Judaism

noun

Ju·​da·​ism ˈjü-dē-ˌi-zəm  ˈjü-də-  ˈjü-(ˌ)dā- 

 British also  ˈjü-ˌdi-zəm

1

: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions

2

: the cultural, social, and religious beliefs and practices of the Jews

3

: conformity to Jewish rites, ceremonies, and practices

4

: the whole body of Jews : the Jewish people

Examples of Judaism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Championing authentic and nuanced portrayals of Jews, Judaism, and Israel in the entertainment industry. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The village was also known for an ancient shrine dedicated to Benjamin, the son of Jacob, an important figure in Judaism. —Sally Abou Aljoud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

Six buses were arrayed outside that legendary Upper West Side emporium, a culinary temple to smoked fish and secular, progressive Judaism. —Leslie Camhi, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024

In 1946, Rabbi Bernard Heller argued that Christianity and Judaism had many significant differences in their ethical ideas, institutions, and approaches to spirituality. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Judaism

• anti-Judaism
• Conservative Judaism
• Orthodox Judaism
• Reform Judaism

Kids Definition

Judaism

noun

Ju·​da·​ism ˈjüd-ə-ˌiz-əm  ˈjüd-ē- 

1

: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews that stresses belief in one God and faithfulness to the laws of the Torah

2

: the beliefs and practices of the Jews

Judaic

jü-ˈdā-ik

adjective