Jews believe in one God who is eternal, indivisible, and without physical form. God created the universe and continues to be actively involved in the world and in the lives of individuals
. The foundational text of Judaism is the Torah, which contains laws and commandments given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Observance of these laws and commandments, including the 613 mitzvot (commandments), is central to Jewish practice
. Judaism emphasizes ethical monotheism - the belief that God is one and that humans must live according to God's laws, which govern both their relationship with God and with other people
. The Jewish people have a special covenantal relationship with God, marked by mutual obligations, including the pursuit of holiness and ethical behavior as an example to the world
. There is no single dogma or fixed set of beliefs that defines Judaism; rather, actions and observance of commandments are more important than specific beliefs. However, Maimonides' thirteen principles of faith are widely recognized as a traditional summary of core Jewish beliefs, including belief in God, prophecy, the divine origin of the Torah, the coming of the Messiah, and resurrection of the dead
. Judaism also values community and family life, with many religious practices centered around communal worship, holidays, and home rituals
. Different Jewish movements (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform) interpret and apply Jewish law and beliefs with varying degrees of strictness and adaptation to modernity
. In summary, Jewish beliefs include:
- Belief in one, eternal, and incorporeal God
- The Torah as divine law given to the Jewish people
- A covenantal relationship between God and the Jewish people
- Observance of commandments and ethical living
- Belief in prophecy, the Messiah, and resurrection (in traditional views)
- Emphasis on community, family, and living a life aligned with God's will
