What Do Jews Believe?

Number of Followers: 15 Million

Place of Origin: Jerusalem, Israel, Ancient Near East

Sacred Text(s): Tanakh & Talmud

• Tanakh is an acronym of the first letter of three Jewish texts, Torah (“instruction” or “direction”), Nevi’im (writings of the prophets), and Ketuvim (writings). These three texts were assembled together as scrolls that would be read from during Jewish times of study and worship.
• The Talmud is a basic outline of the law as explained and taught by various Rabbis and Jewish leaders. It records how to apply the laws of the Torah to Jewish life.

Founder(s): While Abraham is typically seen as the father of the Jews. Moses is the most highly revered of the prophets, having given the law.

Core Tenets/Beliefs:

• Monotheism

Jewish people believe in one God and that God revealed the Tanakh (Torah, prophecy, and books of history and wisdom) through prophets such as Moses.

• The Law

Jews believe that God has commanded his followers to follow the Law he gave them through Moses. This law contains commands as to what foods to avoid, how to handle disputes, and ritual worship in the Tabernacle (the tent used for worship during the Israelites’ time of wandering) and in the Temple.

The most well-known part of this law is the Ten Commandments, given to Moses by God on Mt. Sinai. These are found in the book of Exodus, chapter 20. 

• Feasts and Ritual Celebrations

The observance of feasts and festivals remembering events from Jewish history and scripture, such as Passover, Hanukkah, and Yom Kippur, are essential in Judaism. The observance of these holidays, along with regular study of Torah and scripture, are part of a life of holiness and faith for a Jew. They seek to live in relationship with their God, through a right and pleasing life.