Judeus

Judeus is the Portuguese term for the Jewish people, referring to an ethno-religious group and to adherents of Judaism. The name derives from the Hebrew Yehudi, meaning “from the tribe of Judah.” Jews trace their origins to the ancient Near East, with histories of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, exile to Babylon, and the diaspora after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Today about 14 to 15 million Jews live worldwide, with the largest communities in Israel and the United States; significant populations also exist in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Judaism is the religious tradition of many Jews, though some identify primarily culturally or ethnically. It centers on belief in one God, study of the Torah and the Talmud, and the observance of commandments (mitzvot). Common practices include Shabbat, keeping kosher, and lifecycle events such as brit milah, bar and bat mitzvah, weddings, and mourning. Major holidays include Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah. Jewish life is diverse, with Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and other movements representing different interpretations of law and tradition.

Culturally, Jews have contributed across science, literature, philosophy, and the arts. Hebrew, Yiddish, and Ladino are among the historically important Jewish languages. The 20th century saw persecution culminating in the Holocaust; in 1948 the State of Israel was established as a national homeland for Jews. Contemporary issues include addressing antisemitism, Holocaust memory, and debates about identity in Israel and the diaspora.