Origins of Judaism’s Belief System
Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions, and its belief system is rooted in several millennia of history. Jews have traditionally believed in the concept of one, singular deity, which some interpret as the familiar Abrahamic God, Jehovah, and others interpret as a nebulous and unknowable cosmic force. This faith in one God is often referred to as monotheism and it was brought to the forefront of Judaism by notable figures like Abraham, Moses, and many others.
In addition to monotheism, Jews also place an emphasis on certain laws that are believed to come from the one God. These laws, known as the 613 Mitzvot, are found in the Torah (the Jewish Bible) and are meant to help guide Jews in proper behavior and thought, ranging from clothing and food regulations to political and ethical ones. Some of the most prominent and oft-cited of the Mitzvot are those that demand lovingkindness (the Hebrew phrase is “love your neighbor as yourself”), justice and decency, and the utmost respect and obedience of one’s parents.
Link Between Judaism and Christianity
One of the biggest influences on Judaism’s belief system has come from Christianity, which grew out of Judaism in the 1st and 2nd centuries C.E. Judaism and Christianity share many common elements, starting with the same god and divinely-ordained laws. Christianity has also adopted many of Judaism’s beliefs, such as monotheism, though their interpretation of these beliefs are often quite different.
A prominent example of this difference is the Jewish rejection of Jesus Christ as the son of god and messiah. While Christians worship Jesus as the savior of mankind, Jews take the stance that the messiah has yet to come and that Jesus does not fulfill the qualifications for being the messiah. Similarly, Christians traditionally reject the importance of the 613 Mitzvot, believing that Jesus’s sacrifice allowed them to reduce the requirements to only two – faith in Jesus and loving one’s neighbor.
Jewish Practices
Judaism has several practice-oriented elements to its religion, most notably the keeping of the kosher lifestyle and attending synagogue. This practice places the utmost importance on properly following the Jewish dietary laws, which regulates which foods are considered fit to eat. It also requires Jews to eat only in designated areas, be free of impurity, and treat food with respect. Furthermore, Jews are encouraged to attend synagogue as a community and to pray as a group in order to express their faith. Traditionally, men are required to read from the Torah each week, but women are also encouraged to attend.
Plurality in Judaism
Most Jews look at their religion as more of a personal interpretation of God’s laws and less of a one-size-fits-all tradition. There is much plurality throughout the Jewish world and denominations have grown up over the centuries in response to this. Reform Jews, for example, take a much more liberal view of the faith and accept a wide variety of interpretations when it comes to practice. Orthodox Jews, on the other hand, often reject most modern interpretations of Judaism and try to stay as close to the traditional interpretation as possible.
Holistic Faith
Judaism is widely known for its holistic approach to faith. It is a religion that is highly ritualized and ritualistic, and as such, it encourages an attitude of absolute faith in God and His laws. Jews often take the stance that God must be trusted completely, and that his ways are unknowable and mysterious. This belief has led to a strong emphasis on the way one lives their entire life, and faithful Jews often try to make decisions in tandem with the teachings of the Torah.
Role of Scholars
Despite its ancient roots, Judaism is an ever-evolving religion. It is constantly adapted by Jewish religious scholars, who study the Torah and attempt to understand it better and apply its teachings to modern life. During times of political and social upheaval, religious scholars often take the lead in determining how Jews should react. This allows Judaism to maintain a sense of continuity between the past and the present, while at the same time adapting to new and different worlds.
Elevation of Education
Judaism also places an emphasis on education, especially in terms of understanding the Torah and Jewish law. This is why Jewish religious schools (known as Yeshivot) exist, and why Jewish education, even at the elementary level, focuses heavily on the study of the Torah and the keeping of Jewish law. In some cases, higher levels of education are required in order to be considered a “qualified” rabbi or other religious figure.
Prominence of Israel
In addition to its primary spiritual values, Judaism also places a great emphasis on the importance of the nation of Israel. Not only is it the Jewish homeland for many, but it is seen as the ultimate realization of God’s promise to the Jewish people. Many Jews live in Israel, while others may never set foot in the country, but they share a strong connection and obligation to it nevertheless.
Connection to the World
Judaism also stands for a strong connection to the world around us. This theme is seen in the 613 mitzvot, which encourages Jews to treat the environment, animals and other people with love and respect. It is also seen in the teachings of the sages, which emphasize the importance of tikkun olam, the act of fixing and repairing the world in order to bring about increased holiness and light.
Tradition of Philanthropy
Finally, Judaism also encourages a strong sense of philanthropy. Jews are taught to take care of their own first and foremost, but they are also encouraged to provide charity to others in need. This idea is linked to the notion of tzedakah, which is the Hebrew word for “righteousness” or “justice”. Tzedakah is often cited as one of Judaism’s most important values, and it is considered a moral duty to engage in such acts of charity.
Centrality of Family
In addition to its emphasis on charity, Judaism also places a high value on family. Family is seen as the bedrock of society, and the importance of parenting and raising children in a religious context is emphasized. Additionally, there are certain laws that are meant to protect and promote the sanctity of family life, such as the laws against adultery and honoring one’s parents.
Relevance of the Sabbath
The Jewish Sabbath (or Shabbat) is also seen as an important factor in Judaism’s belief system. It is a day of rest on the seventh day of the week, which is set aside from all other days in order to allow Jews to focus on their faith and spend time with family and friends. It is a time of reflection and appreciation of the gift of life and can also be a time of celebration, as special foods and rituals are often practiced on this day.
Prophetic Tradition
Judaism also places a strong emphasis on the prophetic tradition, which is the Jewish idea that certain people are God’s messengers and that they are to spread His message to the world. This is seen in the belief in prophets such as Elijah, Isaiah, and Moses, who are all seen as examples of what it means to be a prophet and to live a life in service of God and His laws.
Reliance on Prayer
Finally, Judaism’s faith also relies heavily on prayer. Prayers are seen as a direct line of communication to God and are used to express one’s faith, gratitude, and devotion. Prayers can be said individually or with a group, and can be used to seek guidance, ask for protection, or to express one’s love of God and His laws.
