Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion in the world, having originated in the Middle East more than 3,000 years ago with patriarch Abraham.
As the first Abrahamic religion, Judaism has played a major role in shaping the history of the world, having greatly influenced the development of Christianity and Islam, despite having always had a relatively small amount of adherents by comparison.
The religion itself is built off of the "written Torah" of the Bible, known in Judaism as the Tanach, and the "oral Torah" of the Mishna, Talmud and other great works of leading rabbis throughout history.
Judaism itself has no single leading figure, and is divided into multiple streams, such as the ultra-Orthodox (haredi), Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. Further differences also exist along the lines of historic Diasporic communities, such as Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewry.
Today, the largest concentration of adherents of Judaism can be found in Israel, with the US having the second-largest.
This year, more than any other, we must recommit ourselves to both dimensions of the demand for mutual responsibility.
As Israel celebrates its 76th birthday, its people should boast of its achievements and pray for its continued success.
These two days symbolize the greatest assault of death and evil on life and the greatest outburst of life and renewal ever, both dueling and reinforcing each other with unparalleled force.
The essence of holiness lies in recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of their abilities or limitations.
This weeks Parasha teaches us that Judaism’s attitude toward the elderly is one of respect and understanding.
Discover the latest innovation ensuring optimal tefillin preservation with enhanced convenience and comfort.
Today, as Netanyahu’s government navigates its security landscape amid international scrutiny and conditional support, the lesson is clear.
Why does the prohibition of worshiping Molech – as severe and horrifying as it may be – appear in the list of prohibitions of forbidden relationships?
Each fundamentalist movement presents to its followers a vision of a state of religious law between the river Jordan and the sea - a Halachic State or an Islamic Caliphate.
JPOST Digital Library
