Judaism (from the Latin Iudaismus, derived from the Greek Ioudaïsmos, and ultimately from the Hebrew יהודה, Yehudah, "Judah";[1][2] in Hebrew: יַהֲדוּת, Yahadut) is a set of beliefs and practices originating in the Jewish Bible, also known as the Tanakh, and explored and explained in later texts such as the Talmud. Jews consider Judaism to be the expression of the covenantal relationship God developed with the Children of Israel—originally a group of around a dozen tribes claiming descent from the Biblical patriarch Jacob and later the Jewish people.[3] According to most branches, God revealed his laws and commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of both the Written and Oral Torah.[4] However, Karaite Judaism maintains that only the Written Torah was revealed,[5] and liberal denominations such as Humanistic Judaism may be nontheistic.[6]
Judaism claims a historical continuity spanning well over 3000 years. It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions,[7] and the oldest to survive into the present day.[8][9] Its texts, traditions and values have inspired later Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith.[9][10] Many aspects of Judaism have also directly or indirectly influenced secular Western ethics and civil law, which in turn left their mark on Judaism.[11]
In 2007, the world Jewish population was estimated at 13.2 million, 41% of whom lived in Israel[12] and 40% of whom lived in the United States.[13] This figure includes both ethnic Jews and converts to Judaism—much as some countries consider citizens to be either native-born children or naturalized immigrants, a Jew is defined as anyone with either the relevant Jewish parentage or a Jewish conversion. In more conservative branches such as Orthodox Judaism, conversion entails a full commitment to Jewish observance. At least in principle, these branches expect a similar level of commitment from every Jew.[14][15] Historically, special courts enforced Jewish law; today, these courts still exist but the practice of Judaism is mostly voluntary.[16] Authority on theological and legal matters is not vested in any one person or organization, but in the sacred texts and the many rabbis and scholars who interpret these texts.[17]
Contents |
|
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
(JTA) -- An evangelical Christian who promotes Messianic Judaism will be the keynote speaker at a Birthright Israel alumni event in New York this month. ...
200px x 182px | 6.30kB
[source page]
in the eyes of Judaism Jews believe God gave people the Old Testament Bible or Torah as it is known in Hebrew brimming with tips on how to be good and what happens to those who are not Prayer towards God is important in Judaism Every Saturday the Jewish Sabbath for example Jews get together to pray to God To be a good person however prayer is not enough It is
Ih Contributer
Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:02:31 GM
Mermaid of . Judaism. is playing Indiehouston stage at the Westheimer Block Party on November 14th Saturday at 2:30pm (Outside Helios). Mermaids of.
Q. Judaism and Confucianism both share the same family values but what are other similarities and differences?
Asked by BeeBoop - Thu May 7 21:16:50 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Similarities: 1)Both are monotheistic. 2)Both are legalistic. 3)Both express a profound reference for ancestors. Differences: 1) Although they both believe in God, Confucianism views Him in a more Deistic kind of way, whereas Judaism believes that God Revealed Himself to His Creation. 2) Judaism is a culture, as well as a religion, whereas Confucianism is a philosophy, as well as a religion. 3)Judaism only venerates ancestors, whereas Confucianism actually deifies them(ie: Ancestor worship).
Answered by clusium1971 - Thu May 7 22:32:43 2009
