Jews believe in one God who is the sole Creator of the universe. This belief is called monotheism—the belief in a single, indivisible God. According to Jewish teachings, God is:
- One and indivisible (no parts, no other gods alongside)
- All-powerful (omnipotent)
- All-knowing (omniscient)
- All-loving (omnibenevolent)
- Present everywhere at all times (omnipresent)
- Eternal (without beginning or end)
- Beyond human limitations, transcendent (beyond time and space)
- Immanent, meaning God is also present in the world and sustains it
- Fair, just, merciful, and compassionate
God is the creator of everything in the universe, having created the world as described in the Torah (the Jewish holy scriptures). God gave humans laws and ethical teachings to follow, with 613 such laws found in the Torah. God is also seen as the lawgiver and judge who will eventually judge all people. Judaism holds that God has no physical form and is incomparable to anything in the created world; therefore, God is never depicted in images or statues. Jews emphasize the uniqueness and singularity of God, often referring to God's name with reverence and special care. The central Jewish declaration of faith about God is found in the Shema prayer: "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one." In summary, Jews believe in a single, transcendent, and personal God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe, who is just and merciful, and who revealed laws and guidance through the Torah.
