Judaism (from the Latin Iudaismus, derived from the Greek Ioudaïsmos, and ultimately from the Hebrew יהודה, Yehudah, "Judah"; in Hebrew: יַהֲדוּת, Yahadut) is a set of beliefs and practices originating in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh, and explored and explained in later texts such as the Talmud. Jews consider Judaism to be the expression of the covenantal relationship God developed with the Children of Israel.
Judaism claims a historical continuity spanning well over 3000 years. It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions, and the oldest to survive into the present day. Its texts, traditions and values have inspired later Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith. Many aspects of Judaism have also directly or indirectly influenced secular Western ethics and civil law.
Judaism in 1632[]
The practice of Judaism was still not tolerated in some parts of Europe during the Thirty Years' War. In places where Jews were allowed to live, they were generally placed under restrictions. After the arrival of Grantville in the middle of Germany, Judaism was practiced safely within the more tolerant, modern town by Jewish refugees. Also, one of Albrecht von Wallenstein's first acts as King of Bohemia was to remove all restrictions on Jews.
However, up-time books also contained information about movements within Judaism such as Hasidism, Reconstructionist Judaism, Reform Judaism, and Zionism, that had not developed until centuries later in the OTL.
Morris and Judith Roth were the only modern Jews who were residents of Grantville prior to the Ring of Fire. At least one other, Jason Gotkin, is known to have been in town for reasons of his own when the Ring fell. At least one story[1] implies that there were a few others.
Grantville's Jewish community also included many members of the prominent Abravanel family.
The beliefs and actions of the Up-timers has influenced many Jews to be more assertive of their own fate and accept many Up-time ideals such as the right to fight for their rights and to survive even if it means taking arms against their Christian neighbors and lords
References[]
- ↑ Grantville Gazette XIV, "Joseph Hanauer, Part Three: All Creatures Stand in Judgment"