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Image: Rainer Jensen/dpa/picture allianceImage: Rainer Jensen/dpa/picture alliance

Judaism

Judaism is one of the world's oldest religions, consisting of theology, law and many cultural traditions. It originated with the Israelites, or Hebrews, in the Middle East during the second millennium B.C.

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All Content on this topic

Ultra-nationalist Israeli settlers erecting tents in preparation for the religious festival of Sukkot

Ultra-nationalist Israeli settlers erecting tents in preparation for the religious festival of Sukkot

Far-right Israelis call for new Jewish settlements in Gaza

Since the terrorist attacks of 7 October, the movement to resettle Gaza has gained momentum.

Lufthansa Airbus A 380 seen at Munich airport

Lufthansa Airbus A 380 seen at Munich airport

Lufthansa pays $4m fine over treatment of Jewish passengers

Staff allegedly prohibited 128 Orthodox Jews from boarding a flight because half had been refusing to wear face masks.

Dovid Roberts speaking to participants of a vigil outside Berlin's community center and synagogue of the Kahal Adass Jisroel Orthodox Jewish community on October 20, 2023

Dovid Roberts speaking to participants of a vigil outside Berlin's community center and synagogue of the Kahal Adass Jisroel Orthodox Jewish community on October 20, 2023

Jews in Germany face antisemitism surge since Oct. 7 attacks

Antisemitic incidents reported in Germany have multiplied in the year following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Meron Mendel (left), who's Jewish, looks at his wife Saba-Nur Cheema, a Muslim

Meron Mendel (left), who's Jewish, looks at his wife Saba-Nur Cheema, a Muslim

What's life like as a Muslim-Jewish couple in Germany?

Saba-Nur Cheema is Muslim, while Meron Mendel is Jewish. They are happily married with children, and live in Frankfurt.

Jewish life in Thessaloniki, Greece

Jewish life in Thessaloniki, Greece

Greece: How the Jewish cemetery in Thessaloniki disappeared

The Jewish cemetery in Thessaloniki was once one of the largest in the world. Remnants are now dotted around the city.

Bojanczyk family, Warsaw

Bojanczyk family, Warsaw

Young Polish Jews rediscover their Jewish identity

Young Polish Jews are keen to explore their Jewish roots and live their Jewish identity.

Artist Candice Breitz.

Artist Candice Breitz.

When Germany targets Jewish artists as antisemitic

An open letter signed by 150 Jewish personalities has warned against Germany's misdirected focus to combat antisemitism.

Two police men stand in front of a line-up of police vehicles during an operation near the Israeli Consulate General and the NS Documentation Center in Munich, Germany

Two police men stand in front of a line-up of police vehicles during an operation near the Israeli Consulate General and the NS Documentation Center in Munich, Germany

Munich shooting prosecuted as attempted terror attack

German prosecutors say a shooting near the Israeli consulate in Munich was an attempted terrorist attack.

The Documentation Center in Munich

The Documentation Center in Munich

Munich: Nazi past and new Jewish life

Thursday's shooting near the Nazi Documentation Center has put a spotlight on Munich's Nazi past and Jewish present.

Members of Israeli forces patrol a street during a military operation in the West Bank refugee camp of Nur Shams in the city of Tulkarem

Members of Israeli forces patrol a street during a military operation in the West Bank refugee camp of Nur Shams in the city of Tulkarem

Israel: Is a West Bank war imminent?

Israel's deadliest operation since October 7 has stoked fears of escalation in the West Bank. Is a second front looming?

Serbia - Jewish cemetery in Novi Pazar

Serbia - Jewish cemetery in Novi Pazar

Restoration project brings Novi Pazar's Jewish past to life

The restoration of the Jewish cemetery in the Serbian city of Novi Pazar shines a light on the city's Jewish history.

Reinhard Schramm, head of the Jewish community in Erfurt

Reinhard Schramm, head of the Jewish community in Erfurt

Rise of far-right AfD worries Germany's Jewish community

The far-right AfD has a chance of winning all three of Germany's upcoming state elections, alarming Jewish people.

Handout photo shows items confiscated during police raids after Argentina's Federal Police dismantled what it said was a terrorist cell

Handout photo shows items confiscated during police raids after Argentina's Federal Police dismantled what it said was a terrorist cell

Argentina police thwart terror attack targeting Jews

Argentina's anti-terrorist unit found and arrested seven members of an alleged "Islamist terrorist organization."

Mendelssohn-Remise interior courtyard

Mendelssohn-Remise interior courtyard

Private museum showcasing Jewish history in Berlin at risk

The Mendelssohn-Remise, which preserves the legacy of the prestigious Mendelssohn family, is under threat.

Challah bread and Kiddush wine cup

Challah bread and Kiddush wine cup

Moldova's young Jews find strength embracing their culture

At a time when antisemitism is on the rise in Europe, young Moldovan Jews live out their Jewish traditions in unity.

Jewish Voice for Peace protesters in the US Capitol

Jewish Voice for Peace protesters in the US Capitol

US: Jewish demonstrators arrested in anti-Netanyahu protest

Jewish Voice for Peace protesters entered the US Capitol complex ahead of the Israeli prime minister's speech Wednesday.

Sanja Petrusic Goldstein, Principal of the Hugo Kon Elementary School in Zagreb, stands in a hallway with children's artwork lining the walls

Sanja Petrusic Goldstein, Principal of the Hugo Kon Elementary School in Zagreb, stands in a hallway with children's artwork lining the walls

Jewish school in Croatia's capital fosters tolerance

Jewish and non-Jewish children learn respect and tolerance side by side at the Hugo Kon Elementary School in Zagreb.

A broken Star of David at a Berlin memorial

A broken Star of David at a Berlin memorial

Jews in Europe face rising antisemitism: report

The EU's rights watchdog has said the increase began before Israel declared war on Hamas.

A line of campaign posters advertising French politicians with black graffiti crossing out names and faces

A line of campaign posters advertising French politicians with black graffiti crossing out names and faces

French election: Jewish voters face tough choice on Sunday

French-Jewish voters seeking a party to protect them from antisemitism are leaning toward the far-right National Rally.

A blaze breaks out at a demonstration in Israel against conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews

A blaze breaks out at a demonstration in Israel against conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews

Ultra-Orthodox draft ruling sparks tensions in Israel

Israel's Supreme Court's decision has stoked tensions both in society and Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government.

Entrance to the new synagogue, Potsdam

Entrance to the new synagogue, Potsdam

A sign against hatred: Potsdam's new synagogue opens

More than 80 years after Potsdam's synagogue was destroyed, a new synagogue has opened its doors.

People stand in the central space of the new synagogue

People stand in the central space of the new synagogue

Potsdam's new synagogue a 'milestone' for Jewish community

After a lengthy construction process, Potsdam is the last of Germany's 16 state capitals to open a synagogue.

Security forces scuffle with Israel Ultra-Orthodox Jew during a demonstration, against a pile of burning rubbish

Security forces scuffle with Israel Ultra-Orthodox Jew during a demonstration, against a pile of burning rubbish

Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jews protest mandatory military duty

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men are protesting a Supreme Court ruling requiring them to enlist for mandatory military duty.

Police removing ultra-Orthodox Jews blocking a road during a protest against military conscription

Police removing ultra-Orthodox Jews blocking a road during a protest against military conscription

Israel brings in military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews

The Israeli Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jews must also be conscripted into military service.

A white plate with a slice of flodni cake

A white plate with a slice of flodni cake

Flodni: Sweet Jewish treat is a part of Hungary's history

For many, flodni is as Hungarian as goulash. But very few know that this popular treat was created by Hungarian Jews.

The doorway of the Kunsthaus Zürich

The doorway of the Kunsthaus Zürich

Swiss museum to sell Monet bought from Jew who fled Nazis

The Kunsthaus Zurich said the painting was sold "under duress" by Carl Sachs, a Jewish art collector.

A woman looks at a picture of a smiling young orthodox Jewish couple, who are holding hands.

A woman looks at a picture of a smiling young orthodox Jewish couple, who are holding hands.

Marriage, sex and desire in Judaism

No masturbation and unique sex toys: An exhibition at the Jewish Museum Berlin sheds light on the sex lives of Jews.

A view of the city of Tirana, where people walk along a shoreline with hills in the background

A view of the city of Tirana, where people walk along a shoreline with hills in the background

During World War II, Albania became a refuge for Jews

Today, Albania has one of the smallest Jewish communities in Europe. But during World War II, Jews found a haven there.

People work in a wildflower meadow outside the Jewish Museum in Warsaw

People work in a wildflower meadow outside the Jewish Museum in Warsaw

Creating a green oasis in the center of Poland's capital

Residents of Warsaw have been invited to help turn the area outside the Jewish Museum into a flower meadow.

An imam and a rabbi sit at a table smiling

An imam and a rabbi sit at a table smiling

Berlin imam and rabbi building bridges after Hamas attacks

Can an unexpected friendship between an imam and a rabbi help to ease community tensions in Berlin's Neukölln district?

An older man stands in a courtyard in Zagreb

An older man stands in a courtyard in Zagreb

Jews in Croatia seek justice over confiscated property

Jewish Croatian families are still fighting for justice over property seized by the state before and after World War II.

Pinchas Goldschmidt

Pinchas Goldschmidt

Who is Charlemagne Prize honoree Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt?

He fled Russia over Putin's war on Ukraine and since October 7, and warns of an "explosion of antisemitism" in Europe.

Pinchas Goldschmidt

Pinchas Goldschmidt

Germany honors leading rabbi

This year's International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen goes to leading European Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt.

Demonstration in support of Israel outside the Columbia University campus as student protest encampment in support of Palestinians continues, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, U.S.,

Demonstration in support of Israel outside the Columbia University campus as student protest encampment in support of Palestinians continues, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, U.S.,

Columbia University's Jewish students rally for campus peace

Jewish students and other community members call on University administration to reduce campus hostilities.

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Belgrade's Serbian-Jewish choir preserves rich heritage

The Serbian-Jewish Singing Society not only performs choral music, but also keeps Serbia's Jewish heritage alive.

Israeli flags being waved at pro-Israeli demonstration in Berlin in November 2023

Israeli flags being waved at pro-Israeli demonstration in Berlin in November 2023

Germany: Jewish and Muslim communities search for solidarity

Violence in the Middle East impacts on Jewish-Muslim relations also in Germany, which is hypersensitive to antisemitism.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men in Jerusalem protest against compulsory military service.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men in Jerusalem protest against compulsory military service.

Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jews resist potential military draft

Israel's ultra-Orthodox Jews have been demanding the government uphold their long-standing exemption from conscription.

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Jewish organization builds bridges in Bosnia

A Jewish Bosnian woman explains how playing an active role in society is the bridge between personal faith and society.

Hands of a person writing scriptures in Hebrew.

Hands of a person writing scriptures in Hebrew.

Mirna Funk explains the relevance of ancient Jewish rules

Make the world a better place; women have the right to good sex: A new book explores Jewish commandments' relevance.

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Budapest Jewish community collects for Hungary's rural poor

Budapest-based charity Donation Taxi collects donations for Hungary's rural poor, building bridges between communities.

People holding up the flag of Israel and a banner saying they are against antisemitism

People holding up the flag of Israel and a banner saying they are against antisemitism

Germany: Hundreds march in solidarity after synagogue attack

Hundreds of Oldenburg residents turned out to support the Jewish community after an arson attack at a local synagogue.

A man seen from behind wearing a blue-and-white yarmulke. The people around him are out of focus. Cologne, June 6, 2019.

A man seen from behind wearing a blue-and-white yarmulke. The people around him are out of focus. Cologne, June 6, 2019.

How Cologne's Jewish community rebuilt after World War II

Seventy-five years ago, Cologne's Jewish community took a step toward returning to normal life after the Holocaust.

DW Dokumentationen KW 18 | Im Land der Täter

DW Dokumentationen KW 18 | Im Land der Täter

Holocaust survivors in post-war Germany

May 1945, Germany. The Nazis have been defeated; the concentration camps liberated.

Why South African Jews feel alienated by their government

South Africa is home to the largest Jewish community in Africa and has become one of Israel's fiercest critics.

Joel Back stands outside his supermarket in front of a wall covered in posters with the names and pictures of hostages abducted by Hamas

Joel Back stands outside his supermarket in front of a wall covered in posters with the names and pictures of hostages abducted by Hamas

South Africa's Jews troubled by ANC government

South Africa accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. This puts it at odds with its very own Jewish community.

A German dictionary opened to an entry on antisemitism, with a star of David lying on top

A German dictionary opened to an entry on antisemitism, with a star of David lying on top

Germany's Jews and antisemitism: A complex reality

In recent months, many Jewish people in Germany report feeling increasingly threatened in their daily lives.

Physicist and writer Marko Ivanovic stands outside the building that once belonged to his family. The double green door behind him is half open; two cars are parked on the street

Physicist and writer Marko Ivanovic stands outside the building that once belonged to his family. The double green door behind him is half open; two cars are parked on the street

Croatia: Jews still fighting for compensation after 80 years

Many Croatian Jews had property seized by the Fascists and the Communists. Their heirs are still fighting for justice.

A black and white portrait of Alfred Grosser smiling at the camera from 2017.

A black and white portrait of Alfred Grosser smiling at the camera from 2017.

German-French sociologist Alfred Grosser dies at 99

An intellectual of Jewish origin, the political scientist tirelessly built bridges between France and Germany.

Dont drink the milk Teaser

Dont drink the milk Teaser

Bagels: Coming full circle

A snack for queens, laborers and trendsetters – here's the real story of the bagel.

Zofia and Franciszek Bojanczyk stand smiling in front of the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw, Poland. Zofia (left) is wrapped up in a scarf and wears a red woolly hat. Her husband, Franciszek (right) wears a blue woolly bobble hat and a paper narcissus that resembles a yellow star on his coat

Zofia and Franciszek Bojanczyk stand smiling in front of the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw, Poland. Zofia (left) is wrapped up in a scarf and wears a red woolly hat. Her husband, Franciszek (right) wears a blue woolly bobble hat and a paper narcissus that resembles a yellow star on his coat

In Poland, young people explore their Jewish roots

About 20,000 people in Poland have Jewish roots. One young couple wants to keep its Jewish family history alive.