when was judaism founded

Judaism does not have a specific founding date like some religions because it developed gradually over centuries. Its earliest roots, known as Iron Age Yahwism, began around the 9th century BCE when the kingdoms of Israel and Judah recognized Yahweh as their national God. However, the form of Judaism more recognizable as such started developing significantly during and after the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. Rabbinic Judaism, which is the basis of most Jewish practice today, only emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. According to Jewish tradition, Abraham is considered the patriarch and founder of Judaism, with a date around 1800 BCE often given to his life, but this is more symbolic and traditional than historical. In summary, Judaism originated from ancient Israelite religion and Yahwism in the 1st millennium BCE, was shaped heavily by the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE, and took its current form as Rabbinic Judaism after 70 CE.