Judaism

[ joo-dee-iz-uhm, -dey-, -duh- ]

noun

1. the monotheistic religion of the Jews, having its ethical, ceremonial, and legal foundation in the precepts of the Old Testament and in the teachings and commentaries of the rabbis as found chiefly in the Talmud. Compare Conservative Jew, Orthodox Jew, Reform Jew.
2. belief in and conformity to this religion, its practices, and ceremonies.
3. this religion considered as forming the basis of the cultural and social identity of the Jews:

   He called assimilation a threat to American Judaism.

4. Jews collectively; Jewry.

Judaism

/ ˈdʒuːdeɪˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the religion of the Jews, based on the Old Testament and the Talmud and having as its central point a belief in the one God as transcendent creator of all things and the source of all righteousness
2. the religious and cultural traditions, customs, attitudes, and way of life of the Jews

Judaism

1. The religion of the Israelites of the Bible (see also Bible ) and of the Jews (see also Jews ) of today, based on the teachings of the Torah . Judaism involves the belief in one God, whose Chosen People are the Jews. Abraham is considered the founder of Judaism, although Moses , who delivered the laws of God to the Israelites, is also an important figure. The holy days and festivals of Judaism include Hanukkah , Passover (see also Passover ), Purim , Rosh Hashanah , and Yom Kippur . ( See also Sabbath .)

Notes

A symbol (see also symbol ) of Judaism, the Star of David is a six-pointed star, formed by placing two triangles together, one upon the other, or interlaced.

Derived Forms

• ˌJudaˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• an·ti-Ju·da·ism noun
• pro-Ju·da·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Judaism¹

1485–95; < Late Latin jūdaismus < Greek ioudaismós, equivalent to Ioudaî ( os ) Jew + -ismos -ism

Example Sentences

One could read into this a subtextual commentary on the subjugation of women found in conservative strains of what Reed refers to as “the big three” — Judaism, Christianity and Islam — or even society in general.

From Los Angeles Times

They are believed to have coloured their homes, mosques and even public offices in a rinse of blue, considered a divine hue in Judaism, signifying the holy skies.

From BBC

So as my final effort in making peace with the fall, I decided to reconnect with Judaism, the religion of my roots.

From Los Angeles Times

Rosh Hashana, which began Wednesday at sunset and will conclude at sundown Friday, is one of the the High Holy Days in Judaism and marks the Jewish new year.

From Los Angeles Times

How has your relationship to Judaism changed since your conversion?

From Los Angeles Times