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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.
Some examples of the commands:
- Putting on Tefillin (phylacteries) in the morning (Deuteronomy 6)
- Saying the Shema-prayer, stating that God is One (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- Sitting in the sukkah (arbor-canopied booth) during the Sukkot festival (Leviticus 23)
- Avoiding leavened products during Passover (Exodus 12)
- Keeping kosher (Deuteronomy 14)
- Not eating on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement; Leviticus 23)
- Not working on the Shabbat (Exodus 31)
- Paying workers on time
- Marital rights for one's wife
- The Ten Commandments
- Helping someone who is in danger
- Counting the days of the Omer (from Passover to the Shavuot festival; Leviticus 23)
- Returning lost objects when feasible (Deuteronomy 22)
- Wearing the tzitzith-garment (Numbers ch.15)
- Affixing a mezuzah (small parchment scroll) to the door (Deuteronomy 6)
- Learning Torah
- Keeping our rules of ethics
- Marrying and having children
- Educating one's children in Judaism
- Giving tzedakah (charity)
- Honoring one's parents
The laws have various reasons. Some (such as the Passover) serve to reenact or remember events of our history.
Some (such as saying the Shema-prayer) serve to reiterate our belief in God.
Some of the laws (such as those of ritual purity and kosher food) serve to sanctify us.
Some (such as the laws of torts) serve to maintain an orderly and just society.
Some (such as the law against breaking a vow) serve to prevent bad character traits.
Some (such as the command to offer help) serve to engender good character traits.
And all of the commands serve to subjugate us to God's will (especially those commands for which no explanation is easily apparent).
Note that the Torah "as is" isn't exactly what Judaism observes. Rather, it's the Torah together with the details provided in the Talmud, which is the Oral Law that was handed down together with the laws of Moses. Otherwise, the verses of the Torah often lack enough detail to be fulfilled as is.
What else can I help you with?
What are important practices of Judiasm?
For information about the teachings, practices, principles, beliefs, and history of Judaism:wiki.answers.com/Q/what_are_the_beliefs_and_laws_of_judaismhttp://judaism.answers.com/jewish-philosophy/principles-of-judaismhttp://judaism.answers.com/jewish-culture/basic-jewish-ethicswww.jewfaq.org/halakhah.htmhttp://judaism.answers.com/jewish-history/timeline-of-jewish-history
What are Jewish religious practices?
What are the various types of Jews? Is there something called Asedic Jewish?
What is the purpose of the Old Testament in shaping the beliefs and practices of the Jewish faith?
The purpose of the Old Testament in shaping the beliefs and practices of the Jewish faith is to provide a foundation of religious teachings, history, and laws that guide the Jewish people in their understanding of God, morality, and their relationship with Him. It contains important stories, commandments, and prophecies that form the basis of Jewish beliefs and practices.
How does the covenant relationship affect Jewish beliefs and practices today?
The covenant-relationship is the basis of Jewish beliefs and practices throughout history, since it binds us to the observance of the Torah.
Do jewish people believe in voodoo?
No, such practices are forbidden in Judaism.
Jesus believed in what traditional Jewish practices?
Jesus was a Jew so he probably believed in a host of traditional practices.
What religion is David Draiman?
David was raised in a Jewish home, but practices no religion.
Does Jack Black practice Judaism?
He is Jewish, but he does not publicize whether he practices it or not.
What religion is Chris Noth?
Chris Noth practices Buddhism.
What is the Jewish holy symboled?
The Jewish holy symbol is the five-pointed Star of David.
Jewish books written during the period from 400 to 1 bc important?
During the period from 400 to 1 BCE, several important Jewish books were written, including the Books of Esther, Daniel, and Malachi in the Hebrew Bible. These texts provide insights into Jewish history, prophecy, and religious practices during that time. They continue to be studied and valued in Jewish tradition today.
My grandad was Jewish?
Jewish tradition is that Judaism is passed along through the mother. If your maternal grandmother is Jewish, you are too. Technically, you are Jewish only with a Jewish mother. There are no such things as "half Jewish", "1/16 Jewish", etc.
