Key facts

Judaism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, with beliefs and practices that guide daily life for Jewish people. These include a focus on one God, sacred texts, and rituals that strengthen community and faith. Jews believe these elements connect them to their history and covenant with God.

Key elements of Judaism

• Monotheism - The belief in a single, all-powerful God, which forms the foundation of Jewish faith.
• The Torah - The central sacred text, containing laws and teachings that Jews follow.
• Shabbat - A weekly day of rest and worship, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
• Kosher food laws - Rules about what foods are permitted, ensuring purity and adherence to tradition.
• Prayer - Regular acts of communication with God, often performed three times a day.

Core Jewish beliefs including monotheism

Jews believe in a set of core principles that shape their understanding of the world and their relationship with the divine. At the heart of these is monotheism, which distinguishes Judaism from religions that recognise multiple gods.

Monotheism

Monotheism is the belief in one God who is eternal, all-knowing, and the creator of the universe. Jews believe this God made a covenant (an agreement) with their ancestors, such as Abraham, promising protection in exchange for following divine laws. This belief influences all aspects of Jewish life, encouraging ethical behaviour and a sense of purpose.

Other key beliefs

• The oneness of God - Jews express this through the Shema, a central prayer that declares God's unity.
• Free will and responsibility - Jews believe people have the choice to do good or evil, and they are accountable for their actions.
• Life after death - Many Jews believe in an afterlife or resurrection, where righteous deeds are rewarded.

The importance of the Torah

The Torah is the most sacred text in Judaism, serving as a guide for beliefs, laws, and stories. Jews believe it was revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and contains the foundation for their faith and practices.

What is the Torah?

The Torah consists of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Pentateuch. It includes narratives about creation, the patriarchs (founders like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and the exodus from Egypt, as well as 613 commandments (mitzvot) that cover moral, ritual, and legal instructions.

Role of the Torah in Jewish life

• Study and interpretation - Jews study the Torah regularly, often in synagogues or schools, to understand God's will and apply it to modern life.
• Connection to other texts - The Torah forms part of the Tanakh (the full Hebrew Bible), which includes prophets and writings, and is supplemented by the Talmud, a collection of rabbinic discussions and explanations.
• Symbolic importance - During services, the Torah scroll is read aloud, and its teachings inspire festivals and ethical decisions.

Key practices such as Shabbat and prayer

Jewish practices, known as mitzvot, are actions that help Jews live out their beliefs. Two important ones are Shabbat, a day of rest, and prayer, which fosters a personal connection with God. These practices promote spiritual reflection and community bonding.

Shabbat

Shabbat is a weekly observance starting at sunset on Friday and ending at sunset on Saturday, commemorating God's rest after creation. Jews believe it is a time to refrain from work and focus on family, study, and worship.

Key aspects of Shabbat:

• Rest and restrictions - Activities like cooking, travelling, or using electricity are avoided to honour the day.
• Rituals - Families light candles, share a meal with blessings over wine (kiddush) and bread (challah), and attend synagogue services.
• Significance - It provides spiritual renewal and reminds Jews of their covenant with God.

Prayer

Prayer is a daily practice where Jews communicate with God through structured words and intentions. Jews believe it strengthens faith and seeks guidance or thanks.

Key features of Jewish prayer:

• Daily schedule - Prayers are recited three times a day: morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Maariv).
• Communal and individual - While often done in a synagogue with a minyan (group of at least 10 adults), prayers can also be personal.
• Important prayers - The Shema affirms God's oneness, and the Amidah is a series of blessings recited standing.

Kosher food laws

Kosher food laws, known as kashrut, are dietary rules that Jews follow to maintain purity and holiness in eating. Jews believe these laws were given by God in the Torah to promote discipline and separation from non-kosher practices.

What makes food kosher?

Food is kosher if it meets specific criteria based on animal types, preparation methods, and combinations. Non-kosher food is called treif.

Key rules of kashrut:

• Permitted animals - Land animals must have split hooves and chew the cud (e.g., cows, sheep); seafood must have fins and scales (e.g., salmon, but not shellfish); birds are limited to non-predatory types.
• Slaughter and preparation - Animals must be killed humanely (shechita) by a trained person, with blood drained to avoid consumption.
• Separation of meat and dairy - Meat and milk products cannot be mixed or eaten together, requiring separate utensils and waiting periods between meals.

Importance in daily life

Following kosher laws helps Jews integrate faith into everyday routines, such as shopping and cooking. It fosters mindfulness and community identity, with labels on food indicating kosher status.