What are the major beliefs of Judaism?

Answer 1

• Answer 1

This is a difficult question because Judaism has many sects and within each sect there are many gray areas. This is because every community has their own rabbi that they choose to follow.
1. Reconstructionist Judaism - Started by Mordechai Kaplan in the early 1900's. It focuses more on the values and traditions of Judaism, does not require a belief in God and rejects the tradition that Jews are a chosen people.
2. Reform Judaism - Started by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise in the late 1800's. Reform Jews believe in God, zionism and divine inspiration of the Torah. They are accepting of homosexuality, promote the same religious roles for men and women and have a looser definition for what constitutes a Jew.
3. Conservative Judaism - Founded by Rabbi Zecharial Frankel in the mid 1800's. They believe in God, the divinity of the Torah and zionism and place an importance on traditional Jewish laws. However they believe in pluralism in Judaism and different congregations can accept different rulings, while still being considered part of religious Judaism. They also recognize human influence in religious texts and see them as religious as well as historical documents.
4. Karaites - These Jews believe only in the written law, not the oral tradition.
5. Orthodox Judaism - This, the original branch of Judaism, believes in God, the divinity of the Torah, and strictly adheres to the traditional laws. They fully accept religious tradition while still interacting in the modern world. Because of this broad definition, individuals who consider themselves orthodox vary in terms of their amount of Torah study (ranging from no studying to studying as a part time job), dress (street clothes vs. always wearing a formal white button down shirt and black suit pants) and minor differences in interpretations of Jewish law (ex: women are not allowed to wear the clothes of a man. So do pants count as men's clothes? where do you draw the line?)
6. Hasidic Judaism - This branch of Judaism is identified as being the most stringent because of their dress. This is a branch of orthodox Judaism that emphasizes singing, dancing and mysticism together with keeping the Torah. It was founded in the 1700's by the Rabbi Baal Shem Tov. They dress as they do in order to mimic the fashion of the rabbis whose teachings they follow.
Just a note, the terms Sephardic and Ashkenazi refer to the person's geographical origin more than their religious belief.

• Answer 2:

Religious Judaism is based on a written and oral tradition. The written law, the Torah, was transcribed by Moses on Mount Sinai by the divine will of God. It chronicles the beginning of creation up until the Jews entering the land of Israel. The oral law was also given to Moses on Mount Sinai (which was eventually transcribed by Rabbi Judah in 190 C.E in a book called the Mishnah) and it elaborates on the commandments present in the Torah. The rest of the Talmud (containing the Mishna) is essentially a written record of rabbinical analysis and commentary on the laws in the Mishnah. As modern society progresses, Judaism is constantly keeping in pace by extrapolating laws from ancient texts to apply to modern day situations (for example, creating a fire is not allowed on the Sabbath, so what about starting a car engine?). In ancient Israel these laws were decided in a high court of law called the Sanhedrin which ceased due to persecution around 400 C.E. and can only be reinstated if all the Rabbinic leaders were to agree on one person who is qualified to reinstate the Sanhedrin. Even if this ruling body were to exist it would not be able to change existing Jewish laws. This is because changing a Jewish law can only be done by a Sanhedrin that is greater than the preceding one. Therefore, even though today we know science that might challenge the basis for certain Jewish rulings, they can not be removed. New Jewish laws, however, can be made by contemporary Rabbis who have enough recognition and popularity in the Jewish community.

• Answer 3

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 is a list of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as collated by Maimonides:
1. God exists, and is the Creator.
2. God is One and unique.
3. God is not physical.
4. God is eternal.
5. Prayer is to be directed only to God.
6. 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.
7. The prophecies of Moses are true; and he was the greatest prophet.
8. The Torah was given to Moses by God.
9. There will be no other Torah.
10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all.
11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.
12. The Messiah will come.
13. The dead will be resurrected.

Answer 2

Answer 1

Tradition holds that Judaism was founded by Abraham in the land of Israel, approximately 2000 BCE. According to the Torah, Abraham was the first man to recognize the existence of one God above all others.

Traditional Judaism believes that there is just one all-powerful God, Who created the universe and Who has a profound interest in the Jewish race, who are His chosen people.

Another major belief held by some traditional Jews is that the land of Israel was given to the Jews by God. God's wishes are described in some detail in the sacred text known to Jews as the Torah, which is known to Christians as the Old Testament.

Non-Traditional Jews focus on Tikkun Olam (making the world a better place), and maintaining traditions as best as they can in the modern world.

Answer 2

Some of the major beliefs of Judaism are that the Jews do not believe that God is limited to any place: He is Lord of the universe. The Jews take strength from their faith. It helps them maintain their identity as a people even when they did not have a state.

Here are some of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Maimonides:

1. God exists, and is the Creator

2. God is One and unique

3. God is not physical

4. God is eternal

5. Prayer is to be directed only to God

6. The words of the prophets are true

7. The prophecies of Moses are true; he was the greatest prophet

8. The Torah was given to Moses

9. There will be no other Torah

10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all

11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked

12. The Messiah will come

13. The dead will be resurrected

Answer 3

Judaism has many beliefs. Belief in one ethical God (though interpreted in many different ways today) is a central belief, but it is not the only one.

The following short list of Jewish beliefs apply mainly to traditional Jews, but modern and liberal Jews may share a these views in a similar way, or even a very different way:

• There is one God who created the universe (understood very differently by different people).
• The Torah and all its commandments come from God
• The Jews were chosen by God to receive the Torah (a view not held by Reconstructionist Jews, and greatly downplayed by Reform and many Conservative Jews.
• The Land of Israel is the Jewish homeland
• Jews have a duty to love others as they love themselves
• Jews have a duty to repair the world (Tikkun Olam)
• Jews have a duty to maintain peace within their families (Shlom Habayit)

Answer 4

Judaism is a monotheistic religion - Jews believe in one God.

The Jewish Bible is the Tanach and is made up of the Torah (Teachings), Nevi'im (Prophets), K'tuvim (Writings).

The leaders of religious services are called Rabbis, Rabbis are religious scholars and teachers. The actual prayers during a service are led by Cantors. Judaism is not a centralised religion with a single leader and neither Rabbis or Cantors are a requirement for communal prayer.

The core guidelines for how to live righteously are called mitzvot, there are both positive (actions that are allowed/required) and negative (actions that are prohibited). Tradition holds that there are 613 mitzvot in total which are encompassed in the Ten Utterances.

When asked to sum up the teachings of the Torah in one sentence, one of the greatest Jewish scholars said: "That which is hateful to you, do not do to others. The rest is commentary, now go read the commentary".

Judaism teaches that the goal of life is to bring justice into the world and that faith is meaningless without action.

Judaism has many beliefs. Belief in one ethical God (though interpreted in many different ways today) is a central belief, but it is not the only one.

Some key teachings of Judaism are:

* God is one and cannot be divided.

* There is no need for intermediaries, anyone can pray directly to HaShem.

* That we are all born good and innocent.

* That humans are unique in all creation in that we have freewill, not even angels have freewill. This is what HaShem meant when He said we were created in His image.

* It is not possible to atone for the mistakes of others.

* It is not possible to atone for mistakes not yet committed.

* That HaShem will never be man or son of man.

* That human sacrifice is an abomination.

* There is no such thing as original sin.

* There is no such thing as eternal damnation.

* That moshiachim (messiahs) are mortal men with no supernatural aspects to them.
According to the Rambam, the thirteen principles of faith are as follows:

1. Hashem creates and guides all creatures, and that he alone made, makes, and will make everything

2. The creator, blessed is his name, is unique, and the is no uniqueness like his in any way, and that he alone is our God, who was, who is, and who always will be.

3. The creator, blessed is his name, is not physical and is not effected by physical phenomena, and that there is no comparison whatsoever to him.

4. The creator, blessed is his name, is the very first and the very last.

5. The creator, blessed is his name - to him alone it is proper to pray and it is not proper to pray to any other.

6. That all the words of the profits are true.

7. The prophesy of Moshe our teacher, peace upon him, was true, and that he was the father of prophets - both those who preceded him and those who follow him.

8. The entire Torah now in our hands is the same one that was given to Moshe, our teacher, peace be upon him.

9. This Torah will not be exchanged, nor will there be another Torah from the Creator, blessed is his name.

10. The creator, blessed is his name, knows all the deeds of human beings and their thoughts, as it says "He fashions their hearts together, He comprehends all their deeds." (Psalms 33:15)

11. The creator, blessed is his name, rewords with good those who observe his commandments, and punishes those who go against his commandments.

12. I believe with a complete faith in the coming of meshiach (messiah), and even though he may delay, nevertheless I wait every day for him to come.

13. I fully belive in the resuscitation of the dead at the time that the wish eminates from the creator.

These are an aproximate translation of the 13 principles of faith that should be said every day by the Jews, based off of the Rambam

Answer 3

The philosophy of Judaism was (and still 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 is a list of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Maimonides:
1. 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.
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 the center of our world-outlook and thoughts. (See: Biography of Abraham)
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.
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)
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:

Can you show that God exists

The afterlife in Judaism

How did the Hebrew Bible affect the Israelites?

Answer 4

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 is a list of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Maimonides:
1. 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.
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 the center of our world-outlook and thoughts. (See: Biography of Abraham)
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.
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)
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:

Can you show that God exists

The afterlife in Judaism

How did the Hebrew Bible affect the Israelites?

Answer 5

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.

• Link: Judaism and philosophy
  
• Link: The Creation
  

Here is a list of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as collated by Maimonides:
1. 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.

• Link: Can you show that God exists
  

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.

• Link: Biography of Abraham
  

3. God is not physical.

• Link: What do Jews believe God is like?
  

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.

• Link: The afterlife in Judaism
  

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.