This article provides an overview of Judaism, its origins, beliefs, and practices. It will explore topics such as: what is Judaism, the importance of the Torah, and God’s commands and covenant with His chosen people.
What is Judaism?
Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world dating back over 3,000 years. Because of its long history, fundamental principles, and many traditions, it has withstood the test of time in this ever-changing world.
The Jewish people began when God made a covenant with Abraham, and continued it with Isaac and Jacob. He promised to bless their nation and make them a great people (Genesis 12:1-4). Because of the covenant, Jews view themselves as the “Chosen People,” who are to uphold God’s commands and precepts. Moses, who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 13), received the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai, from which God’s precepts come from (Exodus 20). Today, the Jews still follow these precepts and many traditions as they wait for the return of their Messiah. These precepts and traditions are what Judaism is all about.
Zoroastrianism is said to be one of the first monotheistic religions in the world, even pre-dating Judaism. You can learn more about this religion by checking out this article: "What Is the Zoroastrian Worldview?"
Monotheism and the Concept of God in Judaism
Since its inception at the call of Abram in 1996 B.C., Judaism has held a monotheistic belief system which birthed other important monotheistic religions like Christianity and Islam. For Jews, monotheism is the worship of the one true God, Yahweh (YHWH), who created the universe and is the source of all life. Yahweh is One God which is iterated in Deuteronomy 6:4, known as the Shema (hear).
The Shema
One of the defining characteristics of Judaism is its strict adherence to monotheism, the belief in a single, all-powerful God. This belief is emphasized in the Shema prayer, which is recited daily by religious Jews. The Shema is found in the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4) and proclaims, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This simple but powerful statement is central to the nature of monotheism within the Jewish faith. It strengthens the idea that there is only one, supreme authority in the universe—the God of the Bible, Yahweh.
Even though God is One God, His eternal nature appears to indicate that He is plural. For example, the word used for God or gods (angels) is ‘Elohim.’ “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” (Genesis 1:1). Elohim is a plural word but when referring to Yahweh God, a singular verb follows it. Another hint of His plurality is further seen in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness…” It seems that God is both singular and plural. In the Old Testament scriptures this can be as the Yahweh God, the Spirit of God, and even the Angel of God—whom Christians believe is the Son, Jesus. Psalm 110:1 is an example of David indicating the plurality of His LORD, “The LORD said to my LORD, ‘sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'”
In Christianity, this plurality of God is called the "Trinity of God" (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). [You can read an article about the Trinity, here].
God’s Relationship with the Jewish People
In Judaism, God maintains a unique and special relationship with the Jewish people. This relationship is characterized by the notion of a covenant, a binding agreement between God and the descendants of the biblical patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As part of this covenant, the Jewish people are to follow God’s commandments and teachings. In return, God will bless, protect, and guide the nation (Deuteronomy 11). This divine relationship forms the basis of Jewish identity as God’s “Chosen People” and underscores the importance of monotheism within the faith.
The Concept of the Chosen People
The idea of the Jews as the “Chosen People” is central to Judaism. According to this concept, the Jews are chosen by God to be a “light unto the nations” (Isaiah 49:6) and to serve as an example of righteousness. It is through the Jews that all the world will be blessed, and through whom the Savior, Messiah, will come for the sake of the world (Isaiah 59; John 3:16)
The covenant God made with the patriarchs serves as a constant reminder of the special relationship between God and the Jewish people. God is like a father to His people and caring like a mother (e.g. Psalm 103:13; Isaiah 66:3). He will not abandon His children, Israel, for they are a part of His redemption plan for the world. A plan where all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12; 15).
The Importance of the Torah in Judaism
What Is the Torah?
The Torah, also known as the Five Books of Moses, is the central text of Judaism and the foundation of Jewish law and belief. It consists of the books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Torah provides the narrative of the Jewish people starting from creation and ending with the death of Moses. Within these texts, the principles of monotheism, the covenant, and the role of the Jews as the Chosen People are clearly established. The Torah serves as a guide for Jewish life and a source of wisdom and inspiration for generations of Jews. Alongside the Torah, the Jews also hold in high regard, the books of the prophets as well as the Psalms and wisdom literature.
The Oral Torah and Its Significance
Jewish tradition acknowledges the presence of an Oral Torah in addition to the Written Torah. This was transmitted through generations of rabbis and scholars offering guidance on how to apply the Written Torah’s teachings to everyday life. The Talmud is the most well-known collection of the Oral Torah and is a comprehensive compilation of rabbinic debates and commentaries. Jewish law, ethics, and religion are all based on the Written and Oral Torahs and are both considered given by God.
However, if one was to compare the written text with the oral tradition of its interpretation, mainly that the Messiah was not to die, one would find that the written differs from the oral in some places of Scripture. Mainly in the interpretation of Isaiah’s prophecies. An example of this can be found in the extensive work done by Dr. Louis Goldburg.
Written by the Distinguished Professor of Theology and Jewish Studies at Moody Bible Institute, this first-of-its-kind comprehensive reference volume is an essential addition to the library of those students who wish to survey systematic theology with a distinctly Messianic Jewish emphasis. The first section deals with the Torah and the New Covenant, and how various aspects of the Word of God relate to one another. Goldberg then goes on to cover the nature and character of God before delving into the doctrines of man, sin and the world of angels and demons. The volume concludes with ecclesiology and offers thoughts on this doctrine for Messianic congregations.
If you want to learn more about the Torah, check out the article here, “The Torah: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism.”
The Concept of Mitzvot
What Is the Mitzvot in Judaism?
The Mitzvot, in simple terms, means “commandment” and refers mainly to the Torah. In a general sense, it also refers to all of the rules, practices and customs found in Judaism. These include the additional 613 commandments given in the Torah beyond the Ten Commandments from Moses.
The 613 Commandments of Judaism
There are 613 commandments in Judaism, which are regarded as divine prescriptions for how to live a moral and spiritually fulfilling life. These commandments, or mitzvot, are taken directly from the Torah. It covers a broad range of topics, including moral conduct, religious observance, and civic duty. The most well-known portion of the mitzvot is the The Ten Commandments, which Moses received at Mount Sinai. Other commandments pertain to charity, prayer, sacrifices, and dietary rules.
The Role of Mitzvot in Daily Life
Jewish religion revolves around the mitzvot, which offers a practical framework for living in accordance with God’s will. The mitzvot are seen as a means to uphold the obligations that come with being a part of the covenant and to deepen one’s relationship with God. The mitzvot continue to be a crucial component of Jewish belief and practice, despite variations in degree of observance between individuals and communities.
Many of the commandments that are laid out in the Torah cannot be upheld currently, because they pertain to sacrifices done in the temple. However, the Jews still seek to build another temple by which they can continue the sacrifices. Until then that, many of the prayers, dietary rules, and charity are still followed.
Here is an article on the Mitzvot from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. [Read it, Here]
Important Holidays in Judaism
Three of Judaism’s most important holidays, Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, each commemorate significant moments in Jewish history and highlight essential tenets of Jewish belief and custom. These three festivals, also known as the Shalosh Regalim, were initially observed by making pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem. All able-bodied men were commanded to travel to Jerusalem to attend these feasts (Exodus 23:14–17; 34:22–23; Deuteronomy 16:16).
For each of these feasts, it was necessary to bring “firstfruit” offerings to the temple as a sign of gratitude for God’s sustenance. The barley harvest is celebrated at the Feast of Firstfruits during the time of the Passover. The first fruits of the wheat harvest, are celebrated during the Feast of Weeks. During the Feast of Tabernacles an offering of the first fruits of the olive and grape harvests is required.
The Passover
The Passover (also known as Pesach) is a time to observe the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt, as told in the Book of Exodus. Jewish families all over the world observe this eight-day holiday by participating in a ritual dinner known as the Seder. During the dinner, the story of the Exodus is retold using a unique text known as the Haggadah. Foods that symbolize hardship and pain experienced by the Israelites during their captivity are included in the Seder, such as matzah (unleavened bread) and maror (bitter herbs).
Shavuot
The Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai . It is observed fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23). This festival is characterized with study sessions of the Torah, reading the Book of Ruth, and consuming dairy foods. It is also a day of rest for all of Israel.
Sukkot
Five days after Yom Kippur, the Jews celebrate Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles (booths). This feast observes the Israelites’ forty-year sojourn through the wilderness. During this time the Israelites resided in makeshift tents or booths. Today, Jewish families build their own sukkahs (temporary outdoor tents) to celebrate Sukkot. There they consume their meals inside of them for seven days. Fruits, vegetables, and other natural materials are frequently used to adorn the sukkah to represent the harvest and the holiday’s agricultural origins.
To learn more about all the different festivals and holidays of the Jews, check out the article, "Jewish Practices and Rituals: A Guide to Judaism's Rich Traditions."
Conclusion
Judaism is a very complex belief system and has a variety of beliefs, practices, and rituals. These include such things as: the Torah, prayer, and annual festivals which serve to connect Jewish individuals to their faith, heritage, and communities. Jewish festivals, like the Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, play an important role in maintaining this connection. These festival commemorate key moments in Jewish history and emphasizes important values and teachings.
The observance of these holidays and rituals allows Jewish individuals and communities to strengthen their bonds with one another. It also fosters a deeper understanding of the spiritual, cultural, and historical dimensions of their faith.
For Further Study
“The Land of the Bible” by Yohanan Aharoni – This book provides a thorough examination of the history, geography, and archaeology of the biblical regions. It is divided into three sections: physical geography of the region, archaeology and the various cultures that once lived there, and a historical overview from biblical times to modern times. [Check it out on Amazon]
“Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History” by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin – This book provides an overview of Jewish history, beliefs, customs, and traditions, making it an excellent starting point for those who want to learn more about Judaism. [Check it out on Amazon
“A History of the Jews” by Paul Johnson – This book provides a comprehensive history of the Jewish people, from their earliest origins to the present day. It covers a wide range of topics, including the biblical period, the diaspora, and the formation of the modern state of Israel. [Check it out on Amazon]
“The Essential Talmud” by Adin Steinsaltz – This book serves as a superb introduction to the teachings and customs of the Talmud, one of Judaism’s most significant writings. It is a useful resource for anyone interested in Judaism because it includes subjects like Jewish law, ethics, and theology. [Check it out on Amazon]
“The Sabbath” by Abraham Joshua Heschel – This book provides a philosophical and theological exploration of the Jewish Sabbath, which is a central aspect of Jewish life and practice. It provides insights into the meaning and significance of the Sabbath for Jews and for humanity as a whole. [Check it out on Amazon]
“The Jewish Bible: A JPS Guide” by Barry L. Eichler – This book serves as an introduction to the Tanakh, or Jewish Bible, which is made up of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. It gives an overview of the themes and lessons of each book of the Bible as well as the historical and cultural background of each book. [Check it out on Amazon]
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