Judaism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the ancient Middle East and is based on the teachings and beliefs of the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Tanakh) and other sacred texts. It is one of the oldest religions in the world and is practiced by millions of people worldwide, primarily by the Jewish people.
Central to Judaism is the belief in one God, who is the creator of the universe and the source of moral law. Jews follow a set of religious practices and rituals, including prayer, study of sacred texts, and observance of dietary laws and holidays. The Torah, which contains the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is considered the most sacred text in Judaism.
Judaism has a rich history and tradition, with a strong emphasis on community, family, and social justice. It has also had a significant impact on Western civilization, influencing the development of Christianity and Islam, as well as contributing to the fields of philosophy, ethics, and literature.
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Google Gemini AI
Jul 16
Judaism
Definition:
Judaism is a monotheistic religion, ethnoreligious group, and civilization developed by the Israelite and Jewish people over the course of history.
Core Beliefs:
- One God: Belief in a single, all-powerful, and eternal God known as Yahweh or Adonai. - Torah: Belief that the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, was revealed to Moses by God and contains divine law and teachings. - Covenantal Relationship: Belief in a special covenant between God and the Jewish people, which involves obligations and promises. - Messianism: Belief in the coming of a Messiah who will bring redemption and restore the world to its intended state. - Chosen People: Belief that the Jewish people have a unique mission and destiny as God's chosen people.
Practices:
- Prayer: Regular prayer, including the morning, afternoon, and evening prayers. - Sabbath: Weekly observance of the Sabbath, a day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening. - Dietary Laws (Kashrut): Observance of dietary restrictions based on the laws outlined in the Torah. - Life-Cycle Rituals: Observance of rituals associated with birth, marriage, and death. - Jewish Holidays: Celebration of festivals and holidays throughout the year, such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, and Passover.
History:
- Origins in the ancient Middle East among the Israelites (c. 1300 BCE). - Codification of the Torah during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE). - Development of Jewish law, tradition, and philosophy over centuries. - Dispersion of Jewish people throughout the world (diaspora) after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (70 CE). - Renaissance and Enlightenment movements in Europe influenced Jewish thought and practice. - Formation of modern Jewish denominations (e.g., Orthodox, Conservative, Reform). - Holocaust (1939-1945): Genocide of approximately six million Jewish people in Europe. - Establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
Diversity:
Judaism has a rich and diverse tradition with many different denominations and branches. Some of the major ones include:
- Approximately 14.6 million Jewish people worldwide (2020 estimate). - The majority of Jewish people live in the United States and Israel. - Jewish communities exist in various countries around the world.