Judaism

American  

[joo-dee-iz-uhm, -dey-, -duh-] / ˈdʒu diˌɪz əm, -deɪ-, -də- /

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.

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.

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Judaism British  

/ 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

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Judaism Cultural  

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.)

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Discover More

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.

Other Word Forms

• Judaistic
  adjective
• anti-Judaism
  noun
• pro-Judaism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Judaism

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

Example Sentences

Amanda describes herself as Modern Orthodox - a section of Judaism that seeks to uphold Jewish traditions and laws, but with active engagement in the modern world.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

The David E. Simon and Jacqueline S. Simon Charitable Foundation has given to various causes, including higher education, health, arts and culture as well as those that support Judaism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

“Our Jewish scholar mentioned, ‘what you’re doing is called midrash, an ancient tradition in Judaism to look at these stories and read between the lines,’” says Echevarria.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Smoke could be seen billowing from Temple Israel, one of the largest Reform Judaism congregations in the country, after the attack and fire engines were on the scene.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Papa had only three books total, leather bound and heavy, which Babulya had gifted to him when he had converted to Judaism.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack