Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism Essay

Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism - Essay Example In fact, the giving of the covenant is what they believe makes the Jewish people the â€Å"chosen people,† and it is the one that also dictates their distinctive practices (dietary prohibitions and worship on the Saturday Sabbath for instance), practices that gives them distinction from others. Meanwhile, accounts of the creation of the world by one God, as written in the first book of the Torah (The Genesis—also in the Bible), shows the mythical component of Judaism as a religion. This narrative also shows that God blessed Abraham to be the â€Å"father of a great nation† (basicjudaism.org 2007). While the Christian Bible also believes in this account, this puts the Jews as direct descendants of Abraham the recipient of the blessings of God and eternal salvation, which is not open to other peoples or â€Å"gentiles† (which is contrary to Christian doctrine). The major doctrinal dimension of Judaism is the Torah, where the 613 laws and commandments are given to the Jewish people (basicjudaism.org 2007). It includes the giving of the law of God, the creation of the Jewish holidays and dietary restrictions, and even on the proper codes and manners of worship. Although it is true that the Torah also consists of the first five books of the Bible, Christians place an emphasis on the New Testament, which is not believed by the Jews. This is the reason why the belief in the Torah also contributes to the distinctive identity of Judaism. One of the major ethical dimensions of Judaism is also found in the Torah, specifically on the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy (basicjudaism.org 2007). It is in these books where the dietary restrictions of the Jews (such as prohibitions on pork and ducks), as well as on how to treat women. In addition, it also shows the role of religious authorities in handling disputes among the people. These distinct