History of Judaism
Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion and goes hand-in-hand with the history of the Jewish people. Its foundation lies in the original covenant between Abraham and God, around 1900 B.C., when Abraham was called to leave his home in Ur and travel to Canaan (later known as Palestine and Israel), a land that God promised to give to his descendants. The second and main covenant was made 450 years later, when Moses brought the Jews out of slavery in Egypt (the exodus) back to the lands of Canaan.
On Mount Horeb (Sinai), God gave the Jewish people the 10 commandments and other rules for living (contained in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible), marking the beginning of Judaism as a structured religion. Jewish civilization after the exodus thrived in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, originally headed by powerful kings such as Saul, David, and Solomon. In 586 B.C., the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem, taking many captives into exile and destroying the temple. A second temple was built when the Jews returned around 538 B.C., which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 B.C.
Founder
The three main patriarchs are: Abraham who was first chosen by God, Isaac and Jacob, who are considered the fathers of the people of Israel. Thirteen centuries before the Christian era, Moses had received the Torah which are the first five books of the Bible, on Mount Sinai, after the Revelation of the Ten Commandments to all the people of Israel. Judaism was founded by Moses, although the Jews trace their history back to Abraham.
Characteristics of Judaism
Its main characteristics, although there are many, are the following:
- Jews believe that there is only one God with whom they have a covenant.
- For all the good that God has done for the Jewish people, they keep God’s laws and try to bring holiness into every aspect of their lives.
- The traditional or oral Jewish law, the interpretation of the laws of the Torah, is called halachah.
- Spiritual leaders are known by the name of rabbis.
- The Jews worship God in the synagogues.
- The most important book for Judaism is the Jewish Bible also called Tanakh.
- The first 5 books of the Bible form the Torah or law within which follows the Jewish religion.
- It is a monotheistic
Branches
Over the years, Judaism has divided into branches. The three main branches are as follows:
- Reform Judaism: Its founder was Avraham Geiger, it emerged as a necessity in the light of the new technological It is based on monotheistic Judaism, but with individual responsibility rather than always going to the rabbis.
- Orthodox Judaism: Emerged as a reaction to Reform Judaism, it puts forward the following postulates: The 13 principles of faith of Rambam, Torah and Halachah are mandatory.
- Conservative Judaism: Created by Zejaria Frankel, it arises as a response to reformist excesses. It argues that for the Jew remains Jewish, but interact with the world, secular education and scientific method is necessary.
- Hasidic Judaism: Founded by Israel Ben Eliezer, wanted to make Judaism something more spiritual, something beyond cold orthodoxy.
- Caraita Judaism: Opposed to the idea of an oral Torah and rabbinical authority.
Belief
The Jews believe that God is the only creator of all that surrounds us. That He is one, that He does not have a body, and that one should only worship Him. They believe in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, for they were revealed by God to Moses. They believe that God rewards people who do good works and that He punishes evil; for them actions and behavior are important. They do not accept the original belief in the sin of Adam and Eve. They also believe that there is no need for an extra savior or in the need for intercessors.
Symbols of Judaism
- Tallit: is a mantle worn during morning prayers and is made of silk or wool.
- Tefillin: two leather boxes that are put from the Sea Mitzvah.
- Menorah: candlestick with 7 arms that represents the light of God, and the seven represents perfection.
- Mezuzah: a tube that contains prayers inside.
- Kippa: it is a hat that the Jews wear when they enter the temple.
- The Star of David: symbol that identifies the Jews.
God
According to the Pentateuch, the true name of God is yod-hei-vav-hei: יהוה, which translated into the western alphabet means YHVH, Yahweh, because the ancient Hebrew scripture only included the consonants of each word and discarded the vowels.
Rites
- Circumcision: ten days after the child is born.
- Bar Mitzvah: describes the age of majority of the Jewish child.
- Marriage: the woman has a very important unique status within the household.
- Brit Mila and Zeved Habat: ceremony in which children are named.
- Pidyion Haben: celebration of the birth of a firstborn.
- Rosh Hashanah, “New Year”.
Sacred book
The sacred book of Judaism is the Torah that is formed by the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. These books are known as the Pentateuch. The Torah is divided into parashiot which are the paragraphs that contain the scriptures.
Leader of Judaism
All the leadership of the Jewish community is in the hands of the rabbi, who is a very cultured and learned person, who is in charge of conducting all the spiritual and religious acts of the Jewish community.
Countries where it is practiced
Judaism has spread widely throughout the world, spreading throughout the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Europe and Venezuela. Religion has also arrived in Africa and Asia, although to a lesser extent.
