[joo-dee-iz-uh
m, -dey-, -duh-] 
| 1. | the monotheistic religion of the Jews, having its ethical, ceremonial, and legal foundation in the precepts of the Old Testament and in the teachings and commentaries of the rabbis as found chiefly in the Talmud. Compare Conservative Jew, Orthodox Jew, Reform Jew. |
| 2. | belief in and conformity to this religion, its practices, and ceremonies. |
| 3. | this religion considered as forming the basis of the cultural and social identity of the Jews: He called assimilation a threat to American Judaism. |
| 4. | Jews collectively; Jewry. |
| Ju·da·ism (jōō'dē-ĭz'əm) n.
[Middle English Iudaisme, from Old French Judaisme, from Late Latin Iūdaismus, from Greek Ioudaismos, from Ioudaios, Jew; see Jew.] |
The religion of the Israelites of the Bible and of the Jews of today, based on the teachings of the Torah. Judaism involves the belief in one God, whose Chosen People are the Jews. Abraham is considered the founder of Judaism, although Moses, who delivered the laws of God to the Israelites, is also an important figure.
The holy days and festivals of Judaism include Hanukkah, Passover, Purim, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. (See also Sabbath.)
Note: A symbol of Judaism, the Star of David is a six-pointed star, formed by placing two triangles together, one upon the other, or interlaced.
