Judaism is one of the world's oldest religions, the faith of the Jewish people. Jews believe in one God who created the universe and gave them laws and teachings to live by. These teachings emphasize justice, kindness, learning, and taking care of others.

Judaism's sacred text is the Torah, which contains the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It includes stories of the Jewish people's ancestors (like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), their escape from slavery in Egypt led by Moses, and the laws God gave them. Jews also study the Talmud, a collection of discussions and interpretations of Jewish law by rabbis (Jewish teachers and leaders) over many centuries.

Jewish practice includes observing the Sabbath (a day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening), celebrating holidays like Passover (remembering the exodus from Egypt) and Hanukkah (celebrating religious freedom), and following dietary laws called kosher. Many Jewish boys have a bar mitzvah at age 13, and girls have a bat mitzvah at age 12 or 13, ceremonies marking their coming of age in the Jewish community.

Judaism has profoundly influenced other religions and cultures. Its emphasis on education, questioning, and debate has shaped how Jews approach learning. The idea that all people are created in God's image forms the foundation of Jewish ethics. Today, Jewish communities exist worldwide, and Israel holds special significance as the historical homeland of the Jewish people.