Jews

Jews are an ethnoreligious group and nation originating from the Israelites and Hebrews of historical Israel and Judah. Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the ethnic religion of the Jewish people, while its observance varies from strict observance to complete nonobservance.

History

Jews originated as an ethnic and religious group in the Middle East during the second millennium BCE, in the part of the Levant known as the Land of Israel. The first known Jewish communities in Europe are said to have existed in Greece, and were established during the reign of Alexander the Great.

Religion

Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation and it influences their religious, ethical, social and legal principles. It is considered by religious Jews to be the expression of the covenant that God established with the Children of Israel.

Culture

Jewish culture is the culture of the Jewish people, from its formation in ancient times through various historical periods. It includes various aspects such as literature, cinema, cuisine, and art.

Demographics

The world Jewish population was estimated at about 14.7 million in 2018. The largest population centers are in Israel and the United States, with major communities in France, Argentina, Canada, United Kingdom, Russia, and Germany.

See also

• History of the Jews in the Middle Ages
• Jewish diaspora
• Jewish culture
• Judaism
• Zionism