History of Judaism
The first recorded followers of Judaism are the Israelites, a nomadic Semitic people that settled in the area around Palestine in 1250 BC. Judaism originated in the Middle East over 3000 years ago and is the only major organized religion to have survived from that period of history. Traditionally, it is believed that the Israelites were led by Moses out of Egypt in 1312 BC and that’s when the foundation of the Torah (Jewish Bible) was laid down. From that moment onwards, the Israelites passed down their religious heritage and rituals to generations. It was during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews that Judaism became codified and organized as we know it today.
Judaism is not only a religion, but a culture as well, developed through a collective project of preserving, expressing and transforming the authentic religious experience of the people of Israel throughout the centuries to the present day. The “founders” of Judaism, as such, must be seen in the light of this collective effort, rather than only within a single divinely revealed report of its origins.
The Patriarchal Period
It is believed that the first Jews came from the active trading community of the Hebrews. According to the Hebrew Bible, Abraham, the founder of the Jews, brought three branches of philosophy together in a single tradition: Monotheism, Covenant and Election. According to the Book of Genesis, God promised Abraham and his descendants (i.e. the ancient Israelites) the land of Canaan. This “covenant” between God and Abraham was seen as binding, ensuring a unique and special relationship between the two.
The first Patriarchs of Judaism – Abraham and his son Isaac – established the Israelite religion and laid the foundations for its essential beliefs and practices. The early Hebrews, under the guidance of Abraham, were a nomadic people who settled in the land of Canaan. Abraham was the first to believe in the idea of a single, all-powerful God, who he later called Yahweh. This began the concept of Monotheism which still lives on today. From him, the ancient Israelites obtained their passion for justice and commitment to humanitarianism.
The initial settlers of the city of Jerusalem traced their roots all the way back to Abraham. This, combined with the fact that Abraham was the first individual to receive God’s message, made him a far-reaching symbol of the Jewish identity. As such, he is regarded by many Jews as the father of the Jewish nation.
The Birth Of Judaism
The emergence of Judaism as a distinct religion occurred with the revelation at Mount Sinai by God to Moses. Due to the latter’s fear, Abraham was referred to as “The Father of all Jews”. The Israelites accepted Yahweh as the only God and subsequently discarded the neighboring locals’ polytheism and adopted a single, monotheistic religion.
Moses was the first prophet of Judaism, and his teachings, collated in the Torah (the five books of Moses) formed the foundations of Jewish tradition. Much like Abraham, Moses is also said to be the founder of many of the philosophical, ethical and political values that define the belief in one God today. Furthermore, the Ten Commandments that Moses brought down from Mount Sinai served as an essential part of many Jews’ moral code.
Mosaic Law and Rituals
Judaism was subsequently shaped by the Mosaic Law and the mitzvot (commandments). Moses also established a Priesthood whose role was to offer sacrifices to Yahweh, and a system of judges and judges that administered justice. The Talmud (Jewish law) was then written down, codifying many of the Mosaic Laws, while stressing the importance of ethical and moral principles in everyday life.
Rituals, including the lighting of the menorah, the celebration of the Sabbath, and the keeping of kosher were established by Moses and are essential parts of the Jewish religious experience. Judaism also highlights the importance of embracing life, living with intentionality, and pursuing justice.
The Influence of Later Prophets
The prophets that emerged after Moses also made key contributions to the formation of Judaism. According to the Hebrew Bible, prophets such as Amos, Isaiah and Jeremiah played an important role in the emergence of monotheism and the rejection of idols and pagan beliefs.
These prophets believed that all humans are born equal and were passionate about establishing equality, justice and human rights. They were dedicated to the notion that justice should prevail in all areas of life, and were strong advocates of the poor and oppressed. Through their teachings, the Hebrews were able to create a profound philosophy and system of ethics, which eventually evolved into the modern Jewish faith.
The Compilation Of The Talmud And Mishnah
The Mishnah and Talmud are also key parts of Judaism’s foundation. Through these texts, a comprehensive system of ethics and laws was developed, covering all aspects of life, such as food laws and civil laws. These texts provided a way for Jews to connect with the written words of their ancestors and find a deeper understanding of their religion.
The Mishnah and Talmud also provided an invaluable insight into Jewish culture and worldview. These texts discussed topics such as religious obligations, festivals, character traits and ethical principles. Furthermore, they discussed the importance of prayer and study, and the need to be mindful of social responsibility and justice.
The Role of Rabbis
The role of the rabbis in founding Judaism is often overlooked. These teachers and leaders served as the preservers of the Israeli religion, and of the traditions and laws passed down through generation for thousands of years. They provided interpretations of the scriptures, and a framework for how to live their lives according to the precepts of Judaism.
Rabbis were also essential in providing a rationale for why Jews should remain true to their beliefs, even when confronted with persecution. They emphasized ethical living, peace, and justice throughout Jewish communities, and provided a framework for Jews to access the scriptures and gain a deeper understanding of their religion.
Jewish Mysticism
Jewish Mysticism also had a major role in the founding of Judaism. Early Jewish mystics believed that the world was created through divine intention, and sought to gain personal access to this divine power. Through these early kabbalistic practices, Jews were able to access the deeper truths and mysteries of the universe. As a result, Jewish mysticism was eventually incorporated into the wider Jewish faith, adding a spiritual and philosophical dimension to the everyday Judaism practiced all over the world.
Today, mysticism is practiced by many Jews, allowing them to have a direct connection to God, and giving them a deeper understanding of the world around them. The concept of Shekinah, or the presence of God, is a strong part of Jewish mysticism, and is thought to bring physical and spiritual healing to those that follow it.
Conclusion
From the Patriarchs and prophets, to the rabbis and early mystics, the history of Judaism is long and complex. Over thousands of years, the foundational beliefs and tradition of Judaism have been developed and formalized through the collective effort of many individuals. From Moses to Nietzsche, a wide variety of individuals have contributed to the founding of Judaism, ensuring it remains a dynamic, vibrant and relevant religion for centuries to come.
