5 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. Jews trace their origins back to Abraham ( the father of many Nations), who lived in Mesopotamia ( modern day Iraq) more than 4,000 years ago. They believe that Gor revealed himself to Abraham and promised to make him the father of a great nation. Abraham and his family settled in Canaan ( modern day Israel), and he became the center of Judaism.

As Jews chose or were forced to to settle elsewhere, the religion gradually spread. Today there are more than 13 million Jews worldwide, with large numbers in Israel,the USA, and in Russia, Ukraine and other countries of the former USSR.

Judaism was the first great faith to believe that there is only one God. An important statement called the Shema ( in the Tenakh, the Jewish holy book) says " Hear, O Israel: the Lord of our God, the Lord is one."

Jews believe that God is the creator of the world, and that he chose their ancestors, the Israelites, to be his special people. He led the Isrealites out of slavery in Egypt and brought them to Canaan, the promised Land. God's holy name is the Hebrew ( Jewish) word Yhwh, usually, written as Yahweh means " I am or I am who I am"

Jews believe that God communicates through profits. The greatest prophet was Moses, to whom God revealed the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. The Torah contains God's sacred laws, the best-known of which are the Ten Commandments. Keeping these laws is central to the Jewish way of life.

Jews believe that in the future, God will send a Messiah ( anointed one), who will right all wrongs, reward good people and punish evil. His arrival will mark the end of history and the beginning of God's kingdom on Earth. Some Jews believe that when this happens the dead will be resurrected( brought back eternal life). Other Jews believe that when they die their souls will go on living.

Learn more about this author, Artin Tsambazis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The history of Judaism?
We want to hear your view. Write now!