Judaism
Judaism is the faith and way of life of the Jewish people, centered on the covenant between God and Israel and on living out the Torah's teachings.
Traces back more than 3,000 years to Abraham, Moses and the people of Israel. After the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 CE, rabbinic Judaism grew around study, prayer and the synagogue.
Core ideas
- One God, who is the source of justice and compassion
- The Torah and centuries of interpretation (the Talmud) as a guide for life
- Mitzvot: commandments and good deeds that sanctify everyday life
- Tikkun olam: helping repair the world
Common practices
- Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening)
- Holidays like Passover and Yom Kippur
- Torah study
- Life-cycle rituals
The US has one of the world's largest Jewish communities. Converting is possible but not required to take part, and most synagogues welcome curious visitors.
Sacred texts
All traditions' scriptures →The Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh, is the heart of Jewish study. Each Shabbat a portion of the Torah is chanted in Hebrew from a handwritten scroll, and the congregation follows along in a Chumash, the Torah in book form with Hebrew and English side by side.
Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)
Original language: Hebrew (a little Aramaic)
Three parts: Torah (the five books of Moses), Nevi'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). The standard Hebrew text is the Masoretic Text. Christians know the same books as the Old Testament, in a different order.
- JPS Tanakh · The Jewish Publication Society's English translation, a standard in Jewish homes and classrooms (the 1985 edition is Sefaria's default English).
- Stone Edition Chumash (ArtScroll) · Hebrew and English with traditional commentary; found in many Orthodox synagogues.
- Etz Hayim · Torah and commentary used in many Conservative synagogues.
- The Torah: A Modern Commentary (Plaut) · The Reform movement's Torah and commentary.
- Koren Jerusalem Bible · Hebrew and English on facing pages.
Siddur, Mishnah and Talmud
The siddur is the prayer book used at every service; each movement has its own. The Mishnah and Talmud record the rabbis' teaching and debate on Jewish law and life, and are studied in classes and study pairs.
Read free online or in an app
- Sefaria · Free nonprofit library and app: the Tanakh in Hebrew with the JPS English, plus the Talmud, siddur and commentaries.
- Chabad.org Tanakh · Free Hebrew and English with Rashi's classic commentary.
- Mechon Mamre · Free Hebrew Masoretic text, with the older JPS English alongside.
Branches and communities
Orthodox
Modern Orthodox, Haredi, Chabad
Keeps Jewish law (halakha) as binding: Shabbat, kosher food and daily prayer, with services mostly in Hebrew.
Beliefs: The Torah was given by God at Sinai, and its laws, as interpreted by the rabbis, apply today.
Worship: Three daily services, with longer Shabbat services on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Men and women sit separately (divided by a mechitza).
On a first visit
- Dress modestly: men wear a kippah (provided at the door); women often wear skirts and sleeves.
- Phones and photos aren't used on Shabbat.
- Chabad centers in particular are known for welcoming Jews of any background, often with a Shabbat meal.
Larger bodies you'll see on listings: Chabad-Lubavitch, National Council of Young Israel
Find a synagogue near meConservative
Masorti
A middle path: Jewish law is taken seriously and also understood to evolve over time.
Beliefs: Tradition and modern scholarship together; most congregations are fully egalitarian.
Worship: Mostly Hebrew services following the traditional prayer book, with English readings and explanation.
On a first visit
- Kippot are provided; non-Jewish visitors are welcome to wear one or not.
- Kiddush (a shared meal) often follows Saturday morning services.
Reform
The largest US movement. Emphasizes ethics, personal choice in observance, and full inclusion.
Beliefs: Jewish tradition is meant to be engaged with, not just obeyed. Interfaith families and LGBTQ people are warmly included.
Worship: Services in Hebrew and English, often with instruments and modern melodies. Friday evening services are a main gathering.
On a first visit
- Dress is usually business casual; kippot are optional.
- Many temples offer "Intro to Judaism" classes open to anyone.
Reconstructionist & Renewal
Smaller, creative communities that see Judaism as an evolving civilization, with an emphasis on spirituality, music and democratic decision-making.
Beliefs: Tradition "has a vote but not a veto." Renewal congregations add meditation and joyful, musical prayer.
Worship: Participatory services, often in a circle, with chanting, singing and discussion.
On a first visit
- Expect discussion rather than a sermon.
- Often lay-led and very informal.