Judaism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. It centers on the covenant between God and the Jewish people, the importance of living according to God’s commandments, and the pursuit of justice, holiness, and ethical living. While there are different Jewish traditions (such as Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist Judaism), the following summarizes beliefs that are broadly shared.

1. One God

Jews believe:

• There is one, indivisible God.
• God is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and the Creator of the universe.
• God is beyond physical form and cannot be represented by images.

The declaration known as the Shema expresses this central belief:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is One.”

2. Covenant with God

A central belief is that God entered into a covenant (sacred relationship) with the Jewish people.

This covenant began with Abraham and was reaffirmed with Moses at Mount Sinai, where the Torah was given. Jews believe they are called to live faithfully according to this covenant by following God’s commandments.

3. The Torah

The Torah is the foundation of Jewish belief and practice.

It includes:

• The first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
• God’s commandments and teachings.
• The story of Israel’s relationship with God.

The broader Hebrew Bible (the Tanakh) also includes the Prophets and other writings.

4. God’s Commandments (Mitzvot)

Judaism teaches that God gave commandments (mitzvot) to guide every aspect of life.

These include:

• Worship of God.
• Ethical behavior.
• Justice and honesty.
• Care for the poor and vulnerable.
• Dietary laws (for those who observe them).
• Sabbath observance.
• Holiday celebrations.

Many Jews understand these commandments as a way of bringing holiness into everyday life.

5. Worship and Prayer

Prayer is an important part of Jewish life.

Jews pray:

• Directly to God.
• Individually and in community.
• Using both traditional prayers and personal prayer.

The synagogue serves as the primary place for communal worship and study.

6. Repentance and Forgiveness

Judaism teaches that everyone sins and can return to God through teshuvah (“return” or repentance).

True repentance includes:

• Recognizing wrongdoing.
• Feeling genuine remorse.
• Making amends when possible.
• Resolving not to repeat the wrongdoing.

God is understood to be merciful and ready to forgive those who sincerely repent.

7. Ethics and Justice

Living ethically is a central expression of faith.

Important values include:

• Justice (tzedek)
• Charity and generosity (tzedakah)
• Kindness (chesed)
• Honesty
• Respect for human dignity
• Caring for strangers, widows, orphans, and those in need

Many Jews see serving others as an essential part of serving God.

8. The Messiah

Traditional Judaism teaches that a future Messiah (Mashiach) will come.

The Messiah is generally understood to be:

• A human descendant of King David.
• A righteous leader.
• One who will bring peace, justice, and restoration.

Unlike Christianity, Judaism does not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.

9. The World to Come

Judaism affirms that life has spiritual significance beyond death, though beliefs about the afterlife are less detailed and more varied than in many other religions.

Many Jews believe in:

• Resurrection of the dead (especially in traditional Judaism).
• A future age of peace.
• A “World to Come” (Olam Ha-Ba).
• God’s final justice.

Judaism generally places greater emphasis on living faithfully in this life than on detailed descriptions of the afterlife.

10. Human Responsibility

Judaism teaches that humans have free will and are responsible for their choices.

People are called to:

• Choose good over evil.
• Improve themselves.
• Help repair the world (tikkun olam, a concept interpreted in different ways across Jewish traditions).
• Live lives of holiness and compassion.

11. Community and Identity

Judaism is both a religion and the heritage of the Jewish people.

Jewish identity can be:

• Religious.
• Cultural.
• Ethnic.
• National.
• A combination of these.

Not all Jews practice Judaism in the same way, and beliefs and observance vary widely across communities.

In one sentence

Judaism teaches that there is one God who entered into a covenant with the Jewish people, gave the Torah as a guide for holy and ethical living, and calls people to worship Him, pursue justice, repent from wrongdoing, and help bring goodness into the world.

Although Jewish denominations differ in theology and practice, these points reflect the core beliefs that have shaped Judaism throughout its history.