Judaism: Past & Present Day Jewish Traditions

God and The Torah
Judaism is a monotheistic religion that originally branched from the Hebrews. People belonging to Judaism firmly believe in one God that is their savior, protector, and creator. This God is omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful), and omnipresent (in all places at all times). Judaism has a sacred text called the Torah. The scriptures include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The texts are recordings of events and laws within the Jewish History. The different sects of Judaism includes;

Secular Judaism
Orthodox Judaism
Reform Judaism
Conservative Judaism
Reconstructionists Judaism
Hasidic Judaism.
Each branch shares core beliefs of the original Judaism, but the denominations focus on either more traditional or modern practices.

The Nation of Israel
Jerusalem is located in Israel. Israel considers Jerusalem to be the core and heart of an important part of the Jewish community. Jerusalem is recognized and known as having the most holy sites in Judaism. Judaism was founded in the Nation of Israel by Abraham. Many other religions were formed in Israel, as well. Christianity is a perfect example. Israel is under mass attack due to controversial matters of religions, such as Judaism and Islamics.

The Old Testament
The Old Testament was replaced with The New Testament in order to better interpret the true meanings within the text. Over time, our cultures evolve. The way we speak and understand changes. The Old Testament was written in a language we may not completely understand, so The New Testament was created so people could easily read without misinterpretation.

Ten Commandments
Jewish people believe God passed a message to the prophet Moses in order to spread word about the Ten Commandments. Members of Judaism follow these fundamental laws because they believe it will please God.

You shall have no other Gods but me.
You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.
Respect your father and mother.
You must not kill.
You must not commit adultery.
You must not steal.
You must not give false evidence against your neighbor.
You must not be envious of your neighbor's goods. You shall not be envious of his house nor his wife, nor anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Judaism Today
Jewish people today identify themselves under the following; Secular, Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionists, and Hasidic Judaism. The newest and most modern form of Judaism is Reconstructionists. Jewish people today honor the loss of people during the Holocaust, continue attending worship services at synagogues, and remain kosher.

Katz, Lisa. (2006). About Judaism. About. http://judaism.about.com
Rich, Tracey R. (1995-2006). Judaism 101. http://www.jewfaq.org
Robinson, B. A. (2000). Judaism. Religious Tolerance. http://www.religioustolerance.org/judaism.htm