Judaism
Origins & Timeline
Place of Origin
Ancient Near East
Canaan, Egypt, and Sinai Peninsula
Time Period
c. 13th century BCE
Era
The Mosaic Era
FROM
ANCIENT
TO
PRESENT
Judaism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. Its spiritual roots trace to the Abrahamic tradition (c. 2000 BCE), but as a clearly formed religious system, it emerged around the 13th century BCE when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the covenant at Mount Sinai.
* Judaism developed into a tradition possessing both religious faith and collective national identity, closely bound to the land of Israel.
Moses
Led the Exodus from Egypt
Prophet & Lawgiver
Leading the Israelites out of Egypt
Exodus 1:14 says: 'They made their lives bitter with hard labor—in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the fields...' Under God's call, Moses led millions of Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
Forty Years in the Wilderness
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years before returning to their homeland. During this time, their national identity was gradually shaped through law, discipline, and religious practice.
Crossing the Red Sea
According to the biblical account, Moses raised his staff and the Red Sea was divided, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground in safety, while the pursuing Egyptian forces perished as the waters returned. This is remembered as a miracle of faith.
Receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai
At Mount Sinai, Moses received God's revealed law—the Torah—and the Ten Commandments, establishing the foundational core of Jewish faith and ethical life.
Though Moses died before entering the Promised Land, he established for Israel a religious and national foundation centered on the Law, the Covenant, and monotheistic faith.
Core Briefs
Monotheism
One Indivisible God
Judaism firmly proclaims faith in one, indivisible, and transcendent God, who is both the creator of the universe and the ultimate source of morality and justice.
Covenant
Berit - Sacred Agreement
God enters into a covenant with the people of Israel, granting guidance and blessing, while humans assume the responsibility to observe God's commandments.
Halakha
Jewish Law
Judaism places great importance on law, understanding faith not only as belief but as lived practice. Religious life, ethics, festivals, and social responsibilities are all guided by the law.
Tikkun Olam
Repair of the World
Justice, compassion, mercy, and care for the vulnerable are emphasized values. Faith aims to realize moral responsibility in the world through poverty alleviation, education, and humanitarian efforts.
Peoplehood
Collective Identity
Judaism is both a religious faith and a form of collective national identity. Shared historical memory and scriptural study have preserved Jewish spiritual continuity across history.
Sacred Scriptures
Torah
Torah
The Five Books of Moses—the most sacred and authoritative text in Judaism
Nevi'im
Nevi'im
The Prophets—records of Israel's history and prophetic messages
Ketuvim
Ketuvim
The Writings—includes Psalms, wisdom literature, and historical writings
Talmud
Talmud
Interpretation, discussion, and practical guidance on the law
Torah
The Five Books of Moses—the most sacred and authoritative text in Judaism
Nevi'im
The Prophets—records of Israel's history and prophetic messages
Ketuvim
The Writings—includes Psalms, wisdom literature, and historical writings
Talmud
Interpretation, discussion, and practical guidance on the law
Sacred Symbol
Star of David
The Shield of David is a six-pointed star formed by two interlocking triangles, symbolizing Jewish identity, unity, and historical continuity. Although it does not originate directly from the Hebrew Bible, it gradually became a representative symbol of Judaism and the Jewish people from the medieval period onward.
Stories & Illustrations
Visual journey through sacred narratives
#01
Moses Found on the Nile
Baby Moses is found floating in a basket on the Nile River and raised by Pharaoh's daughter in the Egyptian palace.
#02
The Burning Bush
In the wilderness, God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, calling him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
#03
Parting of the Red Sea
Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt as the Red Sea is miraculously parted, allowing them to escape Pharaoh's army.
#04
The Ten Commandments
God gives Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, the foundation of Jewish law and ethics.
Knowledge Quiz
Question 1 of 3
Score: 0
What is the central sacred text of Judaism?