Jewish culture

Fête juive à Tétouan, Alfred Dehodencq, 1865

Žigraiova kúria 1

Stèles funéraires provenant d'un cimetière juif parisien du XIIIe siècle

1900 photo of a Sephardi couple from Sarajevo

Manuscript page by Maimonides Arabic in Hebrew letters

Jewish culture encompasses the religion, philosophy, literature, music, art, and cuisine shared by Jewish people, which have evolved over the course of more than 3,000 years. Jewish culture is shaped by the Torah, the foundational text of Judaism, and has been influenced by the various countries and societies where Jewish communities have lived. It is a rich tapestry that includes both religious and secular elements, reflecting the diversity of Jewish life and thought.

History

The history of Jewish culture begins with the ancient Israelites in the Middle East, where the Jewish religion was born. Over centuries, Jewish culture has been influenced by interactions with other cultures, including the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. The Diaspora, the dispersion of Jews beyond Israel, starting notably with the Babylonian Exile and continuing through the Roman Empire's destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, further diversified Jewish culture. In the Diaspora, Jewish communities absorbed and adapted elements of the local cultures in which they lived, from the Islamic culture in Spain during the Golden Age of Jewish culture to the Christian cultures of Europe, where Ashkenazi Jewish culture developed.

Religion and Philosophy

At the heart of Jewish culture is Judaism, the world's oldest monotheistic religion. Judaism encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices, outlined in the Torah and interpreted in later texts such as the Talmud. Jewish philosophy deals with questions of ethics, the nature of God, and the meaning of life, drawing on both religious texts and secular wisdom.

Literature

Jewish literature spans biblical texts, rabbinic literature, medieval poetry, modern fiction, and more. It includes the Hebrew Bible, a key religious text, and the Talmud, central to Rabbinic Judaism. Throughout history, Jewish writers have contributed significantly to the literature of the countries they lived in, writing in languages such as Hebrew, Yiddish, and English.

Music and Art

Jewish music ranges from religious liturgical music to folk and popular music. Traditional Jewish music has roots in biblical times, while modern Jewish music reflects the diversity of the global Jewish community. Jewish art has evolved from ancient religious artifacts to contemporary art, with Jewish artists contributing to various art movements and styles.

Cuisine

Jewish cuisine is as diverse as the Jewish people themselves, reflecting the culinary traditions of Jewish communities around the world. It includes dishes that follow kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws. Foods such as matzah (unleavened bread), latkes (potato pancakes), and falafel have become synonymous with Jewish cuisine, though the dishes vary greatly by region.

Holidays and Festivals

Jewish culture celebrates a variety of holidays and festivals, rooted in religious tradition and history. These include the weekly Sabbath (Shabbat), the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), and other festivals such as Passover, Sukkot, and Hanukkah.

Modern Developments

In the modern era, Jewish culture continues to evolve, influenced by the changing dynamics of the global Jewish community. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 has had a profound impact on Jewish culture, serving as a focal point for Jewish identity and creativity. Meanwhile, Jewish communities around the world continue to contribute to the global cultural landscape, blending traditional Jewish elements with contemporary influences.