What are some Jewish beliefs?

Answer 1

Some key teachings of Judaism are:

• God is one and cannot be divided.
• There is no need for intermediaries; anyone can pray directly to God.
• We are all born spiritually neutral (and sin is just a choice).
• Humans were created to help God complete creation; this is primarily done by bringing justice into the world.
• Humans are unique in all creation in that we have free-will. Not even angels have free will. This is what God meant when He said we were created in His image.
• It is not possible to atone for the mistakes of others.
• It is not possible to atone for mistakes not yet committed.
• God will never be man or son of man.
• Human sacrifice is an abomination.
• There is no such thing as original sin.
• There is no such thing as eternal damnation.
• Meshichim (messiahs) are mortal men with no supernatural aspects to them.

Orthodox Jewish Beliefs

There are certain basic beliefs that characterize Orthodox Judaism, although there is a fair amount of flexibility among the major Jewish thinkers.

• the existence of an omnipotent, omniscient God who created the world and remains active in history
• reward and punishment
• the divine nature of The Bible - the Five Books of Moses, the Prophets, and the Writings; plus the importance of the Oral Law
• the world-to-come

Answer:

Judaism is a monotheistic faith; this means they believe in one God. Jewish people have a strong sense of community and feel that they are connected to one another no matter the distance. The religious text they use is referred to as The Torah; and they consider the 10 Commandments to be very important.

Jews believe in One God, who created everything and gave the Torah. Jews believe in the existence of the soul and afterlife.

Additional Answer:

In today's world, we have to keep in mind that the term 'Jewish' can relate to a religious belief or a nationality where there may be no religion involved. With this in mind, Judaism has branches just like most other religions. There is no 'creed' but there are 13 'core beliefs' stated by Maimonides's which many follow. They include One God as mentioned above and ends with a belief in a resurrection - to physical life again (see Ezekiel 37). Some believe in a shadowy existence after death with God. This is not quite the same as the heaven and hell concept of many Christian churches.

Answer 2

Here are some of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Maimonides:

1. God exists, and is the Creator

2. God is One and unique

3. God is not physical

4. God is eternal

5. Prayer is to be directed only to God

6. The words of the prophets are true

7. The prophecies of Moses are true; he was the greatest prophet

8. The Torah was given to Moses

9. There will be no other Torah

10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all

11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked

12. The Messiah will come

13. The dead will be resurrected

Answer 3

this is one of the hardes questions i have ever bean asked as a jew, if i had to sum up everry thing i have learned in my religion i would have to tell you that we as a people belive in treating othere with kindness and care as you would like to be treated is the most important thing. and if you can do that... you can do anything.

Answer 4

Jews have 248 commandments to fulfill and 365 activities to avoid. They believe they have been charged by G-d to tend to the spiritual aspects of the world and be an example to others by leading proper lives.

Of particular note:

• Jews are obligated to make the world a better place (tikkun olam)
• Jews are obligated to keep peace within their families (shlom habayat)
• Jews are obligated to study, pray, and engage in deeds of lovingkindness.

Answer

Maimonides, in his commentary on the Mishnah (part of the Oral Law), compiles what he refers to as the Thirteen Articles of Faith, compiled from Judaism's 613 commandments found in the Torah (the written law - The Pentateuch). The Thirteen Articles of Jewish faith are as follows:

• 1. God exists, and is the Creator.

This tells us that the world is not purposeless or chaotic. Life is the result of a deliberate, purposeful, intelligent and kind Creator; not a melancholy chaos or a string of fortuitous accidents.

• 2. God is One and unique.

This is the basis of all Western monotheistic belief, which was given to the world by Abraham and his descendants. This belief places God at the center of reality and the center of our world-outlook and thoughts.

• 3. God is not physical.

This includes the corollary that no person should be worshiped as God or as a god. Judaism has no god-kings, no demigods, no angel who flouts God's will, and no sports-idols, movie-idols etc.

• 4. God is eternal.

This includes the belief that God's ways are also eternal. God is not capricious, forgetful or fickle. Investing in a relationship with God is the only thing that will bear eternal benefits.

• 5. Prayer is to be directed only to God.

This teaches us that no person, government or institution is to be accorded blind trust. We pray directly to God, three times a day; and we recount our shortcomings, ask for our needs, and acknowledge our successes with happy thanks.

• 6. The words of the prophets are true.

The prophecies of the Hebrew Bible have been coming true throughout history. Even secular archaeologists (the unbiased ones) have stated that the Hebrew Bible is the most accurate of historical records, as the disdainful theories of Wellhausen and Bible-critics of his ilk have been shattered by the archaeologist's spade. A list of Bible verses which were called into question but later shown to be perfectly accurate would run into the many hundreds.

• 7. The prophecies of Moses are true; and he was the greatest prophet.
• 8. The Torah was given to Moses by God.

These two beliefs are the basis of our attitude towards the Torah: it is the center of our lives. Jews are keeping mitzvot (commands), saying blessings, praying, learning Torah and doing acts of kindness and charity all the time. The Torah is the single greatest thing that a Jew has; given to us to provide knowledge, guidance, inspiration, awe and reverence, advice, law, comfort, history and more. It is the basis of Judaism.

• 9. There will be no other Torah.

We Jews have been around for 3800 years. New fads, manifestos, beliefs or lifestyles which rear their heads are met by the Jew with a calm, seasoned eye and the proverbial grain of salt. The Torah doesn't change; and every new thing can be measured against the Torah's standards.

• 10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all.
• 11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.

These two beliefs provide a vast incentive towards righteousness and, when needed, repentance. They also form part of the basis of our belief in the afterlife, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler. God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4); and all outstanding accounts are settled after this life.

• 12. The Messiah will come.
• 13. The dead will be resurrected.

Judaism is the only ancient religion which taught optimism; and a large part of that optimism was and is based upon the words of the prophets.

Answer

"What are the basic tenets of Jewish belief?" They are as follows: 1.) Belief in Am Yisrael, the Jewish peoplehood 2.) Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, the Land promised to Abraham and his descendents 3.) The Jews have much diversity but share a common language, Hebrew 4.) SHABBAT-The Sabbath-day of rest, prayer and family togetherness.

The Jewish practices are called mitsvot but there are to many for me to say, they are all written in the 'Shulhan Aruch' (Code of Jewish Law, pub. 1566).

Judaism is founded on the belief in One ethical God.

Answer

there is one G-d and only one G-d

all humans are equally G-d's children

the righteous of all faiths will reach 'heaven'

actions are more important than beliefs

Torah is the direct word of G-d

the Jewish messiah has not yet arrived

all humans are born pure and innocent

G-d blessed may be his name, is first, and last.

Moses is the chief of all prophets.

Answer:There is a lot more to Judaism but these are some of the core beliefs:

One God Creator of Heaven and Earth. The Messiah has not yet come and we are waiting for the messiah to come. Do not believe in hell or the devil.

See the related links for info on rituals.

Answer 5

The Jewish religions beliefs focus around a core set of 13 beliefs. This is known as the 13 Principles of Faith. The main focus of these beliefs is around God and that he is the ultimate power and must be respected totally. The 13th Principle is that the dead will return to earth after being resurrected.

Answer:

The philosophy of Judaism is that this world is a purposeful creation by God, in which all people are tested concerning their use of free-will. We possess a soul which lives on after the body dies and is held responsible for the person's actions. Anyone who is worthy, Jewish or not, can merit reward in the afterlife.
Here is a list of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Maimonides:
1. God exists, and is the Creator.
This tells us that the world is not purposeless or chaotic. Life is the result of a deliberate, purposeful, intelligent and kind Creator; not a melancholy chaos or a string of fortuitous accidents.
2. God is One and unique.
This is the basis of all Western monotheistic belief, which was given to the world by Abraham and his descendants. This belief places God at the center of reality and the center of our world-outlook and thoughts.
3. God is not physical.
This includes the corollary that no person should be worshiped as God or as a god. Judaism has no god-kings, no demigods, no angel who flouts God's will, and no sports-idols, movie-idols etc.
4. God is eternal.
This includes the belief that God's ways are also eternal. God is not capricious, forgetful or fickle. Investing in a relationship with God is the only thing that will bear eternal benefits.
5. Prayer is to be directed only to God.
This teaches us that no person, government or institution is to be accorded blind trust. We pray directly to God, three times a day; and we recount our shortcomings, ask for our needs, and acknowledge our successes with happy thanks.
6. The words of the prophets are true.
The prophecies of the Hebrew Bible have been coming true throughout history. Even secular archaeologists (the unbiased ones) have stated that the Hebrew Bible is the most accurate of historical records, as the disdainful theories of Wellhausen and Bible-critics of his ilk have been shattered by the archaeologist's spade. A list of Bible verses which were called into question but later shown to be perfectly accurate would run into the many hundreds.
7. The prophecies of Moses are true; and he was the greatest prophet.
8. The Torah was given to Moses by God.
These two beliefs are the basis of our attitude towards the Torah: it is the center of our lives. Jews are keeping mitzvot (commands), saying blessings, praying, learning Torah and doing acts of kindness and charity all the time. The Torah is the single greatest thing that a Jew has; given to us to provide knowledge, guidance, inspiration, awe and reverence, advice, law, comfort, history and more. It is the basis of Judaism.
9. There will be no other Torah.
We Jews have been around for 3800 years. New fads, manifestos, beliefs or lifestyles which rear their heads are met by the Jew with a calm, seasoned eye and the proverbial grain of salt. The Torah doesn't change; and every new thing can be measured against the Torah's standards.
10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all.
11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.
These two beliefs provide a vast incentive towards righteousness and, when needed, repentance.
They also form part of the basis of our belief in the afterlife, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.
God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4); and all outstanding accounts are settled after this life.
12. The Messiah will come.

13. The dead will be resurrected.
Judaism is the only ancient religion which taught optimism; and a large part of that optimism was and is based upon the words of the prophets.

Answer 6

Jews believe that there is only one single entity and that is God, and God is the only one that they can pray to. They believe that there is an afterlife and that the dead will be resurrected.

Answer:

The philosophy of Judaism is that this world is a purposeful creation by God, in which all people are tested concerning their use of free-will. We possess a soul which lives on after the body dies and is held responsible for the person's actions. Anyone who is worthy, Jewish or not, can merit reward in the afterlife.

Here is a list of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Maimonides:

1. God exists, and is the Creator.

This tells us that the world is not purposeless or chaotic. Life is the result of a deliberate, purposeful, intelligent and kind Creator; not a melancholy chaos or a string of fortuitous accidents.

2. God is One and unique.

This is the basis of all Western monotheistic belief, which was given to the world by Abraham and his descendants. This belief places God at the center of reality and the center of our world-outlook and thoughts.

3. God is not physical.

This includes the corollary that no person should be worshiped as God or as a god. Judaism has no god-kings, no demigods, no angel who flouts God's will, and no sports-idols, movie-idols etc.

4. God is eternal.

This includes the belief that God's ways are also eternal. God is not capricious, forgetful or fickle. Investing in a relationship with God is the only thing that will bear eternal benefits.

5. Prayer is to be directed only to God.

This teaches us that no person, government or institution is to be accorded blind trust. We pray directly to God, three times a day; and we recount our shortcomings, ask for our needs, and acknowledge our successes with happy thanks.

6. The words of the prophets are true.

The prophecies of the Hebrew Bible have been coming true throughout history. Even secular archaeologists (the unbiased ones) have stated that the Hebrew Bible is the most accurate of historical records, as the disdainful theories of Wellhausen and Bible-critics of his ilk have been shattered by the archaeologist's spade. A list of Bible verses which were called into question but later shown to be perfectly accurate would run into the many hundreds.

7. The prophecies of Moses are true; and he was the greatest prophet.

8. The Torah was given to Moses by God.

These two beliefs are the basis of our attitude towards the Torah: it is the center of our lives. Jews are keeping mitzvot (commands), saying blessings, praying, learning Torah and doing acts of kindness and charity all the time. The Torah is the single greatest thing that a Jew has; given to us to provide knowledge, guidance, inspiration, awe and reverence, advice, law, comfort, history and more. It is the basis of Judaism.

9. There will be no other Torah.

We Jews have been around for 3800 years. New fads, manifestos, beliefs or lifestyles which rear their heads are met by the Jew with a calm, seasoned eye and the proverbial grain of salt. The Torah doesn't change; and every new thing can be measured against the Torah's standards.

10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all.

11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.

These two beliefs provide a vast incentive towards righteousness and, when needed, repentance.

They also form part of the basis of our belief in the afterlife, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.

God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4); and all outstanding accounts are settled after this life.

12. The Messiah will come.

13. The dead will be resurrected.

Judaism is the only ancient religion which taught optimism; and a large part of that optimism was and is based upon the words of the prophets.

Answer 7

1. God exists, and is the Creator

2. God is One and unique

3. God is not physical

4. God is eternal

5. Prayer is to be directed only to God

6. The words of the prophets are true

7. The prophecies of Moses are true; he was the greatest prophet

8. The Torah was given to Moses

9. There will be no other Torah

10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all

11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked

12. The Messiah will come

13. The dead will be resurrected

Answer 8

The philosophy of Judaism is that this world is a purposeful creation by God*, in which all people are tested concerning their use of free-will. We possess a soul which lives on after the body dies and is held responsible for the person's actions. Anyone who is worthy, Jewish or not, can merit reward in the afterlife.

• Link: Judaism and philosophy
  
• Link: The Creation
  

Here is a list of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as collated by Maimonides:
1. God exists, and is the Creator.
This tells us that the world is not purposeless or chaotic. Life is the result of a deliberate, purposeful, intelligent and kind Creator; not a melancholy chaos or a string of fortuitous accidents.

• Link: Can you show that God exists
  

2. God is One and unique.
This is the basis of all Western monotheistic belief, which was given to the world by Abraham and his descendants. This belief places God at the center of reality and of our world-outlook and thoughts.

• Link: Biography of Abraham
  

3. God is not physical.

• Link: What do Jews believe God is like?
  

This includes the corollary that no person should be worshiped as God or as a god. Judaism has no god-kings, no demigods, no angel who flouts God's will, and no sports-idols, movie-idols etc.

4. God is eternal.
This includes the belief that God's ways are also eternal. God is not capricious, forgetful or fickle. Investing in a relationship with God is the only thing that will bear eternal benefits.

5. Prayer is to be directed only to God.
This also teaches us that no person, government or institution is to be accorded blind trust. We pray directly to God, three times a day; and we recount our shortcomings, ask for our needs, and acknowledge our successes with happy thanks.

6. The words of the prophets are true.

• Link: About the Hebrew Prophets
  

The prophecies of the Hebrew Bible have been coming true throughout history. Even secular archaeologists (the unbiased ones) have stated that the Hebrew Bible is the most accurate of historical records, as the disdainful theories of Wellhausen and Bible-critics of his ilk have been shattered by the archaeologist's spade. A list of Bible verses which were deemed anachronistic but later shown to be perfectly accurate would run into the many hundreds.

• Link: Refuting theories of Bible-critics
  

7. The prophecies of Moses are true; and he was the greatest prophet.

8. The Torah was given to Moses by God.
These two beliefs are the basis of our attitude towards the Torah: it is the center of our lives. Jews are keeping mitzvot (commands), saying blessings, praying, learning Torah and doing acts of kindness and charity all the time. The Torah is the single greatest thing that a Jew has; given to us to provide knowledge, guidance, inspiration, awe and reverence, advice, law, comfort, history and more. It is the basis of Judaism.

9. There will be no other Torah.
We Jews have been around for 3800 years. New fads, manifestos, beliefs or lifestyles which rear their heads are met by the Jew with a calm, seasoned eye and the proverbial grain of salt. The Torah doesn't change; and every new thing can be measured against the Torah's standards.

10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all.
11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.
These two beliefs provide a vast incentive towards righteousness and, when needed, repentance.
They also form part of the basis of our belief in the afterlife, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.
God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4); and all outstanding accounts are settled after this life.

12. The Messiah will come.
13. The dead will be resurrected.

• Link: The afterlife in Judaism
  

Judaism is the only ancient religion which taught optimism; and a large part of that optimism was and is based upon the words of the prophets.

Answer 9

All the hundreds of mitzvoth (commands), principles and beliefs of the Torah.

Though it may have an associated culture and one or more associated languages, the traditional definition of Judaism is the observance of the Torah, which is why dictionaries define Judaism as "the religion of Moses." In this sense, the word "Torah" is meant in its wider meaning, which includes the Tanakh, the Talmud, and other classical Jewish texts.
The philosophy of Judaism is that this world is a purposeful creation by God, in which all people are tested concerning their use of free-will. We possess a soul which lives on after the body dies and is held responsible for the person's actions. Anyone who is worthy, Jewish or not, can merit reward in the afterlife.
For fuller detail, see the Related Links.Link: The basic beliefs of Judaism

Link: The practices of Judaism

Link: The principles of Judaism

Link: The ethics of Judaism

Link: How Judaism began

Link: The texts of Judaism

Answer 10

People have a moral duty to promote social justice.

Human life is worth more than non-living things, such as money.

God is like a parent to us, and cares about our well being.