Beggaining of Judaism - Essay Example

The beginning of Judaism Judaism religious traditions trace their origin to the creation of humanity. However, the explicit origin of the Jews dates back to Abraham and the Hebrews. From the Old Testament or the Hebrew bible, the history of Jews is inseparable from that of Judaism, which was their religion. The Old Testament provides a description of God choosing the Jews as a world example and His working with the Jews to retain a strong relationship. This religion remained unknown until the 1st century C.

E, when the beliefs and practices referred to as Israel emerged. The Jewish religion or Judaism founder is thought to be Abraham. During the foundation of this religion, God Discovers Abraham and calls him into a covenant. In this covenant, Abraham is called to be the father of numerous descendants who would be a special nation to God as they would be a case in point for the world. The world would be called to emulate this nation in terms of holiness and commendable conduct. For these special descendants, God would give the Land of Canaan or the Holy land between River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea.

Today, this land comprises the territories of Israel and Palestine while the religion headquarters remains as Jerusalem despite the absence of a temple or other forms of jurisdictional influence (Patheos.com para1).In order to guide the lives of the Israelites, God provided the Israelites with a set of rules. These rules were in the form of the Ten Commandments, which were to guide them. The rules were given to Moses at Mount Sinai. Other religious practices that the Jews were expected to adhere to were the sacrifices and prayer at the altar of sacrifice, sacred tree or stone pillar.

Sacrifices were meant for retaining a strong relationship with God through recognizing His authority and influence over their lives. In addition, the Israelites were expected to remain as a religious community. This was possible through Circumcision, a practice that was acceptable for all male children eight days after birth (Religiousfacts.com para11&12).Religiousfacts.com further records that the relationship between the Jews was at first stormy and filled with challenges, especially during the journey to the Promised Land and in the Promised Land.

For forty years, the Jews journeyed in the wilderness with Moses playing the key roles of a leader religiously, politically, military and legislatively. In the wilderness, God sustained them until He led them into the promised land of Canaan after entering into a covenant with them. The covenant required the Jews to remain exclusively loyal to Yahweh, as He was responsible for their rescue from the Pharaoh and Egyptians. Loyalty to Yahweh was expressed in numerous ways, which included rituals and festivals aimed at celebrating God’s provision and since the inception of Judaism and in coming days.

On the other hand, practices like idol veneration, worship of other Gods, and observance of magic were prohibited. When the Israelites fell astray from God’s covenant, He would discipline them while in times of obedience; He would show them his favor.Through God’s Guidance, there was structuring of Judaism religion in Canaan. According to Bbc.co.uk, God provided the Jews with kings like Saul, David and Solomon who fist established the first grand temple. The aim of the Temple was to serve as the central place of worship for the Israelites since it contained the Ark of the Covenant and was set apart as the only place where some rituals would be carried out.

Kings, prophets and judges provided a centralized form of authority for the Israelites. Centralized authority had also organized armies that held off external enemies preventing them from attacking the Jews (Religiousfacts.com para6). In Canaan, any actions that led the Jews astray led God to send prophets and invading armies. These were meant to restore a loyal relationship between the Israelites and God.ConclusionThis paper has discussed Judaism the religion of Jews. This religion dates back to the Hebrews and Abraham.

Judaism is believed to have been initiated by God through His calling of Abraham and the promise to make him the father of many descendants. These descendants were the Jews who would become an example to the world in terms of their conduct and holiness. Originally, the Jews were hostages in the land of Egypt. However, God used Moses to take them to Canaan where they were ruled by kings. Judges and prophets were sent to them in case they went astray.Works citedBbc.co.uk. History of Judaism. 2009. Web. Patheos.

Judaism: Quick facts. 2008. Web.Religiousfacts.com. History of Judaism. 2004. Web.