Judaism: Meaning and Definition of

Ju•da•ism

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. Cf. 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.