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Gemma Schauer
Lucarelli
Honors Comparative Civilizations
9 November 2015
Influence of Judaism in Israel
Judaism is one of the many monotheistic religions. It is also one of the three major
religions practiced within Israel. In Judaism, it is believed that there is only one creator, only one
God and that he can be of any form. This God is still yet to come as the Messiah. To move
forward, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism all have relate back to Israel and it has a special
meaning to each of them. Specifically in Judaism, it is seen as the resting place of God and as the
holiest city (Religious Significance in Jerusalem- Wikipedia). This give reasoning to why so
much of the Jewish population resides there.
In Israels capital, Jerusalem, has all of the different religions. It is a place that is
accepting of all different religions. The main ones that are there are Islam, Christianity, and
Judaism. There are over 1000 synagogues, 200 churches and 50 mosques. However, Judaism is
considered the most ancient religion of the city, and to be closest to Moses. Also, the home of the
first and second temples of Judaism are located in Jerusalem. However the first temple has been
destroyed but the second one is still there. Much of the history of Judaism is in that temple.
There are ancient verses and writings on the walls and is very popular to photograph (Jerusalem
Religions). In Israel, Judaism is the most popular religion by having about 75.4% of the
population. Following that is Islam with 16.9% and lastly Christianity with 2.1% of the
population (Religion in Israel).
To continue, in current day Israel, the Jewish people are fighting for a new lifestyle. More
and more people are supporting the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism. In this movement,

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it states that the Jewish people of Israel are able to incorporate more religious tradition in their
everyday lifestyle. They also want there to be more freedom in how they study and reflect the
religion. There have been committees formed that make sure this happens by creating more
groups and places for people to go to learn about Judaism. This movement also offers a variety
of other things. For example, it gives the people the chance to create more of their own identity,
not one that Judaism has created for them. Also, they are asking for more freedom to question
and to choose. The people are currently stuck in this religion and cannot question it at all.
Another thing to add is this states that they will follow more modern values. All of this is
providing a new light for Judaism in the progress of becoming a more free and modern religion
(IMPJ). The IMPJ has been in the works for more than 25 years and is gaining more and more
supports as it becomes more popular and known. People are also realizing that the system that is
currently in place is out of date and they are in need of a new way of life (Nation of Innovation:
Reform Congregations).
Judaism has played many roles within Israel. This includes when more Jews moved to
Israel to be safe from harmful leaders and hate-crimes. After the Holocaust, Israel opened its
doors to any religion and claimed that t was a safe homeland that is free of anti-Semitism. This
provided Israel will a greater population and a newer cultural blend. The Jews came from all over
different parts of Europe seeking a new life after their former lives were destroyed in bombings
and their loved ones murdered in concentration camps.
All and all, Judaism has provided Israel with a new view on life many times throughout
the centuries. They are doing their best to get a new and more modern lifestyle within their
country. As well as previously seeking new life after the Holocaust. Overall, Israel will always be
influenced by Judaism and will always be a part of its history.