Judaism is often described as a religion, philosophy and a way of life with over 3000 years of history. According to Encyclopedia Judaica the word “Judaism” was first used by the Greek speaking Jews of the first century C.E. It is a way of life centered around God’s special relationship with the Jewish people(Israel) and their commitment to display undivided loyalty to God alone. This two-way relationship is perfectly encapsulated in what is known as “Shema” in Judaism.
Shema
Faithful Jews around the world recite Shema twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. It is considered to be the declaration of faith with much deeper implications. The word “Shema” is taken from the first word of Deuteronomy 6:4 which contains the declaration.
Sh'ma Yis'ra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.
“Hear, O Israel: HASHEM is our God, HASHEM is the One and Only.”[1]
The following commentary about Shema is noteworthy.
“Although other people worship various beings and things they consider divine, Israel is to recognize YHVH alone.”[2]
One of the most common interpretations of the Shema is that the first part contains identification of who Israel’s God is (HASHEM is the God) and the second part demands that Israel demonstrates undivided loyalty to HASHEM (God) alone. Shema is one of the most important elements of the Jewish faith.
The Jewish Faith
One of the most prominent Jewish philosophers and scholars of Torah Maimonides (Moses ben-Maimon) formulated 13 principles of Jewish faith in the 12th Century C.E. They are the following [3]:
(1) Belief in the existence of God;
(2) Belief in God's unity;
(3) Belief that God is incorporeal;
(4) Belief that God is eternal;
(5) Belief that God alone is to be worshiped;
(6) Belief in prophecy;
(7) Belief that Moses is the greatest of the prophets;
(8) Belief that the Torah is divine;
(9) Belief that the Torah in unchanging;
(10) Belief that God knows the thoughts and deeds of men;
(11) Belief that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked;
(12) Belief in the coming of the Messiah;
(13) Belief in the resurrection of the dead.
Sub-sequent scholars consolidated these principles into the following three general categories[4].
(1) Belief in God;
(2) Belief that the Torah is divine;
(3) Belief in reward and punishment;
One of the defining characteristics of Judaism is its intimate relationship with the scripture. Torah is the most important component of the Jewish scriptural canon known as Tanakh.
Jewish Scriptures
The Jewish canonical scriptural collection Tanakh is divided into the following three sections:
- Torah(Law) --> Ta
- Nevi’im(Prophets) --> Na
- Ketuvin(Writings) --> Kh
The word Tanakh is the acronym from the above three sections. Even though all three are regarded as divinely inspired, the Torah is particularly esteemed as it is considered to be the direct revelation from God to Moses. Besides the Tanakh Judaism also has a very rich oral scriptural tradition. It is believed that in additional to the written Torah mentioned above God also taught Moses and others oral Torah known as Mishnah which was formally written down in the second century C.E. In subsequent centuries Jewish scholars and sages produced commentaries on the Mishnah which is known as Gamerah. Mishnah and Gamerah together are known as Talmud which was compiled in the fifth century C.E. Talmud is of tremendous significance to Jewish theology and history.
Judaism is also known for its unique festivals, rituals and celebrations. Even though all the rituals, festivals and celebrations bear communal and religious significance Sabbath and Yom-Kipper holds a special status.
Jewish Festivals and Rituals(Sabbath and Yom-Kipper)
Sabbath is considered to be one of the most important ritual observances if not the most important ritual observance in Judaism. It is observed by millions of Jews around the world from the sunset of Friday till the nightfall on Saturday. Explicit commands to observe the Sabbath can be found in the Torah.
Exodus 20: 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. [5]
Deuteronomy 5:12 Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord your God commanded you. 13 Six days may you work, and perform all your labor, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall perform no labor …[6]
The commandment to keep the Sabbath coincides with the creation narrative in Genesis chapter 2 where it is said that God created the world in 6 days and rested on the seventh day. God prohibited “work” during the Sabbath as it designated as a time for contemplation, rest, festive meals and overall spiritual enrichment. The following comment on the significance of the Sabbath is noteworthy.
“This day serves as a constant reminder that God is the creator, Who created for six days and rested on the seventh. Sabbath observance bears testimony to this concept.”[7]
Yom Kippur
The Torah provided various mechanisms for attaining forgiveness for sins. When someone commits a sin one is required to repent for the wrong doing and seek forgiveness from God. Besides the individual atonement through out the year, the Torah also bestowed upon the Israelites a special day for communal atonement. This day is called the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur.) This is one of the most important days in the Hebrew calendar year which falls on the 10th day of Tishrei. It is a day of intense prayers, fasting, repentance and purifications. The Jewish people are required to dedicate the day for their individual and communal atonement and not indulge in any worldly affairs. They are also required to seek forgiveness from one another in the event that their rights were violated.
There are approximately 14 to 15 million Jews living in different countries around the world. Overwhelming majority of them are of Caucasian origin. There are however a notable number of Jews who are African, Indian and even Japanese.
References
- Scherman, Nosson(Editor.) The Stone Edition Tanach. The Torah/Prophets/ Writings: The Twenty-Four Books of the Bible Newly Translated and Annotated. New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd, 1996.
- Lieber, David L.(Editor.) Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary. Travel-Size Edition. New York: JPS, The Rabbinical Assembly, 2004. Page 1024
- Wiqoder, Geoffrey. Seckbach, Fern. Encyclopedia Judaica. Brill Academic Publishers; CDR edition. 1999(under Judaism)
- ibid
- Judaica Press Complete Tanach with Rashi Commentary. New York: Judaica Press Inc., 1999(Digital)
- ibid
- Stone Edison Tanach stone. Page 184.
General note: In Hebrew the proper name of God is YHVH. Hashem, Elohim and Adonai are also used to refer to God.
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