answersLogoWhite

0

Abraham was considered the founder of Judaism. Abraham was also considered the first Jew.

The Kuzari (Rabbi Judah HaLevi, 1075-1141) states that Abraham was gifted with high intelligence; and, as Maimonides (1135-1204) describes, Abraham didn't blindly accept the ubiquitous idolatry. The whole populace had been duped, but the young Abraham contemplated the matter relentlessly, finally arriving at the conclusion that there is One God and that this should be taught to others as well. This is what is meant by his "calling out in the name of the Lord" (Genesis ch.12). As a young man, he remonstrated with passersby in public, demonstrating to them the falsehood of their idols; and our tradition tells how he was threatened and endangered by Nimrod.
Subsequently, Terah relocated to Harran; and it is here that Abraham began to develop a circle of disciples (Rashi commentary, on Genesis 12:5). Later, God told Abraham in prophecy to move to the Holy Land, which is where he raised his family. He continued his contemplations, eventually arriving at the attitudes and forms of behavior which God later incorporated into the Torah given to Moses.
Abraham became the greatest thinker of all time. His originality, perseverance, strength of conviction, and influence, cannot be overestimated.
He founded the Jewish people and lived to see his work live on in the persons of Isaac and Jacob; and he taught many other disciples as well (Talmud, Yoma 28b).
Abraham entered into a covenant with God (Genesis ch.15 and 17), welcomed guests into his home (Genesis ch.18) unlike the inhospitable Sodomites (Genesis ch.19), prayed for people (Genesis ch.18), eulogized and buried the deceased (Genesis ch.23), and fulfilled God's will unquestioningly (Genesis ch.22). He became renowned as a prince of God (Genesis 23:6).
All of the above practices of Abraham were based upon the ways of God. These, and similar traits, were the teachings of Abraham and his descendants (unlike idolatry, which had no moral character; with worship of the gods accompanied by things such as human sacrifice, "sacred" prostitution, and animal worship). It is therefore clear why God expresses His love for Abraham (Isaiah 41:8) and calls Himself the God of Abraham (Genesis 26:24), and says that Abraham obeyed Him fully (Genesis 26:5).
The gravesite of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives (Genesis 49:29-32) is located in Hebron and has been known and attested to for many centuries.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What are some judaism prophets?

Abraham and Moses


What are some connections between Judaism and later religions?

Like Christianity, it is monotheistic. And, like all religions, it is a philosophy, a way of life for certain people.


The birth of Judaism?

Abraham, who lived some 3800 years ago, was the first Jew.


How old is juwes religion?

Judaism dates back to Abraham, some 3700 years ago.


How many people influenced judaism?

Some important people were: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David.


Who are some of judaism religion's important figures?

Prophet Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, Solomon all were Prophets in Judaism, Christianity and Islam


What is the commonality between Judaism and Christianity?

The commonality between Judaism and Christianity is that both religions believe in the existence of one God and share some of the same foundational texts, such as the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Additionally, both religions trace their origins back to the same historical figures, such as Abraham and Moses.


How many years has Judaism been a religion?

Tradition holds that Abraham founded the Jewish religion some 3800 years ago.


What are some connections between the world and 50?

Dying if leukaemia


How are moses and abraham alike?

Both of them are worthy of the title Founders of Judaism. Both were great leaders and extremely influential, to this day.Both spent some time in Egypt.Both had a ruler who sought to kill them.Both were prophets.Both made a covenant with God.see also:The historicity of Abraham and Moses


How are we Abram's descendants?

Let us suppose that Abram was a real historical person who founded Judaism. Then we could regard him as the spiritual ancestor of those who now follow Judaism or its daughter religions, Christianity and Islam.


Where is judaism from?

Judaism is the religion founded by Abraham. Judaism may be influenced by Zorastrianism or simple cultural religions in the middle eastern area. Some believe that Judaism influenced or was influenced by Egyptian Atenism. Muslim Answer Judaism religion was not founded by Abraham. Judaism religion is the religion founded by God per God's revelation of the holy book of the Torah to prophet Moses. Answer The tradition of the Jewish people, and the Torah Sages and Talmud, is that Abraham founded Judaism. He lived 3800 years ago. This tradition is implicit in many passages in the prophets (e.g. Isaiah 41:8) and the Talmud (e.g. Yoma 28b) and is borne out by a reading of Genesis. God calls himself "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" eighteen times in the Torah, and that is how we address Him every day in the Shemoneh Esrei prayer.