Introduction
Judaism is the oldest of the Abrahamic faiths, tracing its origins to the covenant between God and Abraham. Rooted in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and developed through centuries of rabbinic tradition, Judaism has profoundly shaped the religious, ethical, and cultural life of humanity.
Core Beliefs
- Monotheism — belief in one God who is both just and merciful.
- Covenant and Law — the Torah as God’s revealed law and guidance.
- Community and Identity — peoplehood expressed through ritual, ethics, and tradition.
- Messianic Hope — expectation of redemption and a world repaired (*tikkun olam*).
Major Branches of Judaism
- Orthodox Judaism — Emphasizes strict adherence to halakha (Jewish law).
- Conservative Judaism — Balances tradition with modern scholarship and flexibility.
- Reform Judaism — Focuses on ethical principles, personal interpretation, and adaptation to modern life.
- Other Movements — Includes Reconstructionist, Renewal, Humanistic Judaism, and regional traditions (Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi).