Judaism

Belief about God

NOTE: Jews frequently will not spell out "G-O-D," a traditional practice helping to ensure that his name is never taken in vain (a violation of one of the 10 commandments).  Hereafter on this page we will use the commonplace Jewish spelling G-d or L-rd.  For the same reason the proper biblical name of G-d in Hebrew, Y-H-W-H, is never read out loud. Instead, they say Adonai, which means "lord."

Does God exist?

Yes

How do you describe God?

What is (he) like? G-d is one and unique, G-d is eternal, G-d is incorporeal (without a body), G-d is neither male nor female, G-d is omniscient (all-knowing), G-d is omnipotent (all-powerful), G-d is omnipresent (present everywhere), G-d is merciful and just. Just as in Islam, Judaism denies any sort of Trinitarian G-d: G-d is one, and alone.

"Hear, Israel: The L-rd is our G-d, The L-rd is one."  Deuteronomy 6:4- The "Shema," recited twice daily in prayer, is one of the most basic expression of Jewish faith.

Is there any kind of spirit world?

Yes. Humanity lives in the physical world G-d created. Yet, there is a spiritual world where both angels and demons exist. Although they exist, and are in contact with the physical world, it is ultimately G-d who is still in control.

Belief about the world

Is there an overall plan or order behind nature?

G-d created the universe and continues to sustain it. Human beings are G-d's counterpart and partner in creation. Although they are the created by him, they have the responsibility to initiate practices of to purify (sanctify) themselves from their uncleanness (i.e. the sin in the world). Thus, like G-d they have controlling influence over the condition of creation.  For that reason, there is enormous emphasis on action, even sometimes above belief. 

"There is a natural order, but it exists not by itself but is owed to God's covenant with his creation"
- The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion*

Belief about humanity

Are human beings different from the rest of nature?

Yes. Humans were made in the image of G-d. This special claim is never mentioned with regard to the rest of nature. Moreover, human are given the role by G-d of ruling over the earth. Humans will thus be held accountable for all of their actions.

"The Mishnah's principal message is that humanity is at the centre of creation, and as the head of all the creatures upon the earth, corresponds to God in heaven, in whose image humanity is made."
- Merriam**

Where did we come from, & where are we going?

We were made by G-d, and He will reward the righteous and punish the wicked.  The righteous are those whose good deeds in the end outweigh their evil deeds, as judged by G-d. 
[+] Belief in a coming deliverer is an important facet of faith for many--though not all--Jews.  This "Messiah" ("anointed one") will come to liberate the Jewish people, and restore Israel to its intended place before G-d, as a nation which worships and obeys G-d alone, enjoying the status as first among all the nations. He will bring peace and prosperity to the world. Equally, although there has been debate and religious division regarding the issue within Judaism, Judaism can be said to have a belief in the resurrection of the dead. There is definite reference within the religion to an afterlife consisting of the righteous being rewarded, and the wicked being "cut-off" from their people.

 "Jewish teachings on the subject of afterlife are sparse: The Torah, the most important Jewish text, has no clear reference to afterlife at all."  
- Jewish Virtual Library

"The moshiach [i.e. messiah] will bring about the political and spiritual redemption of the Jewish people by bringing us back to Israel and restoring Jerusalem (Isaiah 11:11-12; Jeremiah 23:8; Hosea 3:4-5). He will establish a government in Israel that will be the center of all world government, both for Jews and gentiles (Isaiah 2:24-4; 11:10; 42:1). He will rebuild the Temple and re-establish its worship (Jeremiah 33:18). He will restore the religious court system of Israel and establish Jewish law as the law of the land (Jeremiah 33:15)." 
--Tracy R. Rich (Judaism 101)

2.1 Beliefs about purpose

What is the overall purpose or meaning of humanity?

To worship and obey God alone, and have dominion over all creation.

"What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him? Yet you have made him little less than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honor. You made him to have dominion over the work of your hands and have put all things under his feet." -- Psalm 139< Psalm>

"He has showed you, o man, what is good. And what does the L-ord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your G-d." -- Micah 6:8

What is the main purpose or highest good for each individual?

To know, worship, and obey God alone.

"Believers are able to sanctify their lives and draw closer to G-d by performing fulfilling mitzvot [divine commandments]."  -- Religious Tolerance

Belief about ethics

How does one decide right & wrong?

Morality is ultimately determined by G-d alone--whatever G-d wills is right. G-d has revealed right and wrong in the Tanak (the Hebrew Scriptures).  The most essential essential teachings are found in the first five books of their Bible, called the Torah. G-d has also communicated his will by guiding wise men's reflection upon him, his word, and his world.  Many of these teachings, interpretations, and explanations are found in the writings of the Talmud, and have since been elaborated upon by countless rabbis and scholars throughout history.

  "The norms and principles of Jewish religious ethics are founded on theological presuppositions, including the existence of God, his purpose in creation, revelation, and the destiny of the soul in this world and the hereafter."  
- The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion***

Is it possible for humans to know truth?

Yes

What are legitimate sources of truth?

ruth is defined by G-d. Thus, G-d has revealed himself and his truth to the Jews through the prophets, whose writings are found in the Tanak, i.e. the Hebrew Scriptures (click if you would like to read the Tanak). The Talmud and the history of rabbinic interpretation are also sources for truth.  Also, because the world was created according to G-d's plan, this can account for the order of nature, and therefore there is a foundation for belief in the validity of logic and reason as paths to truth.