INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP OF METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

JUDAISM

Judaism, which has no single founder, central leader or group making theological decisions, is the diverse tradition associated with the Jewish people. It can be defined as either a religion or a national group, with its roots in Palestine.

As a religion, Judaism accepts the One God of Abraham and Moses as the Creator, Sustainer, and Judge, and follows a path directed by the Torah ñ the five books of Moses, or "Penteteuch" of the Hebrew Bible, containing the body of holy teaching and laws, set down through the instrument of the Prophets. A Jew is one who accepts the faith of Judaism and its rabbis, sages and holy men, as the one religious path; on a cultural level, subscribes to the folkways and practices; and on a practical level, is regarded as such by the Jewish community. Although living throughout the world, traditionally referred to the Diaspora, Jews have always closely identified with the land of Israel, and have striven throughout the history of humankind to claim Israel and Jerusalem as their own. Jewish worship and ritual is practiced in the Synagogue and at home and around is centered around prayer, dietary laws, holidays and other observances. In addition to the Torah, Jewish laws and practice are contained in the exposition of the writings of Scripture and the Talmud, a collection of rabbinic wisdom and law. There are four major denominations within Judaism ñ Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist and Reform ñ each with its own interpretation of tradition.

The Jewish people have had a long and difficult history, including dispersion and oppression. One of the defining events of the 20th Century, at least in the West is the Holocaust, the murder by the Nazi leadership of Germany of almost six million men, women and children, or nearly one-third of all Jews.

Following World War II, the Jewish people was granted a homeland in Palestine, the state of Israel.

Today Jews represent about 13 million people concentrated in Israel but scattered throughout the West.