Fundamentals of Judaism

At the center of Judaism, is JHWH, the great tetragrammaton that signifies the monotheistic god of that religion. The greatness is at least partly indicated by the use of the tetragrammaton, which is not to be pronounced. The name of their god is so holy, so fundamentally mysterious, that it is not to be uttered by human beings. In more orthodox circles, JHWH is only referred to as HaShem, or the Name.

Judaism is characterized by both the Ten Commandments and the Great Commandment. It is an ethical religion designed to help believers maintain right relationship with their god and with other people. It provides a detailed set of rules and guidelines about how to live a pure and holy life. But, central to the religion, and unique to the religion at that time, was the emphasis on monotheism.

There are certainly references to other gods and goddesses in the Tanakh, but these are seen as inferior deities. The god of Israel is increasingly viewed as both the strongest god, and the one true God. The others are seen as almost demonic, as leading people of other communities astray. But, they are at least initially given credence as real characters in the life of their communities, even if they eventually have to give way to the one true God.

The one true God is preeminently the God of Israel. He has chosen the people of Israel to be his people, as they have chosen to enter into covenant with him as their God. The

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