Origin
Judaism is an ancient religion whose origin dates back to more than 3000 years ago. Founded by the prophet Abraham, the religion is deeply ingrained with the culture and traditions of the Jewish nation. It is a monotheistic religion, believing in one God who is both omniscient and omnipotent and is referred to in Hebrew as ‘HaShem’. The religious texts of Judaism are written in the Torah, which consists of five books. These books form the basis of Jewish law, and form the foundation of the religion which is focused around the nation of Israel and God’s covenant with them.
Rituals
Judaism has numerous rituals, rules and customs which all members of the faith must follow. These rituals range from small home ceremonies such as lighting the Sabbath candles and eating kosher food, to larger high holy days such as Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish calendar, and Passover, during which Jewish people remember their liberation from Egypt. These are among the most significant of Jewish practises and form an integral part of the religion.
Fundamental Beliefs
The main fundamental beliefs of Judaism are the belief in one God, that all people are equal in the eyes of God and that the world was created out of love. This is the core of the Jewish faith and everything revolves around it. Additionally, Judaism holds certain traditional and cultural values such as Sabbath rest and observance of holidays which have become part of the religion’s identity and which help to unify the Jewish people.
Place of Worship
For the most part, religious ceremonies and rituals take place in the home, though some find their way into the synagogue, a place of worship and instruction where members of the community can gather and share celebration and prayer. The synagogue is an important part of the Jewish faith and it is here that people come together to learn, discuss and grow in their faith.
Role of the Rabbi
The rabbi is an important figure in Judaism and is the religious leader of the community, offering advice, guidance and education. The rabbi is not just a spiritual leader but also serves as a community leader and a teacher and is a key part of Jewish life. Additionally, the rabbi acts as a mediator between individuals and between individuals and God, trying to bring about harmony and understanding between them.
Predominantly Followed by Jews
Judaism is mainly followed by Jews, though there are those who are not Jewish who have taken up the faith. However, this is rare and the predominant followers of Judaism are those of the Jewish faith and heritage. This does not mean that non-Jews cannot be attracted to the religion or follow it, though they often find it hard to be accepted into some of the more traditional areas of Judaism such as the synagogue.
Comparison to Christianity and Islam
Judaism is a religion which differs from Christianity and Islam in many ways. Unlike the two other global religions, it is not proselytizing and there is no mission to bring the religion to all corners of the globe. Instead, Judaism is focused around the cohesive and unified nation of Israel and the preservation of the culture and traditions of the Jewish people. It is these unique aspects of Judaism which give it its distinct character. Additionally, its emphasis on social justice and righteousness is what sets it apart from other global religions.
The Covenant with God
The Jewish faith is based upon the covenant God made with the Jewish people. This covenant is the basis of the religion and the idea that by living in accordance with God’s laws, the Jewish people will remain in his covenant forever. This is why following Torah and its commandments is so important for Jews and why God is so central to the faith. Additionally, the covenant also encompasses the idea of justice and righteousness and it is this which has shaped much of the way of life of the Jewish people.
Role of the Torah
The Torah forms the basis of Jewish law and is the source of knowledge and teaching for the Jewish faith. The Torah is considered to be the word of God and is seen by Jews as being binding and unchanging. It is this aspect of the religion which ensures that Judaism is always passed down from generation to generation, and it is this which helps to keep it alive and relevant to the present day. Additionally, the Torah is also a source of comfort for Jews as its messages can be applied to all aspects of life.
Jews as a Light Unto the Nations
Another aspect of Judaism which makes it unique is its belief that the Jewish people are a ‘light unto the nations’. This belief is based upon the idea that the Jewish people have been blessed by God and that through them, God will bring righteousness and justice to the world. This principle is at the centre of the Jewish faith and is what drives the Jewish people to continue to strive for justice, peace and understanding in the world.
Reason Why Judaism is a True Religion
Ultimately, what makes Judaism the ‘true’ religion is its focus on justice, peace and understanding, whilst also honouring the covenant with God made centuries ago. It is this emphasis on social justice and righteousness which distinguishes it from other global religions, and it is this which many Jews believe sets it apart as being the one and only true faith. Additionally, its emphasis on justice and understanding is what makes the Jewish people the ‘light unto the nations’ and what makes them a beacon of hope and justice in the world.
Messianic Jews
Messianic Judaism, or Jewish-Christianity, is a movement which seeks to combine aspects of Judaism and Christianity and is primarily focused on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah, or ‘anointed one’ of God. Though it is technically considered to be a separate religion, it is still based upon the tenets of Judaism and draws heavily upon Jewish culture and tradition. It is this which allows Messianic Judaism to be classified as a type of Judaism as its core beliefs remain intact while still allowing a certain degree of syncretism and freedom of interpretation.
Customs and Traditions of Judaism
Though the customs and traditions of Judaism are not set in stone and can vary between different branches of Judaism, the most important and widely held customs involve keeping kosher and recognizing the Sabbath day. Additionally, other customs include recognising important holidays such as Passover and Rosh Hashanah, and lighting the Sabbath candles on Friday evening. Though these customs and traditions can vary, they are all an important part of the Jewish faith and are what help to identify Jewish people throughout the world.
Tikkun Olam
Tikkun Olam is a core concept in Judaism which translates literally as ‘repair the world’. It is primarily a call to action for the Jewish people to strive for justice, righteousness and peace in all aspects of life, particularly in regards to the rights of the poor, the oppressed, and those who have been marginalised or overlooked. This is an important part of the Jewish faith and is a focus of many of the religious activities and practises.
Conclusion
Judaism is an ancient religion which has its roots deep in tradition and culture. Its main tenets revolve around justice, righteousness and respect for God’s covenant with the Jewish people. This is what makes Judaism the ‘true’ religion, and why it is a beacon of hope in a world filled with conflict and uncertainty. From following the Torah and its commandments to living out the core principles of Tikkun Olam, Jews strive to bring righteousness and justice to the world and to live in accordance with the commandments given to them by God.
