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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.
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe 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.*See Related Links
- Here is a list of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as collated by Maimonides:
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 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 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.
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.See also other Related Links.
Link: What do Jews believe God is like?
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Was Torah a part of judaism?
Yes, the Torah is the basic text of Judaism, containing its beliefs and laws.
What is the Tanakh used for in Judaism?
Learning, reading, inspiration, knowledge of our history, beliefs and laws.
Are justice and righteousness ideas of judaism?
Yes. The Jewish Bible is replete with laws, beliefs and exhortations concerning justice and righteousness.
What are the main ideas of Judaism?
The main ideas of Judaism are summed up in the Torah which God gave. It contains beliefs, laws, ethics, history and more. See the attached Related Links for further detail.
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
Which religion has 10 commandments are the basic of their religious laws?
Judaism has 10 commandments as their beliefs. God gave them through Prophet Moses on the mountain of Sinai/Horeb.
How do the centeral beliefs of Judaism shape Jewish life?
Judaism's beliefs shape our life in that they encourage us to marry and have children, to be part of the community, to be knowledgeable, to be ethical; and to be constantly aware of God and our responsibility to Him. The Sabbath, festivals and celebrations add happiness and relaxation into the picture. The Torah-laws give a framework of behavior and provide standards.
Which religious leader both interprets and teaches the laws of Judaism?
A Rabbi or a Cantor (or anyone for that matter) can interpret and teach the laws of Judaism.
What is big difference in judaism and Islamic religious beliefs?
Judaism still lives according to the teachings and the Law of Moses from the Jewish Torah; Islam (muslims) lives according to the teachings and laws found in the Qur'an and the ahadith (stories) about Muhammad. It is a major difference.
