Believed to be the first monotheistic religion, Judaism is one of three Abrahamic religions, the others being Christianity and Islam.
Among the problems in introducing Judaism to English-speaking non-Jews is the fact that the English language evolved in a Christian environment, and Christianity was formed in an atmosphere of opposition to Judaism. For this reason, it can be difficult for a non-Jew to view Judaism objectively or on the same terms as the Jews view themselves.
For example, Christians tend to approach Judaism in the light of how Jews feel about Jesus when Judaism does not define itself around Jesus. Many of the English terms that are used to describe religions, in general, are Christocentric, as well. Although the same words may be used to describe Jewish concepts, they are apt to mean something different to Christians or Muslims. They would carry different nuances.
The term "Jew" is an Anglicization, through Greek and Latin, of the Hebrew "Yehuda," which means Judah, the name of one of the Twelve Tribes of ancient Israel. After the Babylonian Exile of 586 BCE, Judah was the main surviving tribe and came to be synonymous with Israel as a whole.
Jewish identity used to be simpler than it is today, although there was never just one definition.
To Christians, they were "the chosen people," as it says in the Bible, but they had rejected Jesus and were therefore separated from Him. As Christianity became more powerful, Christians physically separated them, forced them to wear distinctive clothing, excluded them from guilds and professions, denied them the right of land ownership, vilified them from the pulpit, and accused them of all manner of evil, even while visiting evil upon them, including more than one attempt at genocide.
Where Muslims held power, the Jews were recognized as "People of the Book," but were subordinate to Muslims, who also carried out acts of violence against them.
The Jewish people internalized their social condition, interpreting it in the old biblical terms. They viewed themselves as God's chosen people and as a nation in exile.
Throughout the Middle Ages and later, the Jewish people did not have an identity problem. Their traditions and the surrounding cultures reinforced one another to draw sharp lines setting Jews apart from the people around them.
As the Jews gained civil rights in Europe and North America, becoming citizens of new nations, they were exposed to different values and cultures. In time, their identity became less clear.
Jewish scholars point to three factors as being contributory to the formation of modern Jewish identity: the Enlightenment, anti-Semitism, and the rise of the nation of Israel. These factors also led to the development of the several movements that exist in Judaism today.
Unlike Christianity, Judaism is used to refer to the religion of the Jews as well as to the Jewish people collectively, regardless of their religious practices.
Websites listed in this category are those designed to introduce Judaism to non-Jews or, to a lesser extent, Jewish converts or others who wish to learn more about the religion of Judaism, and to be better acquainted with the traditions and culture of the Jewish people.
Those which focus on the beliefs and practices, holy days, or rituals of Judaism should be submitted to the Beliefs & Practices category and likewise, those that are concerned largely with providing resources, such as in-depth studies, rabbinical writings, scholarly publications, and other Jewish texts, should be submitted to the Judaism Resources or Sacred Literature categories.
Recommended Resources
The informational site offers a variety of articles on topics related to Judaism, including the basics of being Jewish, learning about Judaism, a history of Jewish traditions, the unchanged tradition of Judaism, the commandments of the Torah, conversion issues, and whether non-Orthodox Jews are still Jews. The origins of the Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox movements are explored, as well as the platforms of some of the Jewish denominations.
http://www.beingjewish.com/
This is an introduction to Judaism, maintained by Rabbi Celso Cukierkorn, which includes the historical background to the faith, and information about converting to Judaism, the requirements, roles of the Rabbi and spouse, questions for reflection, and other resources for those considering converting to Judaism. The experiences of others who have converted to Judaism are related, and Jewish guidelines and expectations are outlined.
http://www.convertingtojudaism.com/
The introductory site discusses the basic beliefs and teachings of Judaism, including its beginnings as found in the first five books of the Torah. Important figures in Judaism, such as Abraham, Moses, King Solomon, Isaac, Jacob, and David, are included, along with an overview of the Sacred Texts and Holy Writings of Judaism, principally the Ten Commandments and the Torah. Jewish rites and rituals, vocabulary information, and other references are included.
https://thebasicsofjudaism.weebly.com/
Created as an introduction to Judaism for people with little or no knowledge of the faith, and written through a traditional perspective, but in plain English, this site has developed into an online encyclopedia of Judaism, covering topics of Jewish beliefs, people, places, things, language, scripture, holidays, practices and traditions. An introduction to the site is presented, including a guideline to using the site.
http://www.jewfaq.org/
Intended to serve beginners in Judaism, the site offers an overview of the eight major characteristics of religion, those being beliefs, believers, ethics, symbols, sacred sites, sacred texts, structures, and rituals. Among the resources included here are informational texts, video, audio, and photographs and images. A list of sites and other resources useful in understanding Judaism are included, along with polls.
http://judaism4beginners.weebly.com/
Established in order to introduce Judaism to a wider audience, the site includes informational articles that may be found by topic or the date published, going back to 2010. Topic categories include the faith structure of Judaism, Oral Law, Jewish history, Jewish holidays, and Judaism in general, as well as questions of atheism, atonement, and the righteous Gentile. Reader comments may be made to articles, and recently published topics are highlighted.
https://judaismresources.net/
Intended for adults from a variety of backgrounds, this site offers information and a study guide for those who are interested in learning about the Jewish faith, from novice learners to those who are familiar with Judaism but would like to learn more. Topics featured include Jewish life and culture, religious holidays, beliefs, practices, and history, as well as the nation of Israel. Contributions may be made online.
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/
Created and maintained by a single individual, born in Jerusalem, receiving rabbinical ordination from the Central Yeshiva of Chassidei Breslov in Meah Shaarim, and fluent in Hebrew, English, and Yiddish, the site contains thousands of videos and audio on the Torah, representing a few hundred speakers, as well as audio lectures and other resources. Jewish beliefs and Jewish living are outlined, and a blog is included.
http://www.torahshiurim.com/
Intended for Jews and non-Jews who have an interest in learning more about Jewish beliefs, the site is built around a series of ten essays that explain the Biblical foundations of Jewish beliefs, describe the differences between Jewish and Christian theology, and Jewish beliefs about life, death, sin, forgiveness, and atonement. A menu of belief statements distinguishing Judaism from Christianity is included, along with a bibliography.
http://www.whatjewsbelieve.org/
