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Tradition
Judaism
Covenant, Torah, and a people's ongoing conversation with God.
Introduction
Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people, tracing itself to Abraham and to the covenant given through Moses at Sinai. It is among the oldest continuously practised monotheistic traditions and emphasises study, commandments (mitzvot), ethical action and community.
Its written scripture is the Tanakh — Torah (the five books of Moses), Nevi'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). Alongside it stands the Oral Torah recorded in the Mishnah and Talmud, together with midrash, medieval commentaries such as Rashi and Maimonides, and later legal codes. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and other movements read these sources with differing views of authority.
The Guide cites the Tanakh by book, chapter and verse and rabbinic texts by tractate and page, linking to Sefaria's open library.
Primary scriptures
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy — narrative and law read in an annual cycle.
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes and more.
Rabbinic law and discussion compiled c. 200–600 CE, including Pirkei Avot.
A 12th-century systematic code including the Laws of Repentance.
Major concepts
Covenant (brit)
The binding relationship between God and Israel, expressed through Torah.
Mitzvot
Commandments — traditionally 613 — that shape daily, ethical and ritual life.
Teshuvah
Repentance and return: acknowledging wrong, making amends, and changing course.
Tikkun olam
Repairing the world; a modern emphasis on justice rooted in rabbinic sources.
Olam ha-ba
The World to Come — a range of views on afterlife and resurrection.
Relevant passages
Passages the Guide cites for the questions in the library, each linked to a public reference edition.
Forgiveness
'You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge.'
Sins against another person require appeasing that person.
The wronged party should forgive a sincere request and not be hard-hearted.
Death & the afterlife
Dust returns to earth, spirit returns to God.
'Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake.'
'This world is like a vestibule before the World to Come.'
'All Israel have a share in the World to Come.'
Suffering
'The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away.'
God's mercies are renewed every morning.
Rabbinic discussion of suffering and 'afflictions of love'.
Purpose of life
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart.'
The world stands on Torah, service and kindness.
Meaning of life
Whoever saves a single life is as if they saved an entire world.
Not yours to finish the work, nor free to desist from it.
God & ultimate reality
'Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.'
'I am the Lord, and there is none else.'
Enemies & conflict
Return your enemy's stray animal; help with its burden.
Do not hate in your heart; do not take vengeance.
'Do not rejoice when your enemy falls.'
Who is mighty? One who conquers his impulse.
Love
'Love your fellow as yourself: I am GOD.'
Love God with all your heart, soul and might.
Right & wrong
The commandment is 'very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart'.
Be as careful with a light commandment as with a grave one.
Hillel: 'That which is hateful to you do not do to another.'
Peace & stillness
God as shepherd, leading to places of repose; 'I fear no harm'.
'Desist! Realize that I am God!'
God guards the confident mind in safety, because it trusts in Him.
Grief & loss
'A time for weeping and a time for laughing'; a season for everything.
Weeping at nightfall, 'but at dawn there are shouts of joy'.
'GOD has given, and GOD has taken away; blessed be GOD's name.'
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Torah and the Talmud?
The Torah is the written five books of Moses. The Talmud records rabbinic discussion of the Oral Torah — law, ethics and narrative — compiled over several centuries.
Is the Hebrew Bible the same as the Old Testament?
The books largely overlap, but the order, grouping and some verse numbering differ, and Jewish and Christian readers interpret them within different traditions.
Do Jews agree about the afterlife?
No single doctrine is required. Classical sources speak of resurrection and the World to Come; interpretations vary across movements and individuals.
Ask the Guide about Judaism
Answers are AI-assisted, drawn from nine traditions and linked to original sources. No account needed.
The Scripture Guide uses artificial intelligence to help organize and explain religious texts and traditions. AI-generated responses may contain errors or omissions. When accuracy is important, consult the original scripture and authoritative sources.