Judaism's core beliefs center on monotheism and the covenant with God. These foundational concepts shape Jewish identity, ethics, and practices. The idea of one God and a special relationship with Him sets Judaism apart from other ancient religions.

Jewish religious practices, like observing Shabbat and keeping kosher, stem from these core beliefs. These rituals and customs help Jews maintain their connection to God and their community, reinforcing their unique identity and responsibilities in the world.

Core Beliefs

Monotheism and the Covenant

• Judaism is a monotheistic religion that believes in one God, often referred to as Yahweh or Jehovah
• The concept of monotheism in Judaism holds that God is the creator of the universe and the source of all moral authority
• Jews believe in a covenant, or special agreement, between God and the Jewish people
• According to Jewish tradition, God made a covenant with Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people, promising to make his descendants a great nation in return for their obedience and worship
• The covenant was renewed with Moses at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments and other laws to guide the Israelites' behavior and worship

Chosen People and the Messiah

• The idea of the Jews as the "chosen people" is central to Jewish identity and belief
• This concept holds that God selected the Jewish people to be a light unto the nations and to follow His commandments as outlined in the Torah
• The chosen people status comes with responsibilities, including living an ethical life and being a witness to God's presence in the world
• Jews believe in the concept of a Messiah, a savior or liberator of the Jewish people
• The Messiah is expected to be a descendant of King David who will usher in an era of peace, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and unite all people under the worship of the one true God
• Different Jewish movements have varying interpretations of the Messiah, with some believing in a personal Messiah and others envisioning a messianic age

Religious Practices

Mitzvot and Tikkun Olam

• Mitzvot refer to the commandments or good deeds that Jews are obligated to perform as part of their covenant with God
• There are 613 mitzvot in the Torah, covering a wide range of ritual, ethical, and social obligations (keeping kosher, giving to charity)
• The concept of tikkun olam, or "repairing the world," is closely related to the performance of mitzvot
• Tikkun olam emphasizes the Jewish responsibility to work towards creating a more just, peaceful, and perfect world through acts of kindness, charity, and social action
• This concept encourages Jews to actively engage in social justice causes and to strive for the betterment of society as a whole (volunteering, advocating for the oppressed)

Shabbat and Kashrut

• Shabbat, or the Sabbath, is the weekly day of rest and spiritual rejuvenation in Judaism
• It begins at sunset on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday, during which time Jews refrain from work and engage in prayer, study, and family time
• Lighting candles, reciting blessings over wine and bread, and sharing meals with family and friends are common Shabbat rituals
• Kashrut refers to the set of Jewish dietary laws that govern which foods are permissible to eat and how they must be prepared
• These laws are derived from the Torah and include prohibitions on eating certain animals (pork, shellfish), mixing meat and dairy, and consuming blood
• The practice of keeping kosher serves to elevate the act of eating and to remind Jews of their commitment to God and their unique identity as a people