Judaism

American  

[joo-dee-iz-uhm, -dey-, -duh-] / ˈdʒu diˌɪz əm, -deɪ-, -də- /

noun

1. the monotheistic religion of the Jews, having its ethical, ceremonial, and legal foundation in the precepts of the Old Testament and in the teachings and commentaries of the rabbis as found chiefly in the Talmud.

2. belief in and conformity to this religion, its practices, and ceremonies.

3. this religion considered as forming the basis of the cultural and social identity of the Jews.

   He called assimilation a threat to American Judaism.

4. Jews collectively; Jewry.

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Judaism British  

/ ˈdʒuːdeɪˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the religion of the Jews, based on the Old Testament and the Talmud and having as its central point a belief in the one God as transcendent creator of all things and the source of all righteousness

2. the religious and cultural traditions, customs, attitudes, and way of life of the Jews

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Judaism Cultural  

1. The religion of the Israelites of the Bible (see also Bible) and of the Jews (see also Jews) of today, based on the teachings of the Torah. Judaism involves the belief in one God, whose Chosen People are the Jews. Abraham is considered the founder of Judaism, although Moses, who delivered the laws of God to the Israelites, is also an important figure. The holy days and festivals of Judaism include Hanukkah, Passover (see also Passover), Purim, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. (See also Sabbath.)

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Discover More

A symbol (see also symbol) of Judaism, the Star of David is a six-pointed star, formed by placing two triangles together, one upon the other, or interlaced.

Other Word Forms

• Judaistic adjective
• anti-Judaism noun
• pro-Judaism noun

Etymology

Origin of Judaism

1485–95; < Late Latin jūdaismus < Greek ioudaismós, equivalent to Ioudaî ( os ) Jew + -ismos -ism

Example Sentences

Smoke could be seen billowing from Temple Israel, one of the largest Reform Judaism congregations in the country, after the attack and fire engines were on the scene.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Rivka said she could not hug her mother or throw earth to cover her father's coffin, an important ritual in Judaism.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Usually, pastors advocating for young men to be warriors for Christ don’t mention Judaism.

From Slate • Jan. 22, 2026

He describes Weiner as “a very religious person, and wants to spread the word about Judaism and its traditions. It was kind of revolutionary when you think about it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

Friedgood liked Brown, and had apparently spoken to him be-fore about Judaism.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover