Jewish beliefs encompass a wide range of perspectives, as there is no single, uniform answer to what being Jewish means. However, there are some common beliefs and practices that are widely held within the Jewish community. Central to Judaism is the belief in monotheism, which emphasizes the existence of one single, indivisible, non-compound God. The Torah, which contains the laws given to the Israelites at Sinai, is considered fundamental, and Jewish people believe they must follow Gods laws that govern their lives. Additionally, Jews believe in the value of justice and mercy, and that God cares about all of humanity.
In terms of religious beliefs, a significant majority of U.S. Jews say they believe in God or some spiritual force in the universe, with varying degrees of certainty. While some Jewish respondents emphasize the religious aspect of being Jewish, others focus on ancestry, culture, or a combination of these elements. The belief in God is more widespread among Jews by religion, but even among this group, there are individuals who do not believe in any higher power or spiritual force. Orthodox Jews are more likely to express a strong belief in God compared to Conservative and Reform Jews, as well as Jews with no denominational affiliation.
Overall, Jewish beliefs are multifaceted, encompassing religious, cultural, and ancestral elements, and they vary among individuals and different sects of Judaism.
