An Inside Look at Judaism

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Judaism is a monotheistic religion, meaning having the belief in a single God. It is one of the oldest religions dating back to its start in 1300 BC in Mesopotamia. Although monotheism was very rare at the beginning of Judaism's birth, Jews believe that God revealed himself to Abraham, the first ancestor of the Jews. Jews believe that they are God’s chosen people chosen to set an example of holiness and ethical behaviour to the world. Jewish life focuses very much on community and there are many activities that Jews must do as a community. For example, the Jewish prayer book uses we and our in their prayers instead of using I or mine. The Jews were first known as Hebrews or Israelites but later developed to be called the Jews. God rescued the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and led them through the desert to the promised land. While in the desert God revealed to Moses, the leader of the Israelites, the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments, also followed by the Christians, are set of rules given by God giving instruction to His people on how to live. Along with the Ten Commandments Jews believe God instructs them with a set of laws known as the Torah. The Torah is the main set of laws followed by Jews. Many of the guidelines known as mitzvahs in the Torah have a large emphasis on ritual purity and the importance of remaining set apart from the surrounding polytheistic cultures.

The Jewish religion consists of about fourteen million people. Most of the jewish population subsides in regions of Israel, Europe, and some of the United States of America. The three different sects of the Jewish religion consist of the Reform Jews, Conservative Jews, and Orthodox Jews. Orthodox Jews are the most conservative sect. They believe in s...

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...ist. He can do anything and everything. He is just yet merciful and always listens to his children, working through some of them in unexpected ways. The biggest difference between the Christian relationship and the Judaism religion is Jesus. Christians believe that God sent his one and only son Jesus Christ to save the world from our sins while the Jews believe Jesus is not the Messiah but simply a prophet. The Jews believe that the Messiah is yet to come.

Works Cited

“Judaism”. Religion Facts. 25 February 2014. Web. 8 Apr.l 2014.

"Judaism." BBC News. n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.

"Religion Library: Judaism." Judaism Origins, Judaism History, Judaism Beliefs. n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.

"Judaism 101: What Do Jews Believe?" Judaism 101: What Do Jews Believe? n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.

"Taking a Look at Jewish Religious Beliefs." - For Dummies. n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014.

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