious schools, community centers, philanthropic organizations, and advocacy groups. In addition to explaining and advocating for religious beliefs, these organizations strive to promote a sense of common identity and shared values.
The most widely recognized Jewish organizations are the Reform and Conservative movements, which are the two largest branches of Judaism in the United States. Both of these organizations emphasize education, charitable works, and social justice. The Orthodox Union advocates for traditional Jewish beliefs and observances, while the National Council of Synagogues promotes the interests of rabbis, cantors, and other religious leaders of all denominations.
In addition to religious organizations, there is also the World Union for Progressive Judaism, which advocates for progressive Jewish beliefs and practices. The World Jewish Congress is a global forum for Jewish communities around the world, while the Jewish National Fund supports the preservation of Jewish sites and culture in Israel. The Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations serves as a forum to discuss the issues facing the American Jewish community.
Influence from Other Religions
In recent years, Jews have encountered and interacted with many different faiths in both their own communities and in the wider world. Jews have often adopted practices from these other faiths and integrated them into their own religious and cultural practices. Examples of this include the adoption of New Age spirituality and meditation practices and the growing interest in Buddhist meditative practices.
Jews have also been influenced by Christianity and Islam. In response to the Christian belief in the Messiah, some Jewish groups have adopted messianic beliefs, while others have remained staunchly committed to traditional Jewish beliefs and practices. Many Jews have adopted aspects of Muslim culture and belief, such as prayer rituals and dietary restrictions. Overall, the influence of other religions has had a positive impact on Judaism and has enabled Jews to remain true to their identity while simultaneously embracing differences.
Controversy
Judaism has often been a source of controversy throughout its history. Anti-semitism, which is hatred or prejudice against Jews, is still a significant problem in many parts of the world. Jewish communities have been targeted in fatal attacks, sometimes in the form of terrorist acts. Additionally, there are still divisions between religious and reformist Jews, particularly in regards to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There are also internal divisions due to divergent views on traditional practices and beliefs. For instance, the Orthodox and Conservative branches of Judaism have strong disagreements on certain issues, such as the role of women in religious practice. There are also debates over the interpretation of Jewish law, as well as changing attitudes towards secularization.
In spite of ongoing debates within the religion and ongoing external threats, Judaism has been resilient in the face of adversity and has remained vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in its traditions. Jews around the world have continued to build strong communities, advocating for religious and social progress.
Conclusion
Judaism is one of the oldest continually practiced world religions, maintaining a rich history and culture that has been shaped by a wide range of influences. Followers of Judaism are united by a shared faith, history, and culture and strive to lead meaningful lives guided by core values of justice, compassion, and respect. Despite ongoing divisions and external threats, Judaism remains vibrant and deeply rooted in its traditions.
