Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions, with its origins in the Middle East.

Its foundational belief is in one transcendent God who created the universe and revealed his laws to humanity.

The Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is the central and most important text of Judaism.

According to tradition, the history of the Jewish people begins with a covenant made between God and the patriarch Abraham.

The story of the Exodus from Egypt, led by Moses, and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai are central events in Jewish history.

The ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with the Temple in Jerusalem as their religious center, were the political expressions of the Israelite people.

The destruction of the First and Second Temples and the subsequent exiles (diaspora) were transformative events.

After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, Rabbinic Judaism emerged, focusing on the study of the law (Torah) and interpretive texts (like the Talmud).

Jewish identity has been preserved for millennia through adherence to religious law, cultural traditions, and a strong sense of community.

Judaism is the historical foundation of both Christianity and Islam.