Judaism is a monotheistic religion and an ethical way of life. One of its core beliefs is that all hu-mans are created in the image of God. Therefore, Judaism engages the Divine in all aspects of Jewish conduct.

In order to effectively actualize this behavior in relationship (with God, ourselves, all peoples, and all of creation), we were given the Torah (a combination of written and oral teachings). Within the writ¬ten Torah are 613 Mitzvot (commandments). These commandments plus their oral interpretations, clarifications, and modernizations combine to provide rules for holiday observance, dietary laws, civil and criminal law, business practice, medical ethics, family regulations, ritual practice, the conduct of daily life, and more. While many rituals and prayers are of an individual nature, the emphasis is always on community; and, there are certain rituals and prayers that can only be done with Minyan (group of 10 or more adults). With all of this in mind, Rabbi Hillel (born in 65 BCE) is attributed with teaching Judaism as: “What is hateful to you, do not do to others. This is the law: all the rest is commentary.”

Another method of actualizing this behavior is through Tikun Olam (Repair the World). Jewish communities worldwide engage in social justice and environmental improvement. Whether Jews are helping to keep people fed, assisting individuals in finding meaningful work, taking action against genocide, starting recycling projects, or just helping a neighbor or stranger in need, these actions are considered partnering with God in creation.

Within the United States, the predominant branches of Judaism include Hassidic, Orthodox, Con¬servative, Reconstructionist, Reform, and Renewal. Each of these groups has renewed or developed itself over time as a Jewish community that seeks to meet the needs of its people through the oral tradition of re-interpretation for modern times.