| Judaism is based on a system of precepts whose origins are to be found in the Jewish Scriptures: the written law (Tanach) and the oral law (such as the Mishna and the Talmud).
Jewish national identity and the long history of its connection with the land of Israel formed the basis in the 20th century for the establishment of the state of Israel.
Main characteristics
Star of David and menorah – the two intertwined symbols of Judaism.
Tanach – an anthology of 24 books, denoted by the initial letters of its three sections: Torah (the Law, Pentateuch), Neviim (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). It contains many and varied texts, most of which are written in Hebrew, and a few in Aramaic. The Tanach describes the history of the world since its creation, focusing on the history of the people of Israel. It also includes laws and precepts, ethical sayings and proverbs, and more.
Mishna – an anthology of religious laws, customs and precepts based on interpretation of the Bible.
Talmud – includes commentaries on the Tanach and the Mishna, laws and legends.
One of the expressions that is most identified with Judaism, an phrase that comes from the Torah, is “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one”. According to the tradition, this is what the sons of Jacob said to their father when he asked them if they were idol worshippers. Jews have used this sentence as a mark of identification, and a statement of their belief in Judaism.
The Hebrew calendar – the calendar used by Judaism combines the Moon and the Sun: its months are based on the lunar month, but once every few years it is adjusted to the solar year so that the festivals always occur during the same season.
Shabbat – the holy day of the week, on which Jews are commanded to rest from their work. The Sabbath is marked by special prayers, festive meals and ceremonies.
The main festivals: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Pessach (Passover), and Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day).
Holy places:
The Western Wall – one of the holiest places for Jews, this is a section of the Western Wall that once encompassed the Temple, and today the temple courtyard.
The Machpela Cave – a burial cave in Hebron, the first place in the country to which the Jewish people were connected in the land of Israel, where the patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca and Leah were buried.
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