Judaism

In general, I believe that Judaism is a religion. Though Judaism has aspects of it that make it partially a culture and a race, it began as an interaction with God. Further, its holy scriptures, such as the Torah, consist of stories involving God and God's contact with the Israelites. What make up a large part of Judaism are the laws and rules that God commands the Jews to follow. Usually, religions have rules and guidelines that the followers must practice and observe, thus Judaism can be considered a religion. There are other aspects of Judaism, however, that allow it to be called a culture and a race as well.The customs that have evolved around Judaism help to classify it as a culture. Cultures consist of various food customs, the language used, dances performed, and many other customs. Because Judaism has food traditions (that are related to religion), uses the Hebrew language, and has dances and songs specific to Israel and Judaism, it can be grouped as a culture. In addition, the idea, mentioned in the Pentateuch, that Judaism is hereditary through the mother says that it is somewhat like a race. Because one can only be Jewish if one's mother is Jewish (or if one converts), Judaism is passed down through generations like an ethnicity.Overall, I think that Judaism is a religion, around which a culture has been formed. I think that the customs associated with Judaism are a part of the culture that Jews have created to celebrate and keep their religion alive. Though many Jews do not believe in the religious rules and principles of Judaism, they still consider themselves Jewish, and identify with the Jewish culture. At the foundation of Judaism is religion, a belief in one God, and a belief that Jews must obey and worship this God.