Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, founded around 3,000 years ago in the ancient Near East.

It is centered on the belief in one God, who is the Creator and ruler of the universe, and whose will is revealed through sacred texts and prophetic teachings.

The central concept in Judaism is the covenant—a sacred agreement between God and the Jewish people, in which Jews are chosen to live according to God’s commandments and to be a light unto the nations.

At the heart of Judaism is the Torah, the foundational text that outlines God’s laws and the guidelines for living a holy life. Jewish practice includes worship, prayer, observance of religious holidays, ethical living, and community participation. 

The belief in one God and the importance of following His commandments form the basis for all Jewish practices and beliefs.

Judaism's core concepts are grounded in the belief in one God, the importance of sacred texts, and the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Key principles include:

• Monotheism: Judaism is strictly monotheistic, believing in the existence of one, indivisible God. This God is seen as eternal, omnipotent, and beyond human comprehension. The Shema, a central prayer in Judaism, declares, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

• The Covenant: Central to Judaism is the concept of a covenant—a sacred agreement between God and the Jewish people. This covenant, first made with the patriarch Abraham and later reaffirmed with Moses, includes following God’s laws and in return receiving God’s blessings.

• The Torah: The Torah is the most important text in Judaism, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It contains the laws (mitzvot) given to Moses, including moral, ethical, and ritual commandments that guide Jewish life.

• Mitzvot (Commandments): The Torah contains 613 commandments, covering every aspect of Jewish life, from ethical behavior to ritual observance. These commandments guide Jews in their relationship with God, each other, and the world.

• Jewish Identity and the Chosen People: Jews believe they are God’s chosen people, a designation that carries both privileges and responsibilities. It is a call to live by God’s commandments and be a moral example to the world. This concept is deeply intertwined with the history of the Jewish people, including the exodus from Egypt and the experience of exile and return.

Judaism’s sacred texts are rich and diverse, offering guidance, historical narratives, laws, and theological discussions. The most significant texts include:

• The Torah: The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) are considered the foundation of Jewish law and practice.

• The Tanakh: The complete Hebrew Bible, consisting of three parts: the Torah (Law), the Nevi’im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). The Tanakh is the canonical text of the Jewish religion.

• The Talmud: The Talmud is a central text of Jewish law and ethics. It is a compilation of rabbinic discussions, interpretations, and debates on the Torah and other texts. It consists of the Mishnah (oral law) and the Gemara(commentary on the Mishnah).

• The Shema: A central prayer in Judaism, recited daily, affirming the oneness of God and the commitment to love and serve Him.

• The Haggadah: A text used during the Passover Seder, it tells the story of the Jewish exodus from Egypt and includes prayers, songs, and instructions for the ritual meal.

Judaism traces its origins to the ancient Hebrews in the Middle East. The earliest roots of Judaism are found in the figure of Abraham, considered the first patriarch.

Around 2000 BCE, Abraham made a covenant with God, establishing a relationship between the Hebrew people and their Creator.

Later, the covenant was further developed through Moses, who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt in the event known as the Exodus. During this time, Moses received the Torah from God on Mount Sinai, which became the guiding law for the Jewish people.

Throughout the centuries, Judaism was shaped by significant historical events, including the establishment and destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, the Babylonian exile, and the diaspora, during which Jews were dispersed across the world.

These experiences of exile and return, struggle and resilience, have shaped Jewish identity and practice. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE marked the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora, and Judaism began to develop into a religion focused on study, prayer, and community life, rather than temple-based sacrifices.

The modern era has seen the growth of different Jewish movements, each interpreting Jewish tradition in unique ways. The three main branches of contemporary Judaism are Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism, each differing in their approach to Jewish law, tradition, and modernity.

Judaism is diverse, with different sects and movements that interpret Jewish law, practice, and identity in varying ways. Some of the most well-known subsects include:

• Orthodox Judaism: The most traditional branch, Orthodox Judaism adheres to strict observance of Jewish law and tradition. This includes keeping kosher, observing the Sabbath, and following the 613 commandments in the Torah. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah and its laws are divinely given and unchanging.

• Conservative Judaism: Conservative Judaism seeks to balance traditional Jewish law with modern life. It believes that Jewish law is binding but can adapt over time to meet contemporary needs. Conservative Judaism is more flexible than Orthodoxy but still maintains a commitment to Jewish tradition.

• Reform Judaism: Reform Judaism emphasizes individual autonomy and the adaptation of Jewish practice to modern life. Reform Jews believe that Jewish law is not necessarily binding but should be followed to the extent that it is meaningful to the individual. The movement promotes social justice and inclusivity and is open to modern interpretations of tradition.

• Reconstructionist Judaism: This movement views Judaism as an evolving religious civilization, emphasizing community and culture over strict adherence to religious law. Reconstructionist Jews see Jewish practices as a way to foster connection to Jewish history and values, but they embrace modernity and flexibility.

• Hasidic Judaism: A spiritual movement within Orthodox Judaism that emphasizes mysticism, prayer, and the connection to a spiritual leader known as a Rebbe. Hasidism focuses on joy, piety, and the experience of God's presence in everyday life.

• Humanistic Judaism: A non-theistic movement that emphasizes Jewish culture, history, and ethics while rejecting the belief in God. Humanistic Jews focus on human dignity and the pursuit of justice through secular means.

Modern Jewish practice varies widely across denominations, but some common practices include:

• Shabbat: Observing the Sabbath, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is a central practice for Jews. It is a day of rest, prayer, and reflection, marked by rituals such as lighting candles, sharing meals, and attending synagogue services.

• Kosher Laws: Many Jews follow dietary laws outlined in the Torah, which include prohibitions on eating certain animals and the separation of meat and dairy products. Keeping kosher is an important aspect of Jewish observance, especially in Orthodox and Conservative communities.

• Prayer: Jews are required to pray three times a day, reciting prayers from the Siddur, a Jewish prayer book. Prayer is central to Jewish life, and many Jews attend synagogue services on Shabbat and holidays.

• Holidays and Festivals: Jewish holidays, such as Passover, Yom Kippur, and Hanukkah, commemorate key events in Jewish history and involve prayers, rituals, and communal celebrations. The Passover Seder is a particularly significant ritual that retells the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.

• Study: Torah study is highly valued in Judaism. Jews of all denominations engage in regular study of sacred texts, including the Torah, Talmud, and other rabbinic literature. Study is seen as a means of connecting with God and deepening one’s understanding of Jewish tradition.

• Charity (Tzedakah): Giving to those in need is a key tenet of Jewish ethical teaching. Jews are encouraged to perform acts of charity and social justice as a means of fulfilling their moral responsibilities.

• Life Cycle Events: Jews celebrate significant life milestones such as circumcision (Brit Milah), bar mitzvah/bat mitzvah (coming-of-age rituals), weddings, and funerals, with each ceremony rich in tradition and meaning.

Judaism is a religion deeply rooted in history, ethics, and a commitment to justice, love, and faithfulness to God. It offers a profound sense of identity, connection, and purpose through its practices and teachings.

For Jews around the world, Jewish tradition is not just a set of rituals, but a way of life that shapes how they understand their role in the world and their relationship with the Divine.

The diversity within Judaism allows for a rich variety of experiences and interpretations, but at its core, Judaism remains a religion of community, continuity, and connection to a shared history and future.

1. The Torah (The Five Books of Moses)

2. The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)

3. The Talmud

4. Jewish History: A Very Short Introduction by David N. Myers