3.1.5 Judaism — Overview

Judaism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions with approximately 14–15 million adherents globally. It is the foundation of both Christianity and Islam (the Abrahamic faiths). For AQA GCSE RS, study both Jewish beliefs (3.1.5.B) and practices (3.1.5.P).

Core Jewish beliefs at a glance

• Monotheism: one God — "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One" (Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4)
• Covenant: God established covenants with Abraham (circumcision as sign) and Israel at Sinai (Torah as law). Jews are the "chosen people" — chosen for responsibility, not superiority
• Torah: the first five books of Moses — God's revealed will and law; the most sacred text
• Talmud: the oral law — rabbinic commentary and legal discussion
• Messiah: belief in a future messianic era (not a divine saviour — contrast with Christianity). Orthodox Jews await a personal messiah; some liberal Jews interpret this as a messianic age
• Afterlife: Judaism focuses more on this world (this-worldly orientation); afterlife beliefs vary — Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come), resurrection of the dead
• Mitzvot: 613 commandments in the Torah governing all aspects of life

Key Jewish practices at a glance

• Synagogue worship: prayer services; the Torah scroll (Sefer Torah) is central; the rabbi is a teacher and leader
• Prayer: three daily services (Shacharit, Mincha, Maariv); the Shema and Amidah (Eighteen Benedictions) are central prayers
• Shabbat: the Sabbath (Friday sundown to Saturday nightfall) — a day of rest; candles lit, kiddush (blessing over wine), no work
• Festivals: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement — most solemn), Pesach (Passover — Exodus from Egypt), Sukkot (Booths)
• Kashrut: Jewish dietary laws — kosher food preparation; no pork or shellfish; meat and dairy separated
• Rites of passage: Brit Milah (circumcision), Bar Mitzvah (13, boys)/Bat Mitzvah (12/13, girls), marriage, death and mourning (shiva)

Diversity in Judaism

Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Liberal branches differ on how strictly to follow halacha (Jewish law).