jews

Jews are an ethnoreligious group and people whose identity combines religion, culture, and descent from the ancient Israelites. Jewish belonging can be defined by faith in Judaism, ancestry, or cultural ties, and Jews have formed diverse communities around the world through a long history of migration and settlement.

Judaism is the religious tradition of many Jews. Central beliefs include monotheism and adherence to the laws of the Torah and later rabbinic literature, such as the Talmud. Jewish practice varies across denominations—Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and others—and across communities. Common observances include Shabbat, Kashrut dietary laws, synagogue worship, and lifecycle rites such as brit milah, bar or bat mitzvah, marriage, and mourning customs.

Historically, Jews originated in the ancient Levant, with kingdoms of Israel and Judah. After the destruction of the First and Second Temples, Jewish life continued in the diaspora, with communities in Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. In the modern era, Jews faced persecution and discrimination, culminating in the Holocaust during World War II. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 created a modern political center for Jews worldwide and has influenced global Jewish life and identity.

Jewish culture includes distinct languages and literature. Hebrew is the liturgical and revived modern language of Israel; other Jewish languages include Yiddish, Ladino, and Judeo-Arabic. Jewish contributions span philosophy, science, arts, and politics, reflecting diverse communities across regions.

Global Jewish populations are estimated at around 14 to 15 million, with the largest communities in Israel and the United States, and substantial populations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Jewish identity remains diverse, encompassing religious and secular, cultural and spiritual practices, and a wide array of customs and cuisines.