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

Conversion to Judaism inspires its own share of disagreement. —Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

Introduction of the Bible into the classroom is complicated by the diverse range of religions in public schools including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and others, along with 20% of U.S. families who are religiously unaffiliated. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 Nov. 2024

Male circumcision is a rite of passage in some religions, such as Islam and Judaism, but others choose circumcision for possible health benefits. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

During its nearly seven decades of existence, B’nai Israel not only served its congregants but also hosted groups — including church youth organizations and civic societies — to educate others about Judaism. —Austin Reid, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 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