Judaism, one of the world’s oldest living religions, refers to the religious culture of the Jewish people. It includes both a world view (beliefs) and a way of life (halacha) of which the Torah is the primary source.
The Torah (which means teaching) is God’s revealed instructions to the Jewish people. It teaches Jews how to act, think and even feel about life. It encompasses every aspect of life, from birth through to death.
The Torah contains 613 commandments (mitzvot). The Ten Commandments are considered the most important commandments of the Torah. The Torah also contains stories that teach us about God’s relationship with the Jewish people.
There are two parts to the Torah: 1. Written Torah, 2. Oral Torah
Written Torah
The Written Torah is often called the Tenakh, which stands for Torah (T), Nevi’im (N) and Ketuvim (K). The Written Torah contains:
1. Five Books of Moses (Chumashe Torah)
2. Prophets (Nevi’im)
3. Writings (Ketuvim)
The Five Books of Moses (Chumashe Torah) were given to the Jewish People at Mount Sinai during their exodus from Egypt approximately 3 500 years ago. They include Genesis (Beresheet), Exodus (Shemot), Leviticus (Vayikra), Numbers (Bamidbar), and Deuteronomy (Devarim).
Nevi’im are direct prophecies or recordings of what God said to the prophets. Writings (Ketuvim) are books written by the prophets with the guidance
of God.
Oral Torah
The Oral Torah, explanations of the Written Torah, was originally passed down verbally from generation to generation.
After the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, it was decided the Oral Torah should be written down so it would not be forgotten. In the second century Common Era, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi and a group of sages compiled the Mishnah. The Mishnah is a written outline of the Oral Torah.
Over the next few centuries, Jewish scholars studied the Mishnah. Their discussions, questions and decisions became known as the Gemara, which are commentaries elaborating on the Mishnah.
The Talmud is the combination of the Mishnah and Gemara together. In the fourth century, the Jerusalem Talmud was compiled in Israel. In the fifth century, the Babylonian Talmud was compiled in Babylon. The Babylonian Talmud is studied and used more because it is more comprehensive.
The Jewish People believe there is one God who created and rules the world. This God is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (in all places at all times). God is also just and merciful.
It is believed that each person is created in the image of one God. Therefore, all people are created equal. Judaism believes that people have free will and are responsible for their choices.
Judaism believes the land of Israel was part of the covenant made between God and the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Jews believe the Messiah (Mashiach) will be a person (not a god), from the family of King David, who will lead the world to unity and peace.
Jews do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.