Judiasm
The oldest of the monotheistic faiths in the Abrahamic tradition.
Distinctions
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Summary
Jews believe in one God who is the Creator and Lord of the universe. They believe that God has a special relationship - the Covenant - with the Jewish people. This relationship has been guiding and will continue to guide Jewish people: "Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you." (Jeremiah 7:23)
The Law, written in the Jewish holy book, the Torah, was given to Moses on Mount Sinai and is the Jewish people's guide to how to live in accordance with the Covenant. Jews look forward to the coming of the Messiah, a leader from Fod, who will bring a time of peace, fruitfulness and security to the whole world, but also a time when the dead will be brought back to life and judged by God.
Symbol
The menorah, a seven-branched candlestick, stood in the Temple in Jerusalem in ancient times, and its design is described in the Torah. The central branch is said to represent the sabbath, the day when God rested after creating the world.
Worldwide Numbers
There are 13 million Jews living worldwide. Over 44% live in North America, 37% in Israel and above 12% in Europe. The 20th century saw a dramatic shift in numbers away from Europe following the Holocaust.
Holy Places
Israel is regarded as the historic "Promised Land." The Western Wall in Jerusalem and important place of prayer, is all that is left of the last Jewish Temple, destroyed in CE 70.
Holy Writings
The Hebrew Bible consists of the Torah (5 books of Moses), the Prophets and other writing including the Psalms. The Torah contains laws and guidance and tells the early history of the Jewish people. It is written in Hebrew.
Key Links
Additional in-depth information here on Wikipedia.