Beliefs

 

Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, dating back over 3,000 years. It is the faith of the Jewish people and is based on a deep belief in one God who created the universe and continues to be involved in human history. The beliefs of Judaism are rooted in the Hebrew Bible, especially the Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible.

At the heart of Judaism is the belief in one, all-powerful, and compassionate God. Unlike some ancient religions that believed in many gods, Judaism teaches that there is only one true God who is eternal, invisible, and everywhere. Jews believe that God is the creator of everything and that humans are made in God’s image, which gives every person dignity and worth.

Another major belief is that God made a covenant, or a special agreement, with the Jewish people. In this covenant, God promised to protect and bless the Jewish people if they followed His laws and commandments. These laws are found in the Torah, including the famous Ten Commandments, which teach basic principles like honoring parents, telling the truth, and not stealing.

Following God's laws (called mitzvot) is very important in Judaism. There are 613 commandments in the Torah that guide many aspects of life, from how to treat others to how to pray and what foods to eat (keeping kosher). Jews believe that by following these laws, they are living the way God wants and helping to make the world a better place.

Judaism also teaches the importance of justice, kindness, and repairing the world (tikkun olam). Jews are encouraged to stand up for what is right, help those in need, and work to create a more just society.

Another belief is in the importance of community and tradition. Jewish life is often centered around the synagogue (a place of worship and study) and the celebration of holy days like Shabbat (the Sabbath), Passover, and Yom Kippur. These traditions help connect Jewish people to God, to each other, and to their history.

Judaism also holds a hope for the future: many Jews believe in the coming of a Messiah, a future leader who will bring peace, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and unite all people under God.

In conclusion, Judaism is based on the belief in one God, the importance of following God’s commandments, living a life of justice and kindness, and maintaining strong community traditions. Its teachings have deeply influenced not only Jewish life but also Christianity, Islam, and the values of many societies around the world.

 

Practices

 

Judaism is not just a set of beliefs—it is a way of life filled with important practices that connect Jewish people to God, their community, and their history. These practices are based on teachings from the Torah and Jewish tradition and are meant to guide daily life, strengthen faith, and bring meaning to every moment.

One of the central practices in Judaism is observing the Sabbath, known as Shabbat. Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. It is a day of rest and worship, based on the belief that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Jewish families often gather for special meals, light candles, pray, and spend time together without working, using electronics, or doing chores. Shabbat helps Jews pause from busy life and focus on family, faith, and peace.

Another important practice is prayer. Jewish people pray to God three times a day—morning, afternoon, and evening. Prayers often include blessings, praises, and requests for help or forgiveness. Many Jews pray in synagogues, where they come together as a community to worship, read from the Torah, and celebrate religious events.

Following the mitzvot, or commandments, is another key practice. The Torah lists 613 mitzvot that cover all areas of life, including how to treat others, what to eat, and how to honor God. Keeping kosher is one example—this means eating only certain types of food (like avoiding pork and shellfish) and preparing food in a special way. These practices help remind Jewish people of their faith throughout their daily routines.

Celebrating Jewish holidays is a joyful and meaningful part of Jewish life. For example:

  • Passover remembers the story of the Exodus when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

  • Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and asking for forgiveness.

  • Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting eight days during the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem.
    Each holiday has special rituals, foods, prayers, and traditions that teach important lessons and strengthen community bonds.

Life-cycle events are also important practices in Judaism. From Brit Milah (the circumcision ceremony for baby boys) to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs (celebrating a child's coming of age at 13) to weddings and funerals, Judaism honors all stages of life with meaningful ceremonies that connect individuals to God and their community.

Acts of kindness and charity, known as tzedakah, are another everyday practice. Jews are encouraged to help those in need and work for justice in the world. Giving to charity, volunteering, and treating others fairly are seen as important religious duties.

In conclusion, Jewish practices like observing Shabbat, praying, following mitzvot, celebrating holidays, and performing acts of kindness help Jewish people live out their faith every day. These practices keep Jewish traditions alive and create strong connections between individuals, families, and God.

 

Contributions to Society

 

Judaism, one of the world's oldest religions, has made many important contributions to society, influencing not only religious traditions but also ideas about law, ethics, human rights, and community. The teachings and traditions of Judaism have shaped the foundations of Western civilization and continue to inspire people around the world today.

One of the most important contributions of Judaism is the idea of monotheism—the belief in one, all-powerful, and compassionate God. This belief greatly influenced the development of Christianity and Islam and helped spread the idea that all people are created by the same God and are equal in dignity and worth. This understanding has encouraged respect for human life and has laid the foundation for modern ideas about human rights.

Judaism has also contributed the concept of moral law. The Ten Commandments, given to Moses in the Torah, set clear rules about how people should treat one another and how they should live in relation to God. Ideas like justice, fairness, honesty, respect for parents, and the importance of truth-telling have become central to the legal and moral systems in many countries.

The Jewish tradition of tikkun olam, which means “repairing the world,” encourages people to take action to make the world a better place. This value has inspired countless efforts in social justice, charity work, and community service. Jewish individuals and organizations have long been active in fighting for civil rights, helping the poor, and supporting education and healthcare for all.

Another important contribution is the emphasis on education and scholarship. From ancient times, Judaism has taught that learning is a sacred duty. Jews have placed a strong focus on reading, studying religious texts, and valuing knowledge. This commitment to education has helped preserve Jewish culture through centuries of hardship and has also influenced broader societal respect for learning and academic achievement.

Judaism has also enriched the world through its cultural contributions. Jewish thinkers, writers, artists, scientists, and leaders have made major contributions in fields such as philosophy, medicine, literature, music, and political thought. Figures like Albert Einstein in science, Sigmund Freud in psychology, and Anne Frank in literature are just a few examples of how Jewish individuals have impacted the world.

Finally, Judaism’s teachings about community and responsibility have shaped how many societies view the importance of family life, caring for the vulnerable, and building strong, supportive communities. The strong sense of community found in Jewish life has been a model for how groups of people can work together for the common good.

In conclusion, Judaism has made lasting contributions to society in areas like religion, law, ethics, education, social justice, and culture. Its values of justice, compassion, learning, and community continue to inspire and guide people across the globe.

"What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow-man. This is the entire Law, all the rest is commentary."

Talmud, Shabbat 31d