Judaism

Meanings

1. 1proper nounproperreligion

   The religion of the Jewish people, based on belief in one God and on the teachings of the Torah.

   Grammar: A proper noun with no plural, used without an article: she studies Judaism.

   Patterns

   • convert to Judaism
   • practice Judaism

   Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world.

   He converted to Judaism before his wedding.

   The class compares Judaism with Christianity and Islam.

2. 2proper nounproperreligion

   The culture, traditions and way of life of Jewish people, including customs followed in daily and family life.

   Grammar: Used about a way of life, not only belief: Judaism shapes their holidays.

   Patterns

   • Judaism and something

   Judaism shapes how the family celebrates every holiday.

   The museum explores the history of Judaism in Europe.

   For her, Judaism is as much about community as belief.

Common combinations

convert to Judaism

She decided to convert to Judaism.

Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism follows traditional laws strictly.

Reform Judaism

Reform Judaism allows a more flexible approach to tradition.

practice Judaism

Her family has practiced Judaism for generations.

history of Judaism

The course covers the history of Judaism.

Synonyms and how they differ

the Jewish faith

This phrase is slightly more everyday, and focuses on belief rather than the whole system of religion and law.

Jewish religion

Jewish religion is a plain descriptive phrase that is equal in meaning but less common in formal writing.

Word family

Jewish adjective

relating to Jews or Judaism

Jew noun

a person who practices Judaism or belongs to the Jewish people

Judaic adjective

relating to Judaism, often in scholarly use

Judaica noun

objects related to Jewish culture and religion

Commonly confused: Judaism or Zionism? Judaism or Jewish?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “Judaism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words