Overview
A Jew is any person belonging to the worldwide group that constitutes, through descent or conversion, a continuation of the ancient Jewish people.
Core Definitions
- Jew: an individual who identifies with Judaism or is recognized as part of the Jewish people by descent or conversion.
- Jewish people: the global community connected by shared history, culture, and religion.
Key Aspects
- Ancestry: Jewish identity can be inherited through matrilineal or patrilineal lines depending on different traditions.
- Conversion: individuals may join Judaism through a formal process recognized by Jewish communities.
- Continuity: the concept emphasizes a persistent link to the ancient Jewish people across generations and geographies.
Beliefs and Practices
- Monotheism: belief in one God.
- Ethical conduct: emphasis on laws and moral teachings found in Jewish texts and traditions.
- Community: strong value placed on communal life, family, and shared rituals.
Historical Context
- Origins: rooted in the ancient Israelite and Judean peoples.
- Diaspora: Jewish communities spread worldwide, maintaining traditions while adapting to local cultures.
- Modern developments: diverse branches and practices reflect historical experiences and regional influences.
Citations
- The definition aligns with the Britannica framing of Jewish identity through descent or conversion and its continuity as a worldwide people.
Author’s note
A concise restatement maintains the essential meaning while standardizing terminology and structure for clarity across readers.
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