Judaism

The oldest of the three Abrahamic faiths, tracing its origins to Abraham and formalized through the covenant at Sinai with Moses. Judaism is both a religion and the identity of the Jewish people.

Core Beliefs

Monotheism

The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) declares the foundational belief: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” This absolute monotheism distinguishes Judaism from the polytheistic cultures that surrounded ancient Israel.

Covenant

Judaism is built on the concept of covenant—a binding agreement between God and Israel. The Abrahamic covenant promised land, descendants, and blessing. The Mosaic covenant at Sinai established the Torah as the framework for Jewish life.

Torah

The Torah (the Five Books of Moses) is the foundational scripture, believed to be divinely revealed to Moses. Together with the Prophets and Writings, it forms the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). The Oral Torah, later codified in the Talmud, provides authoritative interpretation.

Practices

• Shabbat - Weekly day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening
• Kashrut - Dietary laws governing what may be eaten
• Prayer - Three daily prayer services
• Lifecycle rituals - Circumcision, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, marriage, mourning customs
• Festivals - Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Purim

Historical Development

Judaism evolved through several phases:

• Patriarchal period - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob
• Mosaic period - Exodus, Torah revelation
• Temple period - Centralized worship in Jerusalem
• Rabbinic period - After Temple destruction (70 CE), focus shifted to synagogue, prayer, and Torah study

Major Denominations

Modern Judaism encompasses several major movements with distinct approaches to tradition and modernity:

Orthodox Judaism

The traditionalist branch maintaining that Torah (both Written and Oral) was divinely revealed and that halakha (Jewish law) is binding. Includes Modern Orthodox (engagement with modernity) and Haredi/Ultra-Orthodox (separation from secular culture). Hasidism is a mystical movement within Orthodoxy.

Conservative Judaism

A middle path (also called Masorti outside North America) viewing Judaism as historically evolving while maintaining commitment to halakha. Emphasizes tradition with adaptation through rabbinic interpretation.

Reform Judaism

The largest denomination in North America (also called Progressive or Liberal Judaism), emphasizing individual autonomy, ethical monotheism, and adaptation of tradition to modern life. Pioneered gender equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Reconstructionist Judaism

The smallest major movement, founded by Mordecai Kaplan, viewing Judaism as an evolving civilization rather than purely a religion. Emphasizes communal decision-making and reinterpretation of traditional concepts.

Hasidism

A mystical, pietistic movement within Orthodox Judaism emphasizing joyful worship, devotion to charismatic leaders (rebbes), and the accessibility of divine service. Organized into dynastic courts (Chabad-Lubavitch, Satmar, Breslov, etc.).

Relation to Other Abrahamic Faiths

Judaism is the parent tradition from which Christianity emerged and which significantly influenced Islam. While sharing the Hebrew Bible, Judaism does not accept Jesus as Messiah or Muhammad as a prophet.