Core Beliefs

Being Jewish

The term “Jewish” can be used to describe a race and a culture rather than a religion, so some who identify themselves as Jewish may have little interest in the beliefs and practices associated with the religion of Judaism.

The Torah

The Jews believe in the teaching of the Jewish Bible, known as the Torah. This is the First Testament of the Christian Bible. There is no Second Testament or New Bible for Jews.

Why?  The Jews do not include the New Testament because they do not believe that Jesus came as the Messiah.

What are the first five books of the Torah?

·         Genesis

·         Exodus

·         Leviticus

·         Numbers

·         Deuteronomy

Written Law and Oral Law

There are 613 commandments found in the Torah (‘Written Law’). T almud (‘Oral Law’) is the commentary of ancient rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God’s Law in everyday life through:

·         Dietary rules (Kashrut/ Koshner)

·         Dress and other symbols

·         Prayer and devotion to the one God

·         The Temple and Temple rites

·         Observance of Holy Days

·         Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc.

Core Beliefs

Jews firmly believe that there is only one God. There are 13 main beliefs of Jews believe in, which include:

·         God exists

·         God is one and unique

·         God is eternal

·         Prayer is to God only

·         The prophets spoke truth

·         Moses was the greatest of the prophets

·         The Written and Oral Torah were given to Moses

·         There will be no other Torah

·         God will reward the good and punish the wicked

·         The messiah will come

·         The dead will be resurrected

Judaism is a monotheistic religion, with one eternal God. They believe in the prophets, especially Moses, and they believe that the Torah is the word. They believe that Judgement Day and the Messiah are yet to come.

The Family

The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot (‘good deeds’ based on God’s commandments). Through education and hard work they make their lives, the lives of others, and the world what God intended it to be- holy.