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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 are four basic beliefs of Judaism, from among those codified by Maimonides:
1a. 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.
1b. 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. (See: Biography of Abraham)
1c. 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.
1d. 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.1e. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.
This belief provides a vast incentive towards righteousness and, when needed, repentance.
It also forms 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 deemed anachronistic but later shown to be perfectly accurate would run into the many hundreds. (See: Archaeology and Bible-critics)
4a. The prophecies of Moses are true; and he was the greatest prophet.
4b. 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.
4c. 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.
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What new religion emerged in the roman world Christianity was rooted in the beliefs and customs of?
There were not any new religions in the Roman Empire from which Christian beliefs and customs were rooted. Christianity itself was a new religion. Originally it was a sect of Jews and it was rooted in many of the beliefs and customs of Judaism. Then it strove to differentiate itself from Judaism. Judaism was an old religion, not a new one.
Why do Jews say yigdal?
Because it sums up the major beliefs of Judaism.
Were the religious beliefs of republic era Romans were greatly influenced by the beliefs of Jews?
No. But there was a good number of individual Romans who converted to Judaism.
Would Jewish beliefs and values have spread so widely if the lands of Israel and Judah had not been conquered by other peoples?
Perhaps yes, since it was the daughter-religions (Christianity and Islam) who did most of the spreading of these beliefs and values. See also: The influence of Judaism
What are the Names of four tribes of judaism?
Here are twelve. Pick four that appeal to you. -- Reuben -- Levi -- Judah -- Issachar -- Zebulun -- Dan -- Naftali -- Gad -- Asher -- Benjamin -- Ephraim -- Menashe
Where do Judaism get their beliefs?
From the Torah.
What beliefs did Anne Frank have?
judaism
The beliefs of judaism are derived from the?
from the Torah.
What is the best description of Orthodox Judaism?
Orthodox Judaism follows the historical and traditional ritual beliefs of Judaism
What are the four cornerstones of Judaism?
Belief in One God Obedience to the TorahAwareness that we have a soulPrayerSee also:Jewish beliefs
Was Torah a part of judaism?
Yes, the Torah is the basic text of Judaism, containing its beliefs and laws.
What central beliefs are shared by the two religions?
Judaism
Do beliefs effect the what that the judaism dress?
Absolutely! One of the fundamental beliefs is that the beauty is internal not external.
What are 3 common beliefs?
Some of the most common beliefs are Christianity, Muslim, Judaism, Hindu, and Atheism.
What were the central beliefs of the people from the religion Judaism?
The entire Torah.
Which central beliefs emerged from the orgin of Judaism?
That God is One.
Who is in charge of spreading the beliefs of Judaism?
No single person is in charge of this. In fact, Jews do not generally believe in spreading beliefs. Judaism teaches that we should spread deeds of kindness, charity, and social justice.
