Why did Judaism spread?

Answer 1

1) Like any religion, it provided answers that seemed reasonable to those accepting it, then and now. Many of the alternatives seemed (and still seem) very unreasonable: manmade idols which people could trade or order ready-made at markets, were "Gods"? The idea of only one supreme, spiritual being could make sense....and Judaism was the first monotheistic belief.

2) To many, it was all they knew (like many today know very little of other beliefs than those they were taught).

3) The society of those adhering to it was supportive of believers. (And later, being one of God's chosen people probably enticed some).

4) Then, throughout history, the Jews were displaced or forced to move from one area to another. (The Exodus from Eygpt under Moses, is just one of many examples). For example, did you know that the actions of the King of Spain in 1492 was a momentous year in history and the development of Europe? Not because of Columbus, but because in that year the Spanish king outlawed Judaism (that is, he mandated Christianity and outlawed observing anything else). Spain was a huge Jewish center with a large population. Forced to give up their belief or leave (some stayed and hid their observances), they looked for new areas to move to; and eastern Europe...Poland, etc. were basically what was possible....so off they went. Probably spreading the faith as they did so.

5) In the early years they probably had good management of resources, success against enemies, and good fortune while many others probably didn't. All of that probably helped.

6) The growth was not consistent. There were periods of growth or spread and periods of loss or contraction, over thousands of years.

Answer At numerous points in the history of Judaism, Jews were taken into captivity by other nations. The people spread, so their beliefs also spread. Answer Generally speaking, throughout history Judaism hasn't really spread per se. Rather it has survived and grown naturally through childbirth. This is due to the fact that Judaism doesn't proselytize and the number of converts throughout history has been minimal. Keep in mind that during most of history and in most places, converting to Judaism was considered a capital offense, punishable by death or losing all your possessions. Generally speaking most Jews are descendents of Jews. Only in recent years has conversion to Judaism picked up a bit, relatively to previous generations.

Answer 2

Jewish Answer

The Jewish religion spread as its followers spread. The Jewish religion was given to Moses and some 600,000 Jewish males (and as many females and an unknown number of children) at Mount Sinai. These Jews passed it on from generation to generation. Occasionally a non-Jew would convert to Judaism to add to the chain of tradition, but on the whole it's a "family affair" that started over 3,000 years ago.

• After Moses' time:
  

As the Jewish communities spread and moved. This phenomenon was set in motion by the various expulsions and persecutions, which drove Jewish populations to settle in new places.

• Jewish influence:

As non-Jews came in contact with Jews, there was a degree of influence upon them. Ancient writers speak of large numbers of people in the Mediterranean area who had taken on various Jewish practices. It was these semi-converts who were especially likely to adopt Christianity.
As the new religion of Christianity spread, it taught those beliefs which it had adopted directly from Jewish sources, such as the prohibition of infanticide and human sacrifice.

Muslim Answer

The religion of Judaism was spread by prophet Moses (Musa); Peace be upon him; per God revelation of the holy book Torah to him. Refer to question below for more information.

Answer 3

Answer 1

It is human nature to ponder upon the creation of the universe and the creation of himself. To find a meaning in life other wise no objective is purposeful. In the same manner God loves His creations and created them for a greater reason than the worldly life with no meaning in other words to live the life like animals. God created mankind pure but it's also the human nature to make mistakes. "To er is human" Thus God made religions with the advancement of time for his people. Sent down Holy scriptures for showing His servants the true path and purpose of life. These holy books were also revealed upon His chosen ones. And they were His messengers. Thus the religion was spread on the basis of God's will to show His servants enlightenment. And for His servants to seek out the true path. First came the religion of Zabur, then the religion of Torah, Then Injeel or The Bible and lastly the Qur'an.

Answer 2

Judaism spread primarily because its people were forcibly exiled from their homeland and shuttled from country to country fleeing intolerance and further exile. Christianity and Islam spread through proselytization and becoming the official religions in powerful empires.

Answer 4

The main people and who they spread it to:

1. Abraham
2. Issac
3. Jacob, Eisah
4. Joseph, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin(Joseph's only full brother), Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
5. Manasseh and Ephraim.

Later . . . Moses, When there are MANY more Jews. Then more and more were born.

Answer 5

1) The Jewish communities themselves spread and moved. This phenomenon was set in motion by the various expulsions and persecutions, which drove Jewish populations to settle in new places.
2) As non-Jews came in contact with Jews, there was a degree of influence upon them. Ancient writers speak of large numbers of people in the Mediterranean area who had taken on various Jewish practices. Through them were spread those beliefs which they had adopted directly from Jewish sources, such as the prohibition of infanticide and human sacrifice.

See also the Related Links.

Link: The diaspora

Link: The influence of Hebrew traditions on the Western world

Answer 6

1. As the Jewish communities spread and moved. This phenomenon was set in motion by the various expulsions and persecutions, which drove Jewish populations to settle in new places.
2. As non-Jews came in contact with Jews, there was a degree of influence upon them. Ancient writers speak of large numbers of people in the Mediterranean area who had taken on various Jewish practices. Through them were spread those beliefs which they had adopted from Jewish sources, such as the prohibition of infanticide and human sacrifice.

See also the Related Links.

Link: The diaspora

Link: The influence of Hebrew traditions on the Western world

Answer 7

As Jews moved to new places.

Answer 8

As Jews settled in new areas.