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1. ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE
Judaism
“For Judaism, the stories of the Creation are found in the first two chapters
of the book of Genesis in the Torah. They show how God created the world in six
days and rested on the seventh. After creating the earth, the sky, the seas and
plants, God made birds and fish on the fifth day and animals and humans on the
sixth day. For some Jews they take this account very literally and believe that this
is exactly how the world was created.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools
2. NATURE OF GOD/CREATOR
Judaism
“The nature of God is one of the few areas of abstract Jewish belief where
there are a number of clear cut ideas about which there is little dispute or
disagreement. The fact of God’s existence is accepted almost without question.
Proof is not needed, and is rarely offered. The Torah begins by stating “In the
beginning, God created.” It does not tell who God is or how He was created.
“In general, Judaism views the existence of God as a necessary
prerequisite for the existence of the universe. The existence of the universe is
sufficient proof of the existence of God”.
http://www.jewfaq.org
3. VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE
Judaism
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“Human nature, viewed ethically, was explained in Rabbinic Judaism not
only as tension between the ‘heavenly’ and ‘earthly’ components but as a tension
between two ‘impulses’. Rabbinic literature created a technical term, ‘ha-ra’ (the
evil impulse), to denote the source within humans of their disobedience, and
subsequently the counter term ‘yetzer ha-tov’ (the good impulse) was used to
indicate humans’ obedience.”
https://www.britanica.com/topic/Judaism/The-Judaic-tradition
4. VIEW OF GOOD AND EVIL
Judaism
“Traditional Rabbinic understanding of human nature is shaped to a large
degree by the presences of two inclinations – the ‘yetzer ha tov’ (the good
inclination) and the ‘vetzer ha ra’ (the evil inclination). Influenced to a large
extent by the thinking of the Jewish philosopher Maimonides (1135-1204), the
good inclination has become identified with the rational self that is capable of
positive, moral choice. The evil inclination is sometimes identified with the
‘lower’ passions, and Torah study and obedience are prescribed as the means
through with the evil inclination is tamed and put to proper use.”
http://chosenpeople.com/main/jewish-roots/178-the-evil-and-good-
inclinations-in-judaism
5. VIEW OF SALVATION
Judaism
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“Salvation from sin is unnecessary in Judaism, because Judaism does not
believe that mankind is inherently evil or sinful or in need of Divine Intervention
in order to escape eternal damnation. Judaism does not even believe in eternal
damnation.
“Judaism recognizes that people have sinful impulses, but Judaism also
recognizes that people have an inclination to do good and to be good, and that
people are able to choose whether to follow the evil inclination or the good
inclination.”
http://www.jewfaq.org
6. VIEW OF AFTER LIFE
Judaism
“Traditional Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human
existence. Because Judaism is primarily focused on life here and now rather than
on the afterlife. Judaism does not have much dogma about the afterlife and leaves
a great deal of room for personal opinion. An Orthodox Jew may believe that the
sous of the righteous dead go to a place similar to the Christian heaven, or that
they are reincarnated through many lifetimes, or that they simply wait until the
coming of the Messiah, when they will be resurrected. Orthodox Jews believe that
the souls of the wicked are tormented by demons of their own creation, or that
wicked souls are simply destroyed at death, ceasing to exist.”
http://www.jewfaq.org/olamhaba.htm
7. PRACTICES AND RITUALS
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Judaism
“In Judaism, rituals and religious observances are ground in Jewish law
(halakha lit. “the path one walks”). An elaborate framework of divine Mitzvoth,
(commandments), combined with rabbinic laws and traditions, this law is central
to Judaism.
“Halakha governs not just religious life, but daily life, from how to dress
to what to eat to how to help the poor. Observance of halakha shows gratitude to
God, provides a sense of Jewish identity and brings the sacred into everyday life.
“The Jewish religion recognizes several significant occasions in a person’s life.
While many times the individual is the focus of the festivities, the family, and in
many cases the entire community, participate in the commemoration. These
special events are some of the most important practices of Judaism”
http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/practices
8. CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIVALS
Judaism
“In Judaism, life is marked by numerous special days in which adherents
take time out of their everyday lives to stop work and focus on God and His
Commandments, including Sabbath services and holidays.
“Because the purpose of most of the holidays and festivals in Judaism is to
recall God’s work in history, they are one of the most important aspects of the
Jewish faith. Observing holidays and festivals also has important social outcomes.
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They help to keep tradition alive, contribute to a sense of community and
belonging, and ensure regular reflection and celebration.”
http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/holidays