So far, the Tamizh magazine ‘Madhuramurali’ of our Mission has carried several unique features of our Sanatana Dharma as also the essence of the Vedas and the Hindu Epics. Sri Sri Swamiji desires that we throw light on other ancient religions and cultures of the world as well, in Madhuramurali. Accordingly, Dr. A. Bagyanathan has, in this issue, given a brief introduction to Judaism.

Judaism is one of the ancient religions of the world. As per the latest statistics, the population of Jews is around 14 million today. On this basis, Judaism stands eleventh in world religions. As per Hebrew Bible Abraham founded this religion of the Hebrew community some 4000 years ago and was restructured in the year 1200 B.C. by Moses.

Central Doctrine:

The central doctrine of Judaism is, ‘God is one! He is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. This universe has been created and is being sustained by Him. ‘Torah’ is the collection of the doctrine provided by this One Lord. The goal of the Jews is to read and live as per this doctrine.”

Who are Jews?

Researchers have declared that the word Jew has been born verily from the Hebrew word ‘Yehudi’. After the rule of King Solomon the country of Israel was divided into two. The Northern part was called Israel and the Southern Part was called the Kingdom of Judah. After the capture of Israel (the Northern part) by Assyrians only Judah remained as the country of the Jews! The people of this land were called Yehudi. Over a period of time the term ‘Yehudi’ gradually came to be known as ‘Jews’.

According to modern study the Jews can be divided into three classes:

1. Those born as Jews and following Judaism.

2. Those born as Jews but consider themselves as Jews only as far as their culture is concerned. They do not follow Judaism.

3. Those following Judaism though not born as Jews.

Modern thinkers consider all the above three classes as verily Jews. But the conservative group considers only those born to Jewish parents as Jews. However, one born to Jewish parents or converted to Judaism is deemed a Jew always! Even if he fails to follow the doctrines of Judaism or becomes an Atheist or converts to another religion he is deemed a Jew only – a Jew who has failed to conduct himself!

The Language of the Jews:

Hebrew is considered the holy language of the Jews. All the religious Texts of Judaism are in this language only. From 500 B.C. onwards Aramaic born of Hebrew language became the spoken language of the Jews. Later, for a time Greek remained the language of the Jews. Today, Hebrew and Arabic languages are the national languages of Israel. It was the result of the efforts of Eliezer Ben Yehuda towards the end of 19th century that Hebrew received a fresh lease of life amongst the Jews.

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